The board of directors at GECU announced today that Crystal Long will be the new president/CEO of the El Paso, Texas-based credit union. Long succeeds Harriet May, who recently announced her retirement, which will be effective March 31, 2012. May will serve as senior advisor until then.

In addition, May will be named president emerita at GECU's annual meeting, scheduled in the first quarter of 2012 to honor her 38-year distinguished career with the 300,000-plus-member, $1.8 billion GECU and her legacy to the credit union movement. A retirement party will be held in either April or May.

"We're delighted to honor Harriet with the title president emerita," Greg Watters, GECU chairman of the board stated. "Harriet's legacy is that of a leader and visionary who dedicated her career to GECU, the El Paso community and the credit union movement. We're also confident that Crystal Long, with her vast credit union experience and management skills will continue building on the strength, philosophy, service, education and products that GECU is well known for."