We Believe in a Better Life

Arlene Walker

Arlene Walker was East Idaho Credit Union’s first President and General Manager. She began her career at EICU in 1962, back when the credit union’s only office space was in the basement of the post office. She worked East Idaho Credit Union for over 25 years.

Arlene was a tough but fair leader. Much of the Credit Union’s growth and success is a direct result of her abilities and vision of the future.

In July of 1987, Arlene Walker retired as President of East Idaho Federal after 25 years of dedicated service. She directed a Credit Union from a small $62,000 institution to a $33 million organization and the 3rd largest Credit Union in the state.

We are grateful for her guidance of this organization in its early years. Because of her leadership the credit union had a great foundation for continued growth.

Arlene Walker Day – July 8th

Credit Union History

1935

East Idaho Credit Union was chartered as Idaho Falls U.S. Government Employees Federal Credit Union.

By the end of the month, shares were up to $137.25 with $50 out in loans. Interestingly, the first loan was made to a “fellow sick in bed”.

1960

Field of membership expanded to include federal employees in the nine Eastern Idaho counties of Bonneville, Butte, Custer, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton.

1962

Arlene Walker began her 25 year career at East Idaho Credit Union as President and General Manager.

1963

The Credit Union changed its name from Idaho Falls U.S. Employees Federal Credit Union to East Idaho Federal Credit Union.

The name better reflected the mission of the Credit Union, and that was to serve those members who lived in Eastern Idaho.

1969

Plans to build our own office were initiated, and the Credit Union recorded a real milestone: One million dollars in assets.

1987

Arlene Walker retired as President of East Idaho Federal after 25 years of dedicated service.

1998

The credit union converted to a state charter to be known as East Idaho Credit Union.

Ballots were mailed to all members of the Credit Union and by a 9 to 1 margin; the membership of the Credit Union approved the conversion.

2017

Dan Thurman was named CEO of East Idaho Credit Union.

2021

Frances Arlene Walker, 88, of Ammon, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

2022

July 8th named Arlene Walker day to honor the growth and success of the credit union as a direct result of her abilities and vision of the future.