DES MOINES – Alvin Jordan, who helped found credit unions after the Great Depression and went on to head the Iowa CU League, passed away Saturday at the age of 101.
Jordan’s credit union career spanned seven decades. He served as treasurer of the old Western Union Employees CU from its founding in 1938 until he joined the staff of the League in 1953. While with the credit union he served as vice president of the league board and president of the Central Iowa Chapter of CUs.
He started at the league as a special representative, more commonly known in those days as a "field man." In this position, he helped organize new credit unions and assisted existing credit unions in the area of operations—much as the league’s management consultants do today. When the managing director (the league’s chief executive) resigned in 1953, the board named Jordan temporary managing director. The appointment was made official in 1954, with the title later being changed to president.
During his tenure the league built a new facility. ICUL Services Corporation was formed, paving the way for the fee-supported services. Landmark legislation was passed that resulted in the organization of the Corporate Central CU, the legalization of share drafts and the formation of a separate state agency to regulate credit unions.
Though he officially retired in 1981, Jordan continued to work on behalf of credit unions.
