Jean Yokum
Jean M. Yokum | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Valley Head, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 2021 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Banking executive |
| Years active | 1953–2012 |
| Known for | President and CEO of Langley Federal Credit Union |
Jean M. Yokum (March 8, 1931 – August 19, 2021) was a prominent figure in the American banking industry.
Early years
Born as Norma Jean Mace in 1931 in Valley Head, West Virginia, she demonstrated strong academic abilities. In 1948, she married Charles M. Yokum. Before relocating to Poquoson, Virginia due to Charles' military service during the Korean War at Langley Air Force Base, she gained experience working as a bookkeeper at a store owned by her husband’s father.
Career
Yokum’s professional journey at Langley Federal Credit Union (LFCU) in Hampton, Virginia began in 1953 when she took on the role of teller. She progressed through positions including assistant bookkeeper and director of accounting. After completing a three-year Credit Union Business School program in Wisconsin, she advanced to assistant manager and was eventually named president and CEO in 1979. In 1983, the National Association of Federal Credit Unions honored her as Credit Union Professional of the Year. During her tenure, LFCU experienced significant growth, with assets increasing from $76 million at the start of her leadership to $1.6 billion by 2011. Yokum stepped down from her role in 2012. Her contributions are commemorated through the Jean M. Yokum $5,000 College Scholarship offered by the credit union.
Community activism
Yokum held leadership roles such as chairing the Peninsula Retail Merchants Association and Peninsula Family Services boards. Additionally, she participated on various boards including the USO of Hampton Roads and Virginia Air and Space Center. Her involvement extended to state and national credit union organizations, highlighted by a two-decade service on the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), where she also served as chairperson. In recognition of her accomplishments, she received the James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Credit Union League in 2010 and was inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor in 2013.