PARKERSBURG, W.Va.—The West Virginia Credit Union League has announced a new president and CEO to succeed the retiring Ken Watts.
According to the WVCUL, Rich Shaffer has been selected to lead the organization. Watts retired after a 46-year career in credit unions.
Schaffer has been with the league for the past 33 years and has served as senior vice president since 2004.
“I am truly humbled and honored by the board’s decision. I have been very fortunate to have Ken as a friend and mentor over the past 33 years, and also work in a cooperative movement that puts people ahead of profit,” Schaffer said in a statement. “While I will deeply miss working with Ken, I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundation he has established over many years.”
Headquartered in Parkersburg, the league is the trade association for the 85 credit unions in West Virginia that have combined assets in excess of $4 billion.
Moving Up Through the Ranks
Watts joined the WVCUL in 1975 as a field representative and moved up through the organization, becoming president in 1989.
Watts was honored as with Credit Union House Hall of Leaders award in 2020 and the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award in 2021. He also was recognized by CUNA as a Credit
Union Founders Club member for organizing several credit unions in West Virginia.
Schaffer has been with the league for the past 33 years and has served as senior vice president since 2004. He has been involved in all phases of the league’s operation and has directed the League Services Corporation during his tenure, Heck said.
“The league board feels Rich is very well suited to assume the duties as league president/CEO and to lead the League into the future,” said league Chair Joetta Heck.