First Federal Bank President and CEO, Jason Meyerhoeffer, has announced the upcoming retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating officer, Jay Dodds. Dodds will be stepping away from First Fed at the end of March after spending his entire professional career, spanning just under 39 years, at the bank. Starting out as Treasurer in June 1985, and later serving as CFO and COO, Dodds had an indelible impact on First Federal. He helped grow the bank from a handful of branches with $200 million in assets in 1985 to the current 13 branches, located throughout the Magic and Treasure Valleys, with $1.4 billion in assets.
“Jay has been an integral part of First Federal over the years, having made a significant impact and helping to transform the bank into what it is today,” stated Meyerhoeffer. “He has also been the consummate team-player, always keeping customers’ and coworkers’ interests at the forefront. We will miss his expertise, experience, and thoughtful approach. He has left an enduring legacy and is the standard for what we call the ‘First Fed Way’ – personal and professional excellence, and community-mindedness.”
Although Dodds will be leaving his day-to-day duties with First Federal, he will continue to be part of the bank’s board of directors. This ongoing involvement will further a remarkable family history with First Fed that began with his father, James, who served as president in the 1970s and 1980s. Between Jay and James, the Dodds have been involved in First Federal for over 65 years, more than half the entire existence of the bank.
“Reflecting on the nearly 39 years I have been privileged to work at First Federal, I am very grateful to have been provided the opportunity to move back to the Magic Valley, raise our family here, and work at an organization that has been an important part of my life since I was born,” shared Dodds. “My father started working at First Fed in the late 1950s, and I am grateful he and the board of directors had faith in my ability to contribute to the bank, our members, and our communities. Living in Southern Idaho, being part of First Federal, and working with fellow employees in the bank over the years has been a privilege and blessing to my family and me!”
First Federal Bank will host an open house to honor Jay on Thursday, April 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the First Federal Corporate Office (303 Shoshone St. N, Twin Falls). The public is encouraged to stop by, reminisce, and congratulate Jay as he begins retirement. For additional information or questions regarding the open house, please contact Valli Nelson at vnelson@bankfirstfed.com or (208) 933-3413.