GreenPath Founder Albert O. Horner Dies at 100

Farmington Hills, Mich. – GreenPath Financial Wellness is honoring the life and legacy of its founder, Albert O. Horner, who passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 100. Mr. Horner's vision to change lives laid the foundation for one of the nation's leading nonprofit financial wellness organizations, which has assisted millions in achieving financial freedom over its 65-year history.

The organization began in the early 1960s as a credit counseling service established through the Michigan Credit Union League. Under Mr. Horner's leadership, it grew into an accredited nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome financial challenges. He served as president and CEO of GreenPath, originally known as Credit Counseling Centers, for over 30 years, from 1961 until his retirement in 1997.

Mr. Horner was among the early pioneers of financial counseling, believing that individuals facing financial hardship deserve compassionate guidance and practical solutions. Helping others navigate and recover from debt and financial stress was his passion and life's work, and his vision remains central to GreenPath's mission.

"Albert Horner believed financial challenges shouldn't define a person's future and that everyone who comes to us deserves dignity, compassion, and practical support," said Kristen Holt, President and CEO of GreenPath Financial Wellness. "He understood the shame and stigma that can accompany financial hardship and built GreenPath to help people find a path forward without judgment. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate an extraordinary legacy that continues to guide our mission and lives on in every person and family we help."

GreenPath reported that in 2025 alone, the nonprofit provided 121,739 financial counseling services and helped clients repay over $282 million in debt. The organization continues its work of empowering people to lead financially healthy lives, a mission initiated by Mr. Horner decades ago.