The CUES Directors Educational Forum, a division of the Credit Union Executives Society, recognized C. Wendell Waggoner, director of Denver Public Schools Credit Union, as its 2002 CUES DEF Director of the Year.

The award took place during a meeting Dec. 8, 2002 at the CUES Directors Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Waggoner has been involved with Denver Public Schools Credit Union for more than 30 years, and has served on its board of directors since 1991, including the credit committee, supervisory committee, and as 1999-2000 chairman of the board. During his tenure, DPSCU has nearly tripled assets and has experienced a five-fold increase in its loan portfolio. In addition to his credit union involvement, Mr. Waggoner has given countless hours to community service programs and the Denver Public Schools. Mr. Waggoner taught for 10 years in the DPS school system and was a counselor and Director at Denver Boys, a program for at-risk youth, for 14 years. He is also a long-time member of the Denver Rotary.

In nominating him, C. Alan Peppers, president/CEO, and Barry Beal, chairman, DPSCU’s board of directors, called Mr. Waggoner “an individual worthy of receiving this prestigious award.” Peppers and Beal further commended his “leadership style that values honesty, embraces continuous learning and focuses on achieving results,” and added that Mr. Waggoner’s “mentoring personality inspires others.”

The DEF Director of the Year Award recognizes directors who raise the bar for excellence in credit union volunteerism. Judging was based on leadership positions held at the credit union, contributions to other credit unions and credit union organizations, professional development and education, community service, and credit union performance during the time the nominee has been on the board. In recognition of this award, CUES will make a donation to a charity of Mr. Waggoner’s choice.