<I>Contributed</I><BR>Ken Olson, CEO of Old West Federal Credit Union, receives the Distinguished Service Award from Tim Wheeler, chair of the award committee.

BEAVERTON – Ken Olson, CEO of Old West Federal Credit Union, was among those honored for their dedication to the credit union industry when the Credit Union Association of Oregon held its annual convention on Nov. 7.

Olson was given the Young Credit Union Professional Award, an honor designed to engage, promote, and recognize the next generation of credit union professionals in the Oregon credit union movement.

Olson was cited for continually seeking additional ways the John Day-based credit union can help members succeed financially while also expanding credit union services to new entities and communities.

Other awards included Distinguished Service Awards – in the professional category, given to Shirley Cate, CEO of Portland-based Providence Health System Federal Credit Union, and in the volunteer category, to Betty James of SELCO Community Credit Union in Eugene.

In addition, the association gave its Heidemann Scholar Award to Janet Buckalew of Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, based in Klamath Falls.

“These individuals truly lead by example,” said Gene Poitras, president of CUAO. “They are hardworking, dedicated people who stay true to the ‘people helping people’ credit union philosophy, and who are continually educating others on the credit union difference. It is our pleasure to honor them for their outstanding contributions and efforts.”