Credit union gets new CEO

James A. "Jim" Kenyon III has been named the new chief executive officer of the Whitefish Credit Union.

Kenyon succeeds longtime leader Charlie R. Abell as CEO of the largest credit union in Montana, according to a news release from the Whitefish Credit Union.

Kenyon started work Monday after being hired by the credit union's board of directors.

Kenyon comes to Whitefish after 16 years at the Missoula Federal Credit Union. For 14 of those years, he served as its senior vice president, responsible for operations and lending.

Kenyon holds a degree in business management with an emphasis on administration from the University of Montana. With roots in both Colorado and Great Falls, Kenyon has spent the last 20 years in Montana.

He is an avid fly fisherman, hiker and mountain biker.

Kenyon said he especially appreciated the community-centered corporate culture of the Whitefish Credit Union, a culture of community involvement he also experienced at Missoula Federal.

Kenyon said he is "anxious to become involved in those communities served by the Whitefish Credit Union."

In Missoula, Kenyon was president of the Missoula Food Bank and served on the Five Valleys Land Trust Board and Missoula Mayor's Advisory Group on Climate Change and Sustainability, along with a host of volunteer positions for local organizations.

Kenyon's family also has been active in Missoula.

His wife, Angela, is owner of Miss Zula's Women's Boutique. The Kenyons have two sons: Cody, a sophomore at the University of Montana, and Camp, a sophomore at Hellgate High School.

Kenyon succeeds Abell, who retired after working 44 years at Whitefish Credit Union.

In announcing Kenyon's appointment, board chairman Leo Tracy said:

"The board of directors is fortunate and pleased to have Jim Kenyon at the helm. He has sound experience and the leadership style necessary to guide the Whitefish Credit Union as it continues forward as Montana's premier credit union."