About Us

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.

Urjit Patel, President & CEO

Urjit Patel joined Education First in 2021 and became President and CEO in 2024. Originally from Winter Park, Florida, Urjit received his B.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Central Florida. He has 30+ years of experience in the financial services industry, with 20 years in the credit union community. He brings significant experience in transforming and leading organizations, retail and commercial operations, marketing, organizational development, and strategic planning. Urjit also has multiple certifications in risk management, lending, and leadership disciplines.

He also attends various speaking engagements to educate others and shape the future of Credit Unions. Throughout his career, Urjit has been an active member of local schools and civic organizations. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Jonathan Haskett Jr., Executive Vice President

A proud Southeast Texas native, Jonathan Haskett Jr., joined Education First in 2025, bringing 20 years of experience in the financial industry. With extensive expertise in accounting, finance, and commercial lending, he plays a vital role in driving the credit union’s success. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Marketing from Lamar University in 2005.

Beyond his professional career, Jonathan is deeply committed to his community. He gives back by coaching youth sports and serving as a Board Member for the Hardin-Jefferson School District, where his four children attend school. He has been happily married to his wife, Carrie, for more than 10 years.