It is with great sadness that Gulf Winds shares the news that our friend, former CEO, and longtime board member, Chris Brooks passed away on Monday, June 13. Chris passed peacefully on his birthday, with family by his side. He lived a full life, loved by family and friends, admired by his coworkers, and praised for his contributions to the community.

Chris grew up on a farm in Goodwin, Alabama, where he played football and basketball and married his high school sweetheart, Eloise, just two days after high school graduation. He served two years in the Army’s 101 First Airborne Division and then used the GI Bill to go to school at the University of Alabama. After graduating from Alabama, Chris went to work for Chemstrand and quickly got involved with Gulf Winds — then known as the Chemstrand Employees Credit Union.

Chris was a dedicated volunteer on the Credit Union’s Education Committee and eventually ascended to the role of CEO for Monsanto Employees Credit Union, a position he held for 11 years. Chris also served on the Board of Directors. He was named Board Emeritus in July 2021, after serving the Credit Union for 50 years.

Chris was also an advocate for credit unions on the state and national level. He was a Director for the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL) for nine years, serving as Treasurer for seven of those years. In 2009, he was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the FCUL. He was also a member of the Northwest Chapter of Credit Unions, serving as President for three years. On the national level, he served as a Board Member of the Payment Systems Network, the National Advisory Council of the Payment Systems of Credit Unions, and the Southeast Marketing Council for the Credit Union Mutual Insurance Society.

You can share your condolences and read Chris’ obituary here.