History

The History of Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union

1950s – In October 1950, the credit union began adding other school districts to its field of membership by including Deer Park ISD and Clear Creek ISD. The early 1950’s saw the addition of La Marque ISD, Dickinson ISD and La Porte ISD. This expansion helped the credit union grow to $326,591 in assets by December 31, 1952. In January 1953 the credit union hired its first full time manager which helped the credit union almost reach the $1 million asset mark by the end of the decade.

1960s – The credit union reached the $1 million asset mark early in 1960. During the 1960’s, the credit union would double its asset size, finishing 1969 with $2,496,070 in assets.

1970s – The 1970’s saw the credit union more than triple its assets to over $10 million. In July of 1979, the credit union hired Dan L. Cervenka as Manager. Later that year, the credit union began offering Certificates of Deposits and would finish the year with over $12 million in assets.

1980s – The 80’s brought sweeping changes and explosive growth to the credit union. One of the biggest changes was the name. In February of 1980, your credit union’s changed to Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, which more accurately described the credit union’s membership. In 1982, the credit union added checking accounts, IRA’s, MasterCards, ATMs, and Direct Deposit to the list of services it provided members. This along with the League City office opening in 1983 fueled the credit union’s explosive growth. By the end of 1985, credit union assets grew to over $44 million. In May 1986, the Pasadena office relocated to its present location which allowed for Drive-In lanes, safe deposit boxes, and an on-premise ATM. The credit union ended the 80’s with over $64 million in assets and 18,000 members.

1990s – The 90’s represents the credit union’s fastest and probably most intriguing growth period. In 1990, the credit union added Santa Fe ISD and Pearland ISD and built the current League City office with Drive-In lanes, safe deposit boxes, and an on-premise ATM. During the 90’s, the credit union added some private schools, Texas Chiropractic College, and the San Jacinto College District. In January 1995, the 10 lane Drive-In was opened at the Pasadena Office. By the end of 1996, the credit union had grown to over $109 million in assets.

2000s – The credit union entered the year 2000 with over 28,000 members and $135 million in assets. The credit union continued to be a leader in its field and highly rated by NCUA. With the continued guidance of the Board of Directors and the proven leadership of the Management team, the credit union pledged continue to offer innovative products and exceptional service to the membership.

The credit union reached the $150 million asset mark in 2001 and finished the year with over $169 million in assets. Gulf Coast Educators continued to grow. Despite tough economic conditions in 2002, the credit union finished the year having grown to over $189 million in assets. The credit union saw strong asset growth through deposits in 2003. Gulf Coast Educators FCU would pass the $200 million mark and end the year at $209 million.

In February 2005, the credit union announced Linda Lukaszewski as new CEO after Dan Cervenka retired. The credit union continued to be very strong financially and continues to offer members convenient and competitive services. In the third quarter of 2006, the credit union opened a Pearland office. In conjunction with the credit union’s third location, the credit union was approved for a TIP (Trade, Industry & Profession) Charter. This allows the credit union to serve all educators within Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties. It was important to the Board of Directors that the credit union remain a credit union for educators while maintaining our ability to compete in today’s competitive market.

In 2008, the credit union remained a strong financial institution even with the turmoil surrounding the national economy. The credit union’s conservative fiscal policies kept the credit union in strong position to help our members even during the tough economic times.

2010s – By November 2013, the credit union grew to a half billion dollar financial institution. Gulf Coast Educators FCU introduced many new technologies, such as person to person transfers, online account opening, and remote deposit capture. The growth continued through out 2014, and a fourth branch was completed in west Pearland. The credit union also successfully petitioned NCUA to expand our charter to include education employees of Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery & Waller Counties, Texas.

In August 2016, the credit union introduced new Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) to the Pasadena and East Pearland branches. The new innovative technology allowed for faster service and convenience for our members, and job growth for our employees. In December 2017, the credit union opened its fifth branch in the Summerwood area, followed by its sixth branch in January 2019 in Baytown. At the end of 2019, the credit union formed Gulf Coast Educators Insurance Services, LLC, to be able to offer members a one-stop-shop for financing and insuring their purchases. Gulf Coast Educators FCU ended the decade in $860 million in assets.

2020s – Due to the success of the new insurance affiliate, Gulf Coast Educators Insurance Services, LLC, and the growing needs of the credit union’s real estate department, GCEFCU opened the Gulf Coast Educators Insurance and Mortgage Center, located directly behind the main office in Pasadena in the first quarter of 2020. In June of 2020, the credit union successfully petitioned NCUA to expand our charter to include education employees throughout the entire state of Texas. One month later, GCEFCU surpassed $1 billion in assets, proving that despite unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the credit union continues to grow and be a leading financial institution among educators and school district employees.

The Flames of Knowledge