Safe 1 Credit Union president/CEO to retire

Safe 1 Credit Union, headquartered in Bakersfield, has announced the retirement of President/CEO, Doug Kileen. Kileen has served as head of the Credit Union for more than 34 years, leading the organization from a small operation with $21 million in assets to one now offering nine locations, the latest in digital technology, and total assets near $800 million.

“Doug Kileen’s leadership to our organization has been invaluable,” said Tracy Chitwood, chairperson of the Board for Safe 1. “Not only did Doug lead us from very modest origins to where we are now but, more importantly, has prepared the Credit Union for future success. We are very grateful for all we accomplished under his leadership.”

During his tenure, Kileen was instrumental in guiding Safe 1 through multiple business cycles, including the Great Recession in which negative earnings were never posted, as well as the recent COVID-19 pandemic wherein, again, positive organizational stability and growth resulted.

“It’s been an honor to serve as President/CEO of Safe 1 for more than three decades,” said Kileen. “The Board, leadership and entire team have made my life’s passion a very rewarding experience. I leave the Credit Union with fond memories and look forward to watching the organization continue to prosper.”

Succeeding Kileen as president/CEO will be David King, a 25-year industry veteran who has been with Safe 1 for 11 years, most recently as Executive Vice President – Lending.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity of continuing the legacy Safe 1 has in helping the communities we serve,” said King. “Doug has set a high standard for the Credit Union to follow. He truly represents the class of our organization, and has served as a great mentor to me as well as others in the organization and industry.”

About Safe 1 Credit Union

Safe 1 Credit Union operates nine branches, serving more than 73,000 consumers, with nearly $800 million in assets.