If you have been in the credit union space in Ontario for any lenght of time, you likely know the name Dorothy Watson! Well Dorothy retired this past Friday after dedicating 37 years to the credit union sector, the last 30 of which was with Central 1.
It was by serendipitous chance for the credit union movement, that a temp agency placed Dorothy at Co-operative Trust Company of Canada (now Concentra) and lit up a career path leading change for the system.
Over the course of nearly four decades, Dorothy led change in the system from all angles including at the helm of Ottawa Women’s Credit Union as the General Manager before she was recruited to Credit Union Central of Ontario. After successfully overseeing several departments including Human Resources, Credit Union Training, and Marketing, Dorothy found a focus that would grow to fuel her drive for the duration of her career: fostering a service excellence culture. With Dorothy leading consultation with credit unions and managing this change journey across CUCO, they more than doubled member approval ratings in just two years.
Ever since, she elevated the member voice, sought to understand their diverse perspectives, and championed new collaborative opportunities for the system in a member relations role. Dorothy built a high level of trust with credit unions across Ontario. No matter the role or conversation, she was always guided by the cooperative principles and values that keep us all rooted and connected to a deeper purpose.
Dorothy has always so generously shared her insightful perspectives gathered through a career dedicated to furthering the impact and reach of the credit union movement.
To ensure the enduring impact that is Dorothy’s career legacy, Central 1 created a bursary fund in her name. The Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary fund supports the emerging leaders that are advancing the cooperative system. If you wish to make a contribution to this fund click on the link below.
Dorothy, the staff and Board of the Ontario Credit Union Foundation join others in Ontario in wishing you a fulfilling and well deserved retirement!
If you wish to donate by cheque, please make it payable to “Ontario Credit Union Foundation” (include on the memo line – Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary Fund) and mail to OCUF 418 Willis Drive, Oakville, ON L6L 4V4. To do an online donation, click on the “Donate” button below.
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