LANGLEY, B.C.- First West Credit Union is proud to announce that Ken Voth, former board director and long-time resident of White Rock, B.C., has been honoured with the Credit Union Foundation of BC (CUFBC) Distinguished Service Award for 2025. This prestigious award, given to those who demonstrate the power of leadership, collaboration, and community building, recognizes Ken’s exceptional contributions to the credit union system and his profound impact on communities across British Columbia and Canada.
“Ken embodies the ‘think big, act local’ mantra perfectly, by maintaining strong local roots and commitment to community while also being mindful of the necessity for larger scale change and innovation across the sector,” says Shawn Neumann, Board Chair at First West Credit Union. “He’s rallied entire communities to make tough choices and try new things, driving change for a stronger network of credit unions by giving his peers the courage to take steps forward, ensuring that members’ interests are always put first.”
Holding influential positions on various credit union boards and committees, including First West Credit Union, Stabilization Central, and Central 1, Ken’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding these organizations through change and advancement in the BC financial services sector. His impact extends to significant credit union mergers, technological advancements, resilience during challenging economic times, and breaking down barriers to inter-provincial banking that has paved the way for credit unions to extend their services and values to Canadians nationwide.
“Ken exemplifies an incredibly powerful type of leadership that doesn’t call attention to itself and yet often has greater impact than more visible leadership styles,” says Tom Webster, Treasurer on Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Board of Directors and retired Chief Financial Officer at First West. “Few people embody the credit union ethos of community giving like Ken. His lifelong commitment to building healthy communities and supporting charitable causes is exemplary.”
“Years ago, when our credit union committed funds to SOS Children’s Village B.C., we initially agreed to fund one house for foster children. Upon learning three houses were needed, Ken personally intervened, rallying his network. As a result, all three houses were funded and built because of Ken,” shares Webster.
Ken has led efforts to build homes for SOS Children’s Village, contributed to the Canuck Place Hospice Board, and supported BC Children’s Hospital Circle of Care. His involvement in the Courage to Come Back Awards, an initiative of Coast Mental Health, highlights his dedication to recognizing and supporting individuals who have overcome adversity.
During 2021, when wildfires were ravaging areas of B.C., Ken initiated a donation campaign through the credit union— including a $10,000 personal donation—to support people affected by the devastation.
“At the heart of Ken’s dedication to the credit union movement is his belief in investing in people,” says Neumann. “His giving nature is expressed in countless ways through philanthropy and giving his time to non-profits and causes close to his heart. Everyone who knows Ken can attest to his authenticity – he is the same person in every sphere of life, as someone who operates with thoughtfulness, generosity and grace.”
To learn more about the CUFBC Distinguished Leader awards, visit: https://cufoundation.org/distinguished-service-award/