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OUCU Financial Board of Directors Election Candidate Information

 

Karen L. Deardorff

Associate of Applied Business, Hocking College B.S., M.A., Ph.D.
Ohio University School of Communication Studies Associate Lecturer and Internship Coordinator
School of Communication Studies (retired) Associate Director Emerita
Cutler Scholars Program
Ohio University OUCU Financial member for over 30 years

It has been my pleasure to serve on the OUCU Board of Directors and receiving your re-election vote for another term would be deeply appreciated. While on the Board, I have served as Executive Board Secretary, as Secretary for the Harry Crewson Foundation, as Chair of the Board Recruitment Committee, the Board Restructuring Committee, and the Board Educational Committee. In addition, I have been a member of both the Crewson and the Higher Education scholarship committees, the Annual Meeting committee, and the Emerita Committee. Prior to becoming a Board member, I volunteered as a member of the Nominating Committee for 12 years and served as Committee Chair for 10 years. I attend credit union sponsored conferences and educational opportunities to stay abreast of the cutting edge financial and membership initiatives being explored by national credit union associations and peer institutions.  

I have enjoyed learning about our credit union and appreciate the professional and caring employees and the unique services and benefits provided to members. OUCU Financial strives to go above and beyond to meet member needs and to make a difference in our communities. I am committed to working tirelessly to help facilitate and promote policies and procedures that best represent your 
interests and ask for your vote for re-election to the Board.

 


 

Clifton E. Mason

Faculty Member | Business Consultant | Community Servant
B.S. Computer Science, Ohio University
MBA, Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois

Service to the community is an integral component of my DNA and has been for my entire professional career.  Before returning to Athens, I served 10 years as a volunteer Board of Director for one of the major Homeowners Associations in Illinois and served 3 years as the Executive Director for a local chamber of commerce based in Aurora, which is Illinois’ 2nd largest city. 

I have previously served as the Division Vice President of Product Marketing for ADP Dealer Services (now CDK Global) where I was responsible for a product portfolio worth over $300M in annual revenue and I am a two-time recipient of the coveted CEO / President’s award. Before joining ADP, I worked for NCR Corporation and AT&T, serving in numerous management positions including customer and support education, alliance management, sales, and strategic marketing.

As a small business consultant and lifetime educator, helping clients and students advance and succeed is paramount. I am a results-driven professional who possesses a unique combination of business acumen, technical savvy, customer focus as well as a global outlook.

My wife Robyn and I are empty nesters and originate from Ohio. We enjoy music and the arts, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with our three granddaughters.

Thank you for your careful consideration of my candidacy as a prospective OUCU Board of Director.

 


 

Warren Allen Jeffers

Ohio University 1971-72
Associate Degree, Hocking College, Technical Studies in Business Management & Engineering Sciences 1998, American Electric Power 1972-2010, Union worker 18+ years & management worker 19+ years, supervising & developing employees, developing & tracking plant operating & capital budgets, developing & managing a regional training center, Real Estate Sales 1979-1999
Current President and voting member of Athens County Regional Planning Commission
Lions International 45+ years, The Plains & Nelsonville
The Plains Improvement Committee
Current Member of the OUCU Financial Board of Directors

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the OUCU Board of Directors for the last three years, and I thank you for electing me 3 years ago.  Many changes have come about in that time, from a name change, to expanding service territory to mention a couple, but the groundwork has been laid to continue that path forward.  I’m excited about that and my hope is that I can continue to be a part of that development and growth of OUCU Financial.

My past work background and public service have given me skills in collaboration, of being a facilitator, displaying and encouraging leadership, along with development of employees and facilities.  I believe that I can continue to bring new fresh ideas to the operation of OUCU Financial, in future growth and well-being of the organization. 

I’m asking you for your vote and support once again.

 


 

Wes Harkins

Consultant, Nationwide Insurance
B.A. Health and Fitness Management, Capital University
OUCU member for 17 years

I am deeply proud of my Appalachian heritage, having been born in Athens and raised in Vinton County. After completing my education at Vinton County High School, I had the opportunity to study and play football at Capital University. After finishing my bachelor’s, I studied briefly at Ohio University before entering the workforce. This fall I will earn an MBA from Colorado Technical University.

For the past decade, I have primarily worked as a consultant in the insurance industry. Throughout this time, I have honed my skills in relationship management and process optimization by overseeing important vendor and stakeholder partnerships. Additionally, I have expertise in utilizing technologies like AI and predictive analytics to drive desired outcomes and behaviors.

Since 2021, I have had the privilege of collaborating with sponsors for a significant fundraising initiative dedicated to pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Each year, we have accomplished record-breaking fundraising results, and I am truly honored to be part of this endeavor.

In terms of certifications, I hold credentials in Agile Leadership for Organizations, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Kirkpatrick Bronze program evaluation. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve, and I believe that my unique combination of education and experience will be an asset to the members of OUCU.

 


 

Craig Ellis 

Quality Director, Hutchinson Sealing Systems 
B.S. Industrial Technology, Ohio University 
OUCU Member for six years 

Working as a team, solving issues, and improving customer quality has been my focus for over 30 years. The transition to a credit union environment had proven to be a revitalizing shift, providing a welcomed departure from the rigidity of large corporate banking. Credit unions offer a unique opportunity for both individual and community growth. 

I look forward to strengthening our collective performance and contributing to OUCU’s mission of improved financial and social responsibility. 

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered for collaboration with the outstanding team at OUCU Board of Directors and look forward to the prospect of contributing to the continued success and impact of our community.

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