Otto Penner

Board Endorsed

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