Local legend and glass ceiling breaker Jean Yokum, former Langley Federal Credit Union President and CEO, passed away last week.
She worked her way up the ladder beginning her career at Langley in 1953 as a teller. She was named President and CEO in 1979, a time when women seldom held executive positions. Just four years later, the National Association of Federal Credit Unions named her Credit Union Professional of the Year.
“Jean made an enduring impact at Langley and under her leadership Langley grew to $1.6 billion and became one of the Top 100 credit unions in the country,” stated Langley President and CEO Tom Ryan .
“Jean’s work in our industry led Langley to national prominence,” he added.
A strong advocate for the credit union movement, she served on the boards of several state and national credit union organizations during her career. She served on the board of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) for 20 years and was inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor in 2013. She also received the Virginia Credit Union League’s James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
“The Hampton Roads community has lost a true leader and friend,” stated Langley FCU Chairman of the Board, Ted Henifin. “In addition to her work at Langley, Jean was truly dedicated to our community and she made a significant impact working with many non-profit organizations in Hampton Roads,” Henifin noted.
Langley created the Jean M. Yokum College Scholarship in recognition of her leadership. Each year, four college-bound high school seniors are awarded a $5000 scholarship in her name.
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