First Entertainment Credit Union CEO (retired) Chuck Bruen passed away on July 11, according to announcements from his former credit union and the California Credit Union League.
According to First Entertainment Credit Union, Chuck started as CEO in 1987 and led the organization until his retirement in 2016. He continued serving on the board after that until his passing. He grew the credit union from $50 million in assets to more than $1.5 billion by the time he retired. His 50-year career was spent in the financial services industry.
“Chuck exemplified a true Credit Union Leader, always focused on finding ways to help every Member, [and] this culture of Member service still rings true to this day,” a statement by the credit union read.
In 2023, First Entertainment dedicated its Hollywood headquarters to Chuck in recognition of his impact at the credit union and across the entire industry.
Chuck also served on the California Credit Union League board, holding key leadership roles, including chairman. The league awarded him the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, “in recognition of his tireless dedication and influential advocacy.”
“He was widely respected as an innovative leader and passionate advocate for the credit union movement,” a California league statement read. “He was recognized early on for embracing emerging technologies and was among the first credit union CEOs to author a blog, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach and commitment to transparency.”
California league President/CEO Scott Simpson added, “We are heartbroken at the passing of such an iconic credit union leader and contributor to the California credit union movement. Our thoughts are with Chuck’s family during this difficult time.”