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About Us

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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.

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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

Urjit Patel

President and CEO

Boyd Larsen, VP of Accounting

Boyd Larsen

Vice President

Accounting

Christy Cooley, VP of Branch Operations

Christy Cooley

Vice President

Branch Operations

Erin Turk, VP of Human Resources

Erin Turk

Vice President

Human Resources

Scott Sims, VP of Information Technology

Scott Sims

Vice President

Information Technology

Cathleen Canter, VP of Lending

Cathleen Canter

Vice President 

Lending

Carolyn Ridout, VP of Marketing

Carolyn Ridout

Vice President

Marketing

Shannon Guillory, VP of Mortgage Lending

Shannon Guillory

Vice President

Mortgage Lending

Rachel Gilmore, VP of Risk and Compliance

Rachel Gilmore

Vice President

Risk & Compliance

Sal Guerrero, VP of Wealth Management

Sal Guerrero

Vice President

Wealth Management

South Park High

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. 

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Community Involvement

We do more than give members the tools for success. We step out from behind the desk and get involved.

How we give back

Member Perks

Member Perks

We want our members to feel appreciated for their membership. Joining Education First comes with numerous benefits!

Discover the Perks

Financial Education

Financial Education

We value equipping individuals with tools for success, so we have compiled financial education resources in one place. 

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Annual Reports

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 FRONT COVER
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Annual Report-FINAL_Page_1

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