LAS VEGAS – The chairman of a Colorado credit union involved in a financial turnaround several years ago and who more recently helped guide the institution through a planned merger with DPSCU of Denver has been named "Director of the Year." The honors to Bert Pedri, chairman of Safeway Rocky Mountain FCU of Centennial for the last 11 years, came during ceremonies at the annual National Directors' Convention held at the Venetian Resort & Casino. Pedri, lauded as a visionary and "natural leader who truly puts people first," was cited for his hands-on work with staff, members and the public. He was honored for his leadership skills in guiding the suburban Denver CU through a "regulatory oversight" after the CU made a series of bad loans and sustained a loss of $1 million. Earlier this year Pedri helped forge a merger with DPSCU of Denver "of two financially strong credit unions" into a single entity with a new name yet to be selected. Safeway Rocky Mountain said it is now developing an extraordinary "co-branded partnership" with DPSCU. Named as first runner-up by NDC for the Director of the Year prize was Jim Kott, chairman of Innovations FCU in Panama City, Fla. with Betty Renth, chairman of Scott CU of Collinsville, Ill. picked as second runner-up. In its nominating petition, Safeway Rocky Mountain under Pedri's leadership saw its assets grow from $86 million to more than $150 million. At Safeway, the merger received overwhelming support with 88% of the voting members voting yes. "The new organization will be an economic force to be reckoned with to serve the Front Range of Colorado," said Pedri. Pedri, a retired Safeway store manager, is a member of the ALCO Committee and of a Colorado CU Chairmen's Group that meets quarterly. He has served as chairman for the City of Fort Collins Personnel Board, director for the Foothills Rotary and for the Great Western Beef Expo. He also was president of the Safeway Quarter Century club and during tax season volunteers his time for AARP helping low-income retirees do their taxes. [email protected]