Guest Speaker Arleas Upton Keas

Arleas Upton Kea is an Independent Director for Thrivent Mutual Funds, a Fortune 500 Financial Services Company with over $70 Billion in assets. She recently retired from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), with over 30 years of public experience. She served as Deputy to the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, where she was a leader in resolving two national financial crises.

She has received numerous honors, including a 2012 nomination for the prestigous Service to America Medal of Honor, and being invited to serve a Presidential White House Committee. She was recently recognized by her Alma Mater, the University of Texas at Austin, as a Distinguished Alumnus for her professional accomplishments and contributions to the nation, her university, and her community.

In addition to serving as a career public servant, she is active in her community and served as a Board member of several non-profit organizations. A sought-after speaker, she has testified before Congress and has spoken at numerous conferences on various issues related to her career.

A proud Texan, born and raised in Schulenburg, Arleas is the daughter of Henry and Lillie Mae Upton. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas in Austin. She has two grown children, Chase Carrington (wife Angie) and Arlyce Mallory.