Marcel Chorel
Marcel Chorel’s introduction into the credit union system began as most do, by fulfilling a simple need to find a new financial institution. Marcel joined the board of Hydro Credit Union (now Key Savings and Credit Union) in 1973 and soon became a member of their executive committee. He served as Board President from 1982-1994.
Marcel was elected to the Board of Credit Union Central Alberta Ltd in 1993. He served as Chair from 1994-2000. Before his recent retirement, he also served as First Vice Chair, Fifth Executive Committee Member and Past Chair of the Board, Chair of the Audit & Finance and Conduct Review Committees, Vice Chair of the Governance Committee and as a member of both the Policy and International Development Committees.
During this period, Marcel also served on the Board of Directors for Credit Union Central of Canada. In addition to serving as Chairperson from 1999-2002, Marcel also served on the Executive Committee, the Governance and Human Resources Committee, as Second Vice Chairperson and as First Vice Chairperson.
Marcel’s enthusiasm for co-operatives led to terms on the boards of Canadian Cooperative Agricultural Financial Services and Canadian Cooperative Leasing Services. He also served on the Board of the CUMIS group.
In 1998, Marcel became Canadian Central’s delegate to the board of the World Council of Credit Unions. Believing that the future of the credit union system lies with the involvement of young people, he helped to develop the Young Credit Union People Program for WOCCU.
During his tenure with Canadian Central, he was instrumental in developing Canadian Central’s National Young Leaders Committee and Awards program. His strong voice, professionalism and dedication have proven to be significant factors to the growth and the success of the system in Canada today.
Throughout his life and career, Marcel’s wife, Gwynn, has been his mainstay and ‘number-one’ fan. The strong support of his family has enabled him to devote endless time and energy to furthering cooperatives.
His efforts will be felt for generations to come. There is no doubt that Marcel’s legacy will continue to live on in the credit union system.
Sheena Lucas
Sheena Lucas has left an indelible mark on Canada’s credit union system. In 1966, Sheena was hired as branch manager for the Computing Devices Employees Credit Union (later the Carleton Credit Union). Through her leadership, a limited service, closed-bond, credit union was transformed into the full-service community credit union we know as Alterna Savings and Credit Union.
In 1982, Sheena was hired by Credit Union Central of Ontario as Area Development Manager for Eastern Ontario. For her work during her fourteen-year tenure, Sheena was awarded Ontario Central’s Distinguished Service Award.
After retiring from Ontario Central in 1995, Sheena worked with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) on the National Credit Union Director Achievement Program. She currently serves as an Executive Member of CCA’s board.
In 1999, Sheena joined the Board of the Co-operators. She continues to serve on the Executive Committee and Special Donations Committee. In 2006, she was elected to the Board of Kingston’s Unity Savings and Credit Union, serving as Chair since 2008.
From 1997-2008, Sheena served Credit Union Central of Ontario as a Board Member. During her term as Chair from 2005-2008, Sheena was instrumental in merger discussions between the Centrals of Ontario and British Columbia, which formed Central 1 Credit Union.
Sheena gained international experience in 2002, traveling to Trinidad to facilitate workshops. She also participated in a study tour of the Philippines on behalf of the CCA.
Sheena is deeply devoted to her family, her church and as a lifelong member of the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation. A worthy member of the Hall of Fame, she is a woman of incredible accomplishment, character and professionalism. Her actions have motivated and inspired many of her colleagues.