WASHINGTON -
Lifetime Achievement Award
* Dr. Robert Hoel, now a Filene Fellow residing in Middleton, Wis., will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his body of research in financial institutions, marketing strategy, and consumer analysis.
Hoel led the creation of the Center for Credit Union Innovation, which was formed to translate research into actionable initiatives, including the pilot of REAL Solutions program and the "i3," an incubator of new products and services and a source of emerging leadership for credit unions. Hoel was also instrumental in research that helped prompt the passage of the Credit Union Membership Access Act of 1998. Prior to joining Filene, Hoel was professor of business and chair of the marketing department at Colorado State University.
Individual Achievement Award
* Harriet May, president and CEO of Government Employees Credit Union (GECU) of El Paso, Texas, will receive the Individual Achievement Award in recognition of her "heartfelt commitment and proactive approach toward the American Dream of home ownership for residents of her border city," according to the NCUF. May's grassroots efforts are credited for the establishment of the El Paso Affordable Housing CUSO in 2002.
"Her leadership led to GECU being selected as one of eight financial institutions chosen to pilot an affordable home loan program in 2004 that has resulted in $14 million in mortgages for qualified low-income residents," the foundation said. "May is a tireless crusader of financial education and counseling for housing, credit, and foreclosure prevention. She supports her staff as they strive for excellence and encouraged two to participate in the Filene Research Institute's i3 program."
During her career May has served on the board of CUNA, on the board of Town North National Bank (the only U.S. bank owned solely by CUs), the Filene Institute Research Council, and the World Council of Credit Unions.
Outstanding Organization Award
* State Employees Credit Union Foundation in Raleigh, N.C. will receive the Outstanding Organization Award for quickly becoming one of the most successful private CU foundations. It is funded entirely by SECU member contributions.
Among the Foundation's achievements:
* An energy project in partnership with NC GreenPower that is estimated to save $1 billion for SECU members and employees over the next four years through the use of renewable resources to save energy.
* A $2 million grant built a 40-bedroom hospitality house at the University of North Carolina, known as SECU Family House.
* Over $200,000 in grants and a 0% loan built Hertford Pointe, a housing project in rural N.C. to help provide affordable for teachers.
The 2008 Wegner Awards will be presented March 3, 2008 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington.
For info: www.ncuf.coop.
