Each year the prestigious James D. Likens, WCMS Alumni Recognition Award is given to honor WCMS alumni who have had significant achievement in the credit union field after graduation from WCMS.
Qualifying criteria for this distinguished award includes:
- Significant professional growth in the individual's credit union career since graduation
- Significant service to the credit union community after graduation
2025 Recipient: Gene Pelham
Gene has been active in the credit union movement for 40 years, starting with his first credit union in 1985. He graduated with Honors (and the Charlie Clark Award) from WCMS in 1995 and was a GA in 1996.
Gene took his first CEO role in 1999, and became CEO of his last credit union, Rogue, in 2007. Under his leadership, Roge grew:
- From $400 million to $3 billion in assets
- From 50,000 members to 180,000 members
- From 10 branches to 27 branches
- From 200 employees to over 600 employees
He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Oregon University. His influence has extended into the community and the broader credit union movement, sharing his expertise at conferences, with local media, and through volunteer service at Southern Oregon University. He is Past Chair and member of the Board of the Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley.
Gene chaired and served on the board and numerous committees for the Northwest Credit Union Association (now GoWest). He completed three appointments to the Federal Reserve’s 12th District Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. He has also served as a WCMS Board Member and as WCMS Board Chair. He retired in 2022, but has stayed involved as a member (and past Chair) of the Board of Directors of the GoWest Foundation
When he was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in 2022:
(Quoting Troy Stang of GoWest here):
“Gene has raised his hand again, and again, and again to lead by example in the credit union movement. He is a tireless advocate, always willing to meet with elected officials to champion the credit union difference. He set a high bar in his advocacy and leadership efforts, and he inspires all of us to reach higher.”
Past Recipients
David Ellings and Nancy Wood, 2024
Winona Nava, 2023
Bob Toohey, 2022
Kent Oram, 2021
Shirley Cate, 2019
Teri Robinson, 2018
Shruti Miyashiro, California, 2017
Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, California, 2016
Mark Meyer, Wisconsin, 2015
Jon Hernandez, California, 2014
Chris Jillson, New Mexico, 2013
Annette Zimmerman, Texas, 2012
Susan Steifel, Washington, 2011
RaAnn Wood, California, 2010
Brett Martinez, California, 2009
Ken Facer, Texas-formerly of California, 2008
Ava Milosovich, Oregon, 2007
John Janclaes, California, 2006
David W. Brehmer, North Carolina, 2005
Shon Wellborn, California 2004
JoAnne LeCouvre Kersey, Oregon, 2003
John Annaloro, Washington, 2002
Diana Dykstra, California, 2001
Terry Parkyn, California, 2000
Marsha Burgess, Nevada, 1999
Winifred Corey, California, 1998
William G. Ferrence, Nevada, 1997
James M. Sasahara, California, 1996
Rick Craig, Utah, 1995
Beverly Dawson, California, 1994
Bernie Ray, Arizona, 1993
David E. Maus, Colorado, 1992
Richard M. Johnson, California, 1991
Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the James D. Likens Alumni Recognition Award. This award is presented to the recipient during school each July as part of the graduation ceremony.
Eligibility
Nominees must have graduated from WCMS, or any other name by which it has been previously known, a minimum of five years before the date of presentation of the award on Graduation Night. Members of the WCMS Alumni Association Board, the WCMS Board of Trustees and current members of the Selection Committee for this award, are not eligible.
For more information and nomination forms contact:
- Patty Jiminez, PJimenez@southlandcu.org
- Ryan Olsen, olsenryanc@gmail.com
- Denise Mattice, dmattice@extensiafinancial.com