WFCU CREDIT UNION’S BOARD CHAIR MARTIN D. GILLIS AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD BY ONTARIO CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION

Windsor, ON – WFCU Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Martin (Marty) Gillis, WFCU Credit Union Board Chair on receiving the 2021 Distinguished Service Award presented by the Ontario Credit Union Foundation.

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.

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.

To learn more about WFCU Credit Union please wfcu.ca.

For more information about the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, please visit ocuf.org.

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For more information please contact:

Eddie Francis Susan Stockwell Andrews
President & Chief Executive Officer Vice President, External Affairs & Corporate Secretary
WFCU Credit Union WFCU Credit Union 519.974.3100 519.974.3100 efrancis@wfcu.ca sstockwell@wfcu.ca

About WFCU Credit Union
WFCU Credit Union has been recognized as a leading, progressive financial institution headquartered in Windsor and Essex County since 1940. Proudly serving Ontario residents, community organizations, small businesses, commercial entities and public institutions for over 80 years, WFCU Credit Union is the seventh largest credit union in Ontario, and twentieth largest credit union in Canada, operating nine retail locations and one digital entity, Omnia Direct. Through these service channels, in combination with online and mobile banking, telephone banking and ATM services, WFCU Credit Union has become the financial institution of choice for 58,022 members across Ontario including 53,879 personal members in 19,809 households, 2,846 businesses and 1,297 organizations. Currently, WFCU Credit Union has $6.15 billion in Managed Assets and Member Service Totals of $8.3 billion. WFCU Credit Union membership is open to anyone who lives and/or works in Ontario. For more information on WFCU Credit Union please visit wfcu.ca.

About Ontario Credit Union Foundation
Over the past 42 years the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has supported credit unions and co-operatives with their philanthropic giving in communities across Ontario. The Foundation is like private and local community foundations in that it administers funds created by donors for specific charitable purposes. In addition to the thirty plus funds OCUF manages, their main charitable activity is the support of youth education and leadership.
Contact: Clayton Shold, Executive Director, clayton@ocuf.org