VANCOUVER – Three leaders in the credit union system will be honoured with Distinguished Service Awards on Thursday May 8, in conjunction with the Stabilization Central AGM and the Credit Union Foundation of BC AGM. The recipients are:
- Bill Kiss, Co-CEO, Gulf & Fraser Credit Union (now retired)
- Kelly Marshall, President & CEO, Summerland Credit Union
- Ken Voth, Director, First West Credit Union (now retired)
The BC Distinguished Service Awards, jointly presented by the Credit Union Foundation of BC (CUFBC) and Central 1, are awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding service in the BC credit union system and the co-operative movement.
Award recipients are leaders in the credit union sector who have made a lasting impact through their dedication, vision and service. They have extensive experience in the development and operation of credit unions, demonstrated leadership in the preservation and extension of the philosophy of “people helping people”, awareness of the role of credit unions as co-operatively developed socioeconomic institutions and the ability and willingness to speak forthrightly on credit union challenges and opportunities.
Bill Kiss
Bill Kiss has been a credit union member since birth when his parents opened an account for him at Oliver Credit Union. He served on the executive team of Gulf & Fraser Credit Union from 1995 to 2024, for 15 years as Chief Financial Officer and 13 years as co-Chief Executive Officer along with Jeff Shewfelt. Bill served on the Central 1 Credit Union board for 9 years including 3 years as board chair and 2 years as vice-chair. He also sat on the Co-operators’ board for 5 years and on the board of directors of CUMIS for 5 years.
Early on in his career, Bill was very fortunate to have the opportunity to chair the finance workgroup of the National Community Bank initiative (NCB), which along with the National Service Entity initiative (NSE) worked to create the best future state for the Canadian credit union system. It provided him with exposure to system leaders and the passion with which they worked, and it reinforced his belief in the critical role that credit unions play in the communities they serve.
Bill brought these learnings back to Gulf & Fraser and was always committed to ensuring that the focus of credit unions should never stray from their core purpose of meeting and exceeding the needs of the members that own them; while scale may be necessary to facilitate the resources required to meet those needs and provide service to the critical masses, the member should always be at the top.
Kelly Marshall
Kelly Marshall is a seasoned executive in the financial services industry with over thirty-five years of experience, including thirty years in executive leadership. He has served as President & CEO for the past twenty-four years in the British Columbia and Alberta credit union systems and has led Summerland Credit Union for the past nineteen years. Beyond executive leadership, Kelly has a diverse background in corporate governance, having served as a director and chair for local, provincial, national and international organizations.
Committed to lifelong learning, Kelly is an Associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada with Honours and a specialty in Lending Studies. Additionally, he has earned the Certified Chief Executive designation from the Credit Union Executives Society.
Kelly’s governance credentials include completion of the ICD program from the Institute of Corporate Directors, the CCD designation from University of Toronto/Rotman/CUES Governance Leadership Institute and the CUDA designation from the Credit Union Director Achievement program. He also holds a certificate in Directorship Excellence from the Credit Union Executives Society.
Ken Voth
Ken Voth is a lifetime resident of the Fraser Valley and is involved in the development and construction industries throughout Western Canada and Northwest/Southeast USA.
Opening his first account at East Chilliwack Credit Union when he was five years old, Ken began taking an active part in credit unions at a very young age. In 1980, his commitment to the credit union industry helped Ken get elected to the board of Clearbrook Credit Union (which eventually became Envision Credit Union). He served on the First West Board for 42 years until his retirement in May 2022. He was confirmed Director Emeritus for life.
Ken was also director of stabilization at Central 1 Credit Union from 1997-2006 and is the former board chair. In addition to his service to First West, Ken has served on the Central 1 Legislative and Nomination committees and as director on the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice board.
Ken’s current responsibilities include serving on the Mackie’s Place advisory committee, the Cedar Coast Developments advisory committee and as chair for Troika Developments advisory board. Ken remains connected to the credit union system and always has a listening ear/opinion. Ken continues his philanthropy with numerous charitable organizations. Ken is considered semi-retired and spends the winter in Arizona trying to improve his golf game. Most of all he enjoys travel and spending time with family, his wife Betty of 53 years, children and grand kids.
“The Credit Union Foundation of BC congratulates and thanks the DSA recipients who have helped to shape BC’s credit union system through their passion and service,” says Bill Corbett, CUFBC President. “These three individuals embody the values and vision that make our system strong, and their impact will continue to resonate for years to come. At the same time, the foundation’s work is about more than just celebrating past accomplishments. It’s about empowering and supporting the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and growth in the credit union movement. Today we celebrate excellence, but we also look forward to the future and the bright leaders who will follow in their footsteps.”
The Distinguished Service Award ceremony will occur immediately after the conclusion of the Stabilization Central AGM. Following the awards ceremony, the CUFBC AGM will commence. Those interested in attending the event are welcome to register. A meeting link and materials will be provided closer to the event date.
About the Credit Union Foundation of BC
Founded in 1958, the Credit Union Foundation of BC is collectively funded by BC credit unions, providing bursaries to students who reflect credit union/co-operative values and are facing barriers to completing their post-secondary education. The foundation also provides international support for co-operative programs and oversees the Distinguished Service Awards, honouring industry leaders who have furthered the credit union movement in BC.
For more information please contact:
Nicole Eich
Credit Union Foundation of BC
[email protected]