Southland News

With deep appreciation for his outstanding service, Southland Credit Union prepares to say farewell to President and CEO Thomas (Tom) Lent, who will retire in 2026 after 18 years with Southland, including the past 9 years as CEO, and 42 years in the credit union and financial services industry. Tom’s departure marks the end of an era defined by growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to Members and community. His steady guidance has left a lasting legacy that will impact the credit union for years to come.

Tom joined Southland in 2008 and has led the organization through a transformative period. During his tenure as CEO, Southland’s assets grew from $618 million to $1.3 billion. The credit union expanded its field of membership to include all of Los Angeles and Orange counties and increased its membership from 48,000 to 70,000. Southland also expanded its branch network from 8 to 12 locations and completed successful mergers with Harbor Federal Credit Union and Allied Healthcare Federal Credit Union. Through it all, Tom remained focused on strengthening the Member experience with enhanced services and community-centered initiatives.

Under his leadership, Southland has consistently delivered strong financial performance and achieved high Member satisfaction, all while reinforcing its deep commitment to the communities it serves.

“Tom’s steady leadership, strategic vision and passion for the credit union movement have made a lasting impact on Southland,” said Thomas Willingham, Board Chair. “He has created an exceptional workplace culture, has positioned Southland for continued success, and we are grateful for his years of service. On behalf of the Board, we wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

Tom has also been deeply engaged in the community, serving as Board Chair for the Los Alamitos Education Foundation and volunteering as the Community Support Campaign Chair for The Youth Center of Los Alamitos.

Reflecting on his career, Tom shared, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Southland and its Members. I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team that is truly committed to making a difference in our Members’ financial lives and in our communities. As I look toward retirement, I do so with pride in what we’ve accomplished and confidence in the future of Southland.”

The Southland Board of Directors has engaged McDermott + Bull to conduct a formal search for Tom’s successor and will work closely with him to ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.