This week on Everything Co-op, honoring Crystal Long’s cooperative journey

Tune into WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM or the WOL Livestream on Thursday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. EST for Everything Co-op, hosted by Vernon Oakes.

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This week, Everything Co-op continues its tribute to the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees with a conversation with Crystal Long, retired President and CEO of GECU.

Vernon and Crystal will discuss her cooperative journey, leadership and commitment to serving her members and community.

During her tenure as CEO, Long led GECU to become El Paso's largest federally insured, independently owned financial institution, with more than $4.4 billion in assets, 25 branches, 800+ employees, and over 439,000 member-owners.

A strong advocate for community service, Long has served on numerous local, national and international boards and committees, including the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the United Way of El Paso, the Borderplex Alliance, and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions. She has also been actively involved in efforts addressing financial health, food insecurity and community development.

Long's leadership and service have earned numerous honors, including the 2024 Greg Inman Servant Leadership Award, the 2024 Credit Union Making History: Herstory recognition, the Junior Achievement of El Paso Business Hall of Fame, the Credit Union House Hall of Fame, and the Herb Wegner Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement. She was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumna by the University of Texas at El Paso.