KIWANIS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Born in Florida, Larry Key grew up in various locations across the country due to his father’s career in the mining industry. As he approached college age, he settled in the San Francisco Bay Area and  attended San Francisco State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration.

After college, Larry began his business career with Atlas Securities, a division of Golden West Financial, based in the Bay Area. He quickly rose through the ranks, starting with building a sales organization and creating investment products, ultimately becoming President and Chief Operating Officer in 2001.

In 2006, Golden West was acquired by Wachovia, and Larry took on a leadership role overseeing the company’s western expansion. The financial crisis of 2008 led to Wachovia merging with  Wells Fargo, and in 2009, Larry was appointed Senior Director of Brokerage for Wells Fargo Advisors. He managed operations across five states, from Texas to Arizona, until his retirement in 2019.

Larry met his wife, Ginny, in 1985, and they are celebrating their 40th anniversary in November. Together, they raised three children in San Francisco’s East Bay, where Larry coached their sports teams. He also promoted community service, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local food banks.

Larry’s skills and experience were recognized in 2020 when he joined the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. He was quickly appointed Club Treasurer and, in collaboration with the Foundation Treasurer, worked to update the Club and Foundation’s financial systems. Larry is currently the Kiwanis Foundation Treasurer, Vice Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.

One of his favorite roles is as a “Marketplace Roadie,” where he volunteers to pick up donations. Throughout his tenure, he has been involved in over 2,000 donation pickups. Larry views each donation interaction as an opportunity to thank the community for its support and to highlight the positive impact of Kiwanis.

Larry and Ginny are dedicated community supporters, working to make Carefree and Cave Creek the wonderful places they are today. Larry follows a life philosophy of “Learn, Earn, and Return,” which he continues through his service with Kiwanis. Could it be time for you to give back to your community? Kiwanis might just be the place to do it!