Arleas Upton Kea, Janet R. Kincaid, Frederick (Fred) Scott Selby, and Martha Solt
AFDICA's 2025 Life Long Career Achievement Awardees
Association of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alumni, Inc. Life Long Achievement award
The By-Laws of the Association of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alumni, Inc. (AFDICA) allow the recognition of life-long or career achievements of outstanding current or former FDIC employees and their commitment to service to their country.
There are separate award categories for living and posthumous awardees.
Award candidates demonstrate life long achievements in at least 2 of the four areas: financial education, charity, fellowship and dedication to public service. Further, the award is meant to be membership driven. Therefore, nominations must be put forward by 2 individuals - one of which cannot be a current Board member.
On October 3, 2025, during AFDICA's annual meeting, AFDICA President Philip Masquelette presented the Association's 2025 Life Long Achievement awards to four worthy recipients: Arleas Upton Kea, Janet R. Kincaid, Frederick (Fred) Scott Selby, and Martha Solt.
Attributes and Achievements of the Awardees:
This year we have four worthy recipients (in alphabetical order):
Arleas Upton Kea
Arleas Upton Kea is being recognized for her extensive public service career and he continued extensive involvement in the community.
- Commitment to Public Service: Arleas served nearly four decades in federal service, beginning at the Department of Labor and then at the FDIC in roles from attorney to senior executive. She was the FDIC’s first Ombudsman and later Director of the Division of Administration, providing leadership through periods of organizational growth and challenges. She concluded her federal career as Deputy to the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer.
- Fellowship: Arleas has demonstrated lifelong dedication to fostering fellowship through active involvement with the University of Texas at Austin alumni associations, her church, and community organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha. She has held leadership roles including President of the Texas Exes and UT Law School Alumni, and has been recognized with multiple alumni awards. She also contributed to federal ombudsman standards and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
- Financial Education: She has actively promoted financial literacy, supporting the FDIC's Money Smart curriculum and bringing educational programs like the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School’s LEAD to the FDIC. Arleas has also taught Banking Law as an adjunct professor and developed financial training for international bank board members. 3 4
- Leadership in Crisis and Governance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arleas played a key role as FDIC COO managing disruptions. Post-retirement, she serves on the Thrivent Funds Board, chairing the Compliance and Ethics Committee, recognized for her expertise in financial regulation and ethics.
- Mentorship and Student Engagement: She has mentored students and alumni, initiated traditions such as guided tours of the Texas Supreme Court for law students, and encouraged career and financial planning among student athletes and law students.
Janet R. Kincaid
Janet R. Kincaid is being recognizing her extensive career and significant contributions both professionally and in her community. The nomination highlights her dedicated public service, leadership, and ongoing commitment to education and charitable activities.
- Commitment to Public Service: Janet Kincaid served 35 years at the FDIC, retiring as Deputy Regional Director for the Division of Consumer Protection. She also chairs the Board of Trustees at Ottawa University, leading initiatives such as launching a Physician's associate degree and facilitating educational opportunities for the Ottawa Indian tribe.
- Fellowship: Known for her positive attitude and mentorship, Kincaid participated in the FDIC mentoring program for 23 years and continues to foster inclusion and mentoring at Ottawa University, including revising the university’s Statement on Inclusion and Belonging.
- Financial Education: She actively promotes higher education by speaking about the university’s mission, delivering commencement addresses, and supporting community groups in financial well-being initiatives both domestically and internationally.
- Charitable Services: Kincaid developed the Community Ambassador Program for Global Care Force to encourage volunteerism and served as a guest navigator at a Kansas City event for the homeless, maintaining ongoing support for individuals in transitional housing.
Frederick (Fred) Scott Selby
Frederick (Fred) Scott Selby in recognition of his extensive public service career, leadership in the FDIC community, and significant contributions to AFDICA’s formation and growth.
- Leadership in AFDICA formation: Fred played a key role in creating AFDICA, then serving as its President from 2017 to 2021 and then as President Emeritus, helping to establish committees and recruit members to build a strong foundation for the organization.
- Fellowship and influence: Known for his approachable and inspiring leadership at FDIC, Fred fostered positive relationships between AFDICA, FDIC, and senior management, contributing to smoother organizational relations and maintaining strong community ties. Fred is the type of hard working, inspiring leader that draws people in and keeps them energized. His countless hours and contributions to AFDICA were and remain substantial and critical.
- Charitable contributions: Fred was instrumental in establishing AFDICA’s charitable giving committee, which has donated over $81,000 to financial education initiatives under his guidance.
- Commitment to public service: Fred dedicated over four decades to public service, including 20 years in the U.S. Army retiring as Lieutenant Colonel, 15+ years at FDIC and RTC with leadership roles, and three years managing the TARP Program at the U.S. Treasury Department. He continues community involvement as a local community association president.
Martha Solt
Martha Solt is recognized for her exceptional dedication to public service and charitable work, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to supporting federal retirees, community engagement, and advocacy even after retirement.
- Advocacy for Federal Retirees: Martha has actively lobbied Congress on federal retirement benefits and financial regulation, educated the public about federal financial regulators, and organized grassroots campaigns to support federal employees and retirees. She has also served eight years on the National Treasury Employees Union board and holds a municipal government position in Maryland.
- Charitable Engagement: Beyond her professional work, Martha supports individuals undergoing cancer treatment, leads a support group for senior women, teaches first-time voters how to use voting machines, and tutors children with learning disabilities.
- Leadership and Community Service: She has demonstrated leadership as chairman of her municipality and as head of its Parks Committee, promoting cost-effective services and active community participation.
- Resilience and Inspiration: Despite personal health challenges, including undergoing cancer treatment while working at the FDIC, Martha continues to serve with resilience and principled leadership, inspiring others through her multifaceted contributions.
Past Recipients:
The 2018 recipient was Dwight Hills Wilson II, Chief of the Transportation Unit in DOA at headquarters - posthumous award.
The 2019 recipient was Andrew C “Skip” Hove, Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the FDIC - posthumous award..
The 2020 recipients were Mitchell Glassman, Douglas H. Jones and Robert W. Mooney - posthumous award for Mr. Mooney.
The 2021 recipient was Dr. Richard Brown, Chief Economist - posthumous award.
The 2022 recipients were Lesylee Hodge and Norman Neece
The 2023 recipients were John F. Bovenzi, Bill Dudley, Martha Duncan, Maggie Thompson, and William R. Watson
The 2024 recipients were Victoria C. Garzione, Roger Alan Hood, Vincent E. Moore, Len Samowitz, Steven A. Seelig, and Robert F. Storch
updated 10/6/2025
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