Arlene Walker Day

July 8th

Who was Arlene Walker?

Arlene Walker was Frontier Credit Union’s first President and CEO. She began her 25 year career at Frontier in 1962, when the credit union’s only office space was in the basement of the post office in Idaho Falls.

Arlene was determined, charismatic and visionary. 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 retired from Frontier Credit Union after 25 years of tireless service. She built the Credit Union from a small institution of $62,000 to $33 million and the 3rd largest Credit Union in the state.

What is Arlene Walker Day?

We dedicated Arlene Walker Day on her birthday, July 8th, to celebrate the life and legacy of our dear friend and colleague. Each year on July 8th, both employees and members of the credit union are invited to remember her life, legacy, and achievements.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without Arlene’s contributions. We are grateful for her guidance to this organization. Her leadership created a great foundation for our continued growth and success.

Arlene’s Values

Arlene Walker made a lasting impression on our organization and still has a guiding influence on how we do business today.

Arlene taught us:

to have high standards for ourselves and our work
to buck the status quo and do what we know is right
to find humor in all situations and laugh at ourselves
to be brave in the face of uncertainty
that hard work is the key to success
that kindness and empathy are the keys to making a better world

Arlene’s 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.

2023

August 14th, 2023 East Idaho Credit Union rebranded to Frontier Credit Union.