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Otto Penner

Board of Directors Candidate 2026

This candidate has been endorsed by the Board of Directors.
Personal Statement of Interest

As an area manager at GM, I have gained the knowledge of working with groups of people from varied backgrounds and experiences and practiced inclusive leadership styles. This experience has benefits of understanding Board dynamics and therefore, I believe I bring strong people and leadership skills to the Credit Union. I have a keen interest in financial matters and have working knowledge of establishing and managing budgets. I have working knowledge and understanding of ISO & ERM processes, due to my General Motors work experience related to Quality Risk Management (QS9000 & ISO14001).

What can you specifically contribute to the Board?
  • I believe in the co-operative philosophy of people helping people

  • The Credit Union requires knowledgeable, strong Directors to be leaders into the future. Boards have legal and moral obligation to maintain Director Accountability with a high standards and ethics

  • My recent focus has been on Seniors issues in Niagara and have found that more needs to be done. I bring an in-depth senior point of view to the Board since seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population of Niagara/Hamilton region
Educational and Professional Designations
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Economics, (State University of New York) Business Leadership Certificate,

  • Board Governance Certificate from Niagara College,

  • Chartered Director from McMaster University/DeGroote School of business.
Work Experience
  • General Motors St. Catharines: Management for 42 years
Board and Committee Experience
  • Credit Union member since 1963 and a Director since 1981, have served on every Board committee, including the Audit and Risk Committees, and have been Chair and Vice Chair numerous times.

  • As a member of the Governance Committee, we participated in achieving significant Board Governance reform resulting in the governance model presently in existence at the Credit Union

  • Chair of the Niagara Falls Senior Advisory Committee and on the Board of the Age Friendly Niagara Council as Vice Chair.
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