Lary B. McCants, Retired CEO of iTHINK Financial, Dies July 4
The Florida credit union remembers its former leader as a true legend in its history books.
Lary B. McCants, retired president/CEO of the $2.1 billion iTHINK Financial died on July 4, the Delray Beach, Fla.-based credit union announced last week.
He was 77.
McCants joined iTHINK Financial (formerly IBM Southeast Employees Credit Union) in 1988 and retired in 2013.
After serving as EVP of operations for five years, he was appointed president/CEO in 1993.
“Lary was an inspiring and caring leader. He will be remembered as a true legend in the iTHINK Financial history books. He was very kind and encouraging to everyone who knew or worked for him,” iThink Financial President/CEO Mike Miller said in a prepared statement. “Lary always had a story to tell, and he considered the credit union his baby. His 50 years of service in the credit union industry is extraordinary. He will be greatly missed by all.”
During McCants’ 20-year CEO tenure, the credit union grew assets from $260 million to $834 million while loans increased from $115 million to $439 million and membership expanded from 35,577 to 72,434, according to NCUA Call Reports.
McCants also expanded the credit union’s branch network from four to 15, and he oversaw six mergers.
Before joining the credit union movement, he was previously employed by IBM for 21 years and was the 64th member to join the credit union when it was founded in 1969.
McCants was a member and served as board chair for CUES. He also served as a board member and marketing committee chair for the Florida Credit Union Shared Services Organization and was a member of the political action committee of the Florida Credit Union League.
Lary, who lived in West Palm Beach, is survived by his wife Pat and his three children, Chris, Kevin and Missy.
Funeral services were held Saturday.
The family requested donations be made in Lary’s name to the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33407.