OCUF is pleased to congratulate Martin (Marty) Gillis, WFCU Credit Union Board Chair on receiving the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.

This award recognizes the outstanding service to the Credit Union movement in Ontario beyond the level of the individual credit union. Candidates are nominated based on their commitment and demonstration of the extensive criterion, including Leadership, Advocacy, Accomplishments, Practical Experience and Meritorious Service.

Marty has been involved in the credit union system for nearly 50 years, and continues to exhibit outstanding leadership and professional standards that enhance the credit union movement. These various leadership positions in the cooperative system and his tremendous commitment, over the years, to local community organizations attests to this most deserving honour.

Marty is a long-time proponent for Board Governance having structured and negotiated numerous mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances within the credit union system. Marty’s ability to think strategically and to implement change without eliminating important credit union values and philosophies has proven extremely valuable for WFCU Credit Union and the system overall.

“Marty is a tremendous asset to WFCU Credit Union. His passion, knowledge and thirst for learning has proven instrumental as an advocate for the credit union system but more importantly his ever-mindful concern for our members, their families, and their collective wellbeing is what makes Marty an inspiring and deserving choice,” said Eddie Francis, President and CEO, WFCU Credit Union. “We are all very proud to have Marty as the Chair of our Board of directors, all of us are better because of his leadership and passion for our organization.”

Marty recognizes unique opportunities which continue to bring awareness and credibility not only to WFCU Credit Union, but also to the entire credit union system. Such opportunities demonstrate the financial strength and commitment credit unions bring to their communities. Marty has been a champion for numerous initiatives that have expanded visibility of the credit union brand and increased confidence in the financial services credit unions offer.

“OCUF is absolutely delighted to recognize Marty Gillis with the Distinguished Service Award. He joins a list of credit union legends, and so he should. For five decades, Marty has passionately promoted co-operative values. He is an icon in our sector, a strong ambassador, best known to walk the talk,” said Dan Coldwell, Chair Ontario Credit Union Foundation at the OCUF AGM.

The Distinguished Service Award was first introduced in 1979 by Central 1 and has been awarded to many celebrated recipients over the years. Marty now joins these exemplary figures in the credit union system and will be remembered for the difference he has sought out to make in the financial services industry.

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