Reflecting On 100 Years of First Class: Kent Strawn

Kent Strawn began his career at Des Moines Postal Credit Union on August 1, 1978, after working as a Credit Union Consultant for the Iowa Credit Union League. Over the next 40 years, Kent was employed at the credit union, serving as CEO for many of those years, and guiding it through tremendous growth, four mergers, and the expansion of its field of membership to serve postal and federal employees across Iowa.

The name First Class emerged during this time—a conversation over beers with the manager of First Iowa Credit Union led to the perfect description of the credit union’s identity and purpose. Kent’s favorite memory came during the 75th anniversary celebration, when the Val Air Ballroom filled with legislators, board members, and his visiting parents in a heartfelt surprise moment.

Kent is most proud of cultivating a dedicated staff that always put members first, embracing the motto: if you can’t have fun doing it, don’t do it. Together, they implemented key services like share drafts, debit and credit cards, insurance programs, and innovative data processing solutions.

He credits the credit union’s longevity to the commitment of volunteer board members, dedicated staff, and engaged members. Looking back, Kent’s advice to future employees is simple: know the credit union, engage with members, take pride, and enjoy the work.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary, Kent reflects on a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. “We did it. We survived the challenges of growth and changes. Our history is a story that needs to be told and not lost. That is why First Class is First Class in all we do.”