ADRIAN — Lenco Credit Union has announced the appointment of Fran Brant as its next president and chief executive officer. She will succeed Ben Neal, who will retire after 41 years with the Adrian-based credit union.
Brant will assume the role of CEO on May 1, 2026, at which time Neal will transition to working with the credit union as a consultant, according to a news release.
Brant joined Lenco in March 2024 as vice president of consumer lending, following more than three decades of leadership experience in mortgage and consumer lending.
She is a graduate of Addison schools and a lifelong Lenawee County resident.
She earned a business degree from Eastern Michigan University, raised her children in Madison schools, and has served with numerous organizations including Lenawee County Association of Realtors, Catherine Cobb shelter, Zonta of Lenawee, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, and Catholic Charities.
“It has been an honor to serve the members of Lenco Credit Union for the past four decades,” Neal said. “From my first day in 1985 to today, our mission has always been clear — serve our members and support Lenawee County. Fran is not only experienced, but she lives and breathes this community. I cannot imagine a better person to lead Lenco into the future.”
“Our board is excited to welcome Fran as our next CEO,” said Lenco Credit Union board chair Sam Ewing. “Her leadership, her ties to Lenawee County, and her unwavering dedication to community service represent exactly what Lenco stands for. We are confident she will continue to strengthen the bond between Lenco and the members we serve.”
Brant stated, “I am humbled and honored to serve as Lenco’s next President and CEO. Lenco is more than a credit union — it’s a family of members, employees, and neighbors working together to build a stronger Lenawee County. My commitment is to honor our roots while ensuring that our members have access to the very best in community banking.”
Founded in 1970, Lenco Credit Union originally was started to serve area teachers, and now has nearly 8,000 members across Lenawee County. It celebrated its 55th anniversary earlier this year.
