Kentucky First Federal Bancorp Announces Retirement of Long-Time Chairman Tony D. Whitaker

Strategic Insights -

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp, the holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Hazard, Kentucky and First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky, Frankfort, Kentucky, has announced the retirement of Chairman Tony D. Whitaker. Effective August 1, 2024, Whitaker will step down from his position as Chairman of the Board of Kentucky First Federal Bancorp and Chairman of the Board of First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky. Whitaker's banking career spans over 50 years, with tenures at First Federal Savings and Loan of Hazard, First Federal Savings Bank of Richmond, and Great Financial Bank. Despite his retirement, Whitaker will remain supportive of the Company and its two banks, particularly his adopted hometown of Hazard, Kentucky.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tony D. Whitaker, 78, is retiring as Chairman of the Board of Kentucky First Federal Bancorp and Chairman of the Board of First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky, effective August 1, 2024.
  • Whitaker's retirement marks the end of a 50-year banking career, with tenures at various institutions including First Federal Savings and Loan of Hazard, First Federal Savings Bank of Richmond, and Great Financial Bank.
  • Whitaker has served as Chairman of the Board since the Company's inception in 2005 and as Chief Executive Officer from 2005 through 2012.
  • He has previously served as CEO of First Federal Savings and Loan of Hazard from 1997 through 2012 and on the bank's board since 1993.
  • Whitaker's retirement is a significant loss for the Company, but also an opportunity for him to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
  • The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Don D. Jennings, expressed gratitude for Whitaker's dedicated service and looks forward to continuing their friendship and commitment to the communities served by the Company and its two banks.
  • Tony Whitaker's association with the Company and its subsidiary banks dates back to 1993, making him a long-time leader in the banking industry.

Statistics:

  • Kentucky First Federal Bancorp has approximately 8,086,715 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024.
  • Approximately 58.5% of the shares are held by First Federal MHC.
  • The Company has two subsidiary banks: First Federal Savings and Loan Association, which operates one banking office in Hazard, Kentucky and First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky, which operates six banking offices in Kentucky.
  • The NASDAQ National Market symbol for the Company's shares is KFFB.

Sources:

  • GlobeNewswire, "Kentucky First Federal Bancorp Announces Retirement of Long-Time Chairman Tony D. Whitaker", August 05, 2024.