About Us
Welcome to Education First - where no one comes last.
What began with a humble group of like-minded teachers in Beaumont, Texas, has blossomed into the institution you know and love as Education First Federal Credit Union. Over the decades, we've grown tremendously while maintaining our commitment to uplifting and empowering our members—like you.
Our Mission
To be the best financial institution; providing service beyond expectations, building lifelong relationships, one member at a time.
Leadership
Our leadership team works daily to ensure that our members experience exceptional service, whether via our digital platforms or at our physical locations. These leaders concentrate on our everyday operations and steer the course of Education First FCU.
Urjit Patel
President and CEO
Boyd Larsen
Vice President
Accounting
Christy Cooley
Vice President
Branch Operations
Erin Turk
Vice President
Human Resources
Scott Sims
Vice President
Information Technology
Cathleen Canter
Vice President
Lending
Carolyn Ridout
Vice President
Marketing
Shannon Guillory
Vice President
Mortgage Lending
Rachel Gilmore
Vice President
Risk & Compliance
Sal Guerrero
Vice President
Wealth Management
Credit Where Credit is Due.
In December 1951, teachers at South Park Schools pooled their resources under Mr. Joel D. Wrotan's direction. They made a motion to form South Park Teachers Credit Union - which dedicated itself to benefitting teachers in the Beaumont school district.
For over a decade, the credit union operated out of Mr. H.D. Peavy's classroom while he served as president and treasurer. Quickly, membership grew to several hundred, which included the Beaumont Independent School District, all private schools in Beaumont and Lamar Institute of Technology. With this expansion, we evolved into the Teachers Credit Union of Beaumont.
In 2006, we became Education First and made it our mission to serve anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Tyler, and Orange counties.
At our core, we're true to our Southeast Texas roots. We serve the community that made us who we are, and we work hard to improve members' financial well-being and provide the tools and technology to meet ever-changing needs.
When you join Education First, you are a part-owner of a credit union with an impressive legacy and ongoing investment in your future.
Why Us?
At Education First FCU, we understand our members because we're just like you: people with drive, dreams and aspirations for a brighter future. These days, having dependable finances creates security—even in the worst of times, and no one prioritizes security more than us.
Community Involvement
We do more than give members the tools for success. We step out from behind the desk and get involved.
Member Perks
We want our members to feel appreciated for their membership. Joining Education First comes with numerous benefits!
Financial Education
We value equipping individuals with tools for success, so we have compiled financial education resources in one place.