NOVATO, Calif. -The California Community Partnership for the Prevention of Financial Abuse has appointed Spectrum Federal Credit Union Board Chair Shirley Krohn to its board. Krohn is the first representative from a credit union to serve on the board. "I feel a huge sense of responsibility," said Krohn. "I want to see credit unions take a leadership role in staff training, recognition and reporting of elder financial abuse." According to experts, financial abuse of the elderly is especially acute in California. Just last year nearly 1,000 cases were reported totaling well over $2 million in losses. Experts say that only one in 14 cases is reported because elders often feel ashamed or embarrassed about the abuse or are afraid to admit that it has happened. CCPPFA is a non-profit organization that works with financial institutions, adult protective services and law enforcement agencies to provide consumer and community awareness programs for seniors, dependent adults. Current CCPPFA activities include the preparation of a training video for use by financial institution employees to recognize abuse, what steps to take and where to report it.