Brightstar Credit Union Chairperson Dr. Dorothy Orr receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Brightstar Credit Union Chairperson Dr. Dorothy Orr receives Lifetime Achievement Award

By Alexabdra Curbelo

      SUNRISE, FL — Dr. Dorothy J. Orr, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BrightStar Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in South Florida, has received the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broward Education Foundation (BEF).

“We are pleased that such an impressive group of alumni was nominated for the Hall of Fame,” said BEF President and CEO Jorene Jameson. “Our judges had a tough time choosing from the overwhelming number of candidates we received. The response clearly showed us that a Hall of Fame program is needed to showcase the many successful graduates of Broward County Public Schools.”

Dr. Orr has served on Bright-Star’s Board of Directors for more than 24 years and has held the position of Chairperson for 25 years. Her leadership has been acknowledged with multiple accolades, including the National Credit Union Award and induction into the Credit Union Hall of Fame. She is a strong advocate for education and has held a variety of positions in teaching and school administration, culminating in her 1999 appointment as Superintendent of Schools for Broward County, a position she held until her retirement. Dr. Orr was appointed by the School Board as the first Black female board member of the Broward Teachers Credit Union.

Recognized in the community for her unrelenting commitment to education, Dr. Orr is the recipient of numerous awards. In 2012, she received the JM Family African American Achievers Award from the Jim Moran Foundation for her outstanding community service. In 2010, she received the Broward County Pioneer Award by the Broward County Historical Commission, the Circle of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award by the Women’s Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the 2010 Welfare of Children Award from the Broward County Council of the PTA/PTSA for demonstrating continuous exemplary support for children and education. In 1998, Dr. Orr was inducted in the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame by the Broward County Women’s Coalition. Her dedication and commitment throughout the years has made a significant impact in the community, improving the lives of thousands of school-age children.

As a champion of the credit union movement, she speaks often about the benefits of credit union membership. It is not un-usual for her to visit the local branch to educate members a-bout the services available to them through the credit union, and she annually “hikes the hill” for the advancement of all credit unions. She is a well-known advocate to young adults in the Black community about the importance of sound financial practices. Dr. Orr holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University (FAUM), a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova South-eastern University. She is also an adjunct Professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).