2007 SENIOR COOPERATIVE HOUSING AWARDS

2007 LEADERSHIP AWARD RECEIPIENTS

Vicky Chaput Chaput is Project Coordinator at the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives. She serves as the lead coordinator for the Senior Cooperative Housing Network in addition to her other responsibilities for MAC and Cooperative Development Services. Chaput coordinates and organizes the Network meetings, seminars and conferences. She has a phenomenal amount of information and resources that she readily shares. Chaput has a clear understanding of, strong commitment to and clearly demonstrates the principles and ideals of the cooperative community.

Maureen McDonald has been an active member of Gramercy Park Cooperative of Plymouth since its inception in 1999. She is serving her second term as President of the Board. McDonald has strong leadership capabilities and empowers and promotes involvement, exploration and resolution. She has managed complex issues with patience and composure. McDonald shares her passion about cooperatives with her neighbors, reaches out to the community and shares her knowledge with other cooperatives and organizations.

Reynold S. Rahko was a charter member of Realife Cooperative of Hibbing which opened in October 2004. Rahko has been a member of the board of directors since the beginning and currently serves as the Board President. He brought with him valuable experience and information having been employed by United Power Association - now Great River Energy - (an electric cooperative) and previously serving on a town home association board. Rahko has been a problem solver since moving in and has been actively involved in making the cooperative a safe, well-maintained place to live. He is a soft-spoken, thoughtful leader who actively seeks the opinion of others and encourages input from all residents.

2007 FOUNDERS AWARD RECEIPIENT

Charles A. Bassford began working with 7500 York Cooperative in 1988 initiating his work with senior housing cooperatives. He is the watchdog for all cooperatives he serves in matters of HUD compliance, insurance coverage, ownership transfers, employment issues and many others. He has been a bridge between the cooperatives and HUD on many issues, but his efforts on the Independent Living, Health and Safety Policy are most notable. Bassford represents a number of cooperatives on a regular basis, participates in marketing cooperatives to new members as well as participating in all of the Senior Cooperative Housing Conferences.

SENIOR COOPERATIVE HOUSING LEADERSHIP AWARD CRITERIA

The Senior Cooperative Housing Leadership Award is sponsored and administered by the Senior Cooperative Foundation to honor distinguished individuals - members, employees, developers, educators, and others - (living or deceased) whose contributions to senior cooperative housing deserve special recognition.  The award will be presented annually to the selected nominee(s).

Selection Criteria
Nominees are selected for their contributions to senior cooperative housing based on demonstrated statesmanship, innovation, personal commitment, leadership and vision.  Specifically:

1. Clearly demonstrates commitment to principles of senior cooperative housing
2. Encourages members, employees, directors, and others to be positive about senior cooperative housing
3. Achieved identifiable and lasting changes to improve and promote cooperatives
4. Effectively communicates the value of cooperative membership and involvement
5. Recognizes the importance of marketing the unique advantage of senior housing cooperatives
6. Willingness to serve in cooperative leadership roles
7. Promoter of innovative programs and policies that increase membership benefits
8. Civic and community involvement

Selection procedure

1. The award will be presented annually to no more than three individuals.
2. Nomination forms will be widely distributed approximately 90 days prior to the deadline date.
3. Consideration will be given only to nominations received prior to the deadline and with all required information and supporting documents.
4. Nominations may be made by individuals or organizations.
5. Nominations are held in the selection pool for three consecutive years.

Selection committee
Nominations will be reviewed and final selections made by a selection committee of at least five members appointed by the Foundation.