FAIRBORN, Ohio — Wright-Patt Credit Union Inc. President/CEO Douglas A. Fecher was awarded the Professional of the Year Award by the Ohio Credit Union League.

The league presented the award to Fecher at the ZENITH '08 conference at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Chair of the league and CEO of Kemba Credit Union Steve Behler explained during the presentation "to summarize Doug Fecher's contributions to the credit union movement is difficult, if not impossible. He is considered a leader here in Ohio and nationally, and is known for his unique, cutting-edge style."

Fecher's style has led Wright-Patt to double the asset growth since 2002. Fecher also generated the idea of StretchPay, which is gaining statewide and national attention as the credit union alternative to payday lending. In 2006, StretchPay began as an Ohio program, and has expanded to five states and Washington, D.C. It has allowed credit union members to save more than $3 million dollars in fees and interest in 2007.