CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.– William Strickland, who retired in 2015 as the CEO of Tennessee Valley FCU, has died. He was 62.
Mr. Strickland held a number of positions in his 38 years at TVFCU, including as CEO for the final 16 years. He was also active in numerous community organizations, including the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, UTC Business School, March of Dimes, Boy Scouts of America and the Rotary of Chattanooga. He served as president with the UGA Alumni Club and president of the local Chattanooga/NWG Bulldog Club.
After Strickland retired he was succeeded by Todd Fortner, who praised Strickland today for helping grow TVFCU into one of Tennessee's biggest credit unions with more than $1.1 billion in assets.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Blake Strickland's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Strickland family during this difficult time," Fortner said in a statement to local media. "Blake was passionate about TVFCU's employees and members, and the credit union industry. We are tremendously proud of his legacy and continue to work hard to live up to the excellent service standards he set for our organization."
Strickland is survived by his wife of 41 years, Laneese Strickland; two daughters and two grandsons.