First Entertainment Credit Union CEO Stephen Owen Named California Advocate of the Year
California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions recognizes Owen’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of credit union members and communities across California.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (September 03, 2026) – President and CEO of First Entertainment Credit Union, Stephen Owen, has been named California Advocate of the Year by California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions as part of the association’s 2026 Advocacy Awards program.
The Advocacy Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts help advance the credit union movement and strengthen the industry’s ability to serve members and communities. The California Advocate of the Year distinction honors leadership in championing the value of credit unions and supporting advocacy initiatives that benefit consumers throughout the state.
“Advocacy plays an important role in advancing the ability of credit unions to deliver meaningful value and financial opportunity to the people we serve,” said Owen. “I’m honored to receive this recognition and share it with the dedicated team at First Entertainment, whose commitment to our members makes this work possible every day.”
As the financial partner to the entertainment community, First Entertainment Credit Union serves professionals across film, television, music, gaming, and emerging creative industries. Under Owen’s leadership, the credit union has remained focused on helping members navigate the unique financial realities of creative careers while advancing advocacy efforts that support access to affordable financial services and strengthen the credit union movement.
“Stephen’s recognition reflects the leadership, dedication, and commitment he brings to both First Entertainment and the broader credit union movement,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Addie Allison. “His advocacy efforts have helped elevate the importance of preserving access to member focused financial services and ensuring credit unions can continue meeting the evolving needs of the communities they serve.”
California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions announced the 2026 Advocacy Award recipients on September 2. Owen was recognized alongside industry leaders, volunteers, professionals, credit unions, and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the credit union movement. Honorees will be celebrated during REACH 2026, the association’s annual conference taking place November 2-5 in Palm Desert, California.
About First Entertainment
Since 1967, First Entertainment Credit Union has served creators in the entertainment industry. Headquartered in Hollywood, Calif., First Entertainment provides banking and financial services through its seven branches in Los Angeles County – including the Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount studio lot locations – and manages $2 billion in assets with over 200 team members. First Entertainment provides financial solutions to nearly 90,000 members through accessible 24/7 digital banking, unique entertainment-industry financial products, services, and ATMs. Visit FirstEnt.org.