GoWest Credit Union Association

GoWest Credit Union Association We are GoWest Credit Union Association, and we champion credit unions of the West.

Serving more than 300 credit unions and their 17.4 million consumer members in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

☀️Executives@Coeur d’Alene, GoWest’s premier leadership retreat, is fast approaching! On Aug. 4–6 in Coeur d'Alene, Idah...
06/17/2026

☀️Executives@Coeur d’Alene, GoWest’s premier leadership retreat, is fast approaching! On Aug. 4–6 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, you'll want to be a part of the conversations that are shaping what's next in credit union leadership!

Top executives from across the country will come together for three days of high-impact learning, executive-level strategy, and meaningful connection in an inspiring Northwest lakeside setting.

This year's gathering features:
🌟Carmen Ohling, CEO and Founder of The Amplified Life Company, will share "Speak Like a Leader and Lead Like a Visionary: How to Captivate, Communicate, and Be Known for What Matters Most."

🌟Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist for Stifel Financial, will offer an insightful economic update you can use to shape decisions at your credit union.

Your perspective and leadership matter in shaping what comes next!

‼️Late pricing starts July 6, so register soon!

Non-GoWest member credit unions are invited to register as a “Friend of GoWest.”

Secure your spot and join us in Coeur d’Alene this August! https://gowestassociation.org/event/exec-retreat/

🌟Last week, 70 credit union young professionals came together in Spokane for YP Summit! They explored the power of authe...
06/12/2026

🌟Last week, 70 credit union young professionals came together in Spokane for YP Summit! They explored the power of authentic networking, learned how to better communicate what makes credit unions different, and talked about how we can work together as a movement to create lasting impact.

👏Thank you to everyone who helped make this an impactful event for our YPs!
Cyndi Donahue, Leadership Training & Development Director, Gonzaga University School of Leadership Studies
Kevin Parker, CEO, Dutch Bros Coffee
Chris Jentges, CEO, Avista Corp. Credit Union
Lindsey Myhre, CEO, STCU
Mary Hollingsworth, Program Director (CMN), Scared Heart Children’s Hospital
Joyce Lockard, CEO, Responders Emergency Services Credit Union
Deanna Hanley, CEO, Spokane City Credit Union (SCCU)
Chris Loseth, CEO, P1FCU
Kim Lybecker, VP, Retail Strategy & Optimization, BECU
Kurtis Kelly, Community Development Director, Canopy Credit Union
Lars Gilberts, VP, Market Development, Numerica Credit Union

✨ This week, the GoWest team gathered together in Denver for all-team meetings. Since we're spread across the six-state ...
06/11/2026

✨ This week, the GoWest team gathered together in Denver for all-team meetings. Since we're spread across the six-state region, this is a time we relish — our chance to celebrate, learn from each other, and gain momentum for all the impactful events planned for rest of 2026.

We are grateful to all of the credit union leaders who joined us, offering up their expertise so we can continue to understand the WINS, challenges, and needs of our member credit unions and the .

🫶 Thanks for taking the time to be with us this week:
Ryan Brown, SVP, People & Culture at Canvas Credit Union
Greg Hamilton, EVP at Colorado Credit Union
Arick Williams, MBA, CEO at Columbine Federal Credit Union
Cortney Arnold Arnold, Director of Partnerships at Filene Research Institute
Chris Malme, Member Engagement Contractor at Filene Research
Jill Robinson, VP Electronic Banking Operations at Canvas Credit Union
Sean Knudson, MBA, Director of Fraud at Canvas Credit Union
Sara Igo, Manager, Fraud Investigations at Canvas Credit Union

🌟 And many thanks to Canvas Credit Union for hosting us at their headquarters in Lone Tree!

The second GoWest CDFI Roundtable, hosted by GoWest Foundation, is happening June 23, bringing together CDFI professiona...
06/09/2026

The second GoWest CDFI Roundtable, hosted by GoWest Foundation, is happening June 23, bringing together CDFI professionals from across the GoWest region for connection, collaboration, and shared insight.

This quarter, we’'ll be joined by a representative from the CDFI Fund who will provide insights on current programs, policy updates, the broader CDFI landscape, and what to expect for FY2025 funding.

This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the funder in an intimate, interactive setting.

📅 Tuesday, June 23
🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. MT
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom link sent upon registration)

Register today! https://gowest.zoom.us/meeting/register/hx8SFSpmTK-UhdJTEH1Bkg

👫 If you’ve been considering applying, now’s the time to act - applications are due Friday, June 19.YP Leads at MAXX 202...
06/08/2026

👫 If you’ve been considering applying, now’s the time to act - applications are due Friday, June 19.

YP Leads at MAXX 2026 is a powerful leadership and professional development experience for emerging credit union professionals — designed to help you grow your skills, confidence, and network.

Selected participants receive:
✔️ Complimentary MAXX registration
✔️ Dedicated YP Leads sessions and orientation
✔️ Networking with peers and industry leaders
✔️ A yearlong mentorship tailored to your goals

This is your chance to invest in your future and expand your impact in the Credit Union Movement.

🗓 Apply by Friday, June 19
📍 MAXX 2026 | Denver, Colo.
👉 Learn more and apply: https://airtable.com/appLuuBHpwwluLkRj/pagk6zyaumEVXC4hd/form

What an incredible few days at the YP Summit!From learning how every role impacts the bottom line to exploring what it m...
06/03/2026

What an incredible few days at the YP Summit!

From learning how every role impacts the bottom line to exploring what it means to lead from where you are, this experience was packed with insights, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. We discussed the power of authentic networking, how credit unions can better communicate our difference, and how we can move from being individual organizations to a collective movement that creates lasting impact.

One of the biggest takeaways? The opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals and executives from credit unions across the region. Those conversations, perspectives, and relationships are what make events like this so valuable.

We also had the chance to meaningfully understand the impact of CU4Kids in action and be reminded that the work we do every day extends far beyond our own organizations.

The YP Summit is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity to grow as a leader, expand your network, and gain a deeper understanding of the credit union movement. These past few days have been filled with lessons and connections that we’ll carry long after returning home.

We’re off to a great start at the 2026 YP Summit! 🚀This morning we heard from Lindsey Myhre, CEO of STCU and Chris Jentg...
06/02/2026

We’re off to a great start at the 2026 YP Summit! 🚀

This morning we heard from Lindsey Myhre, CEO of STCU and Chris Jentges, CEO of Avista Corp. Credit Union during a session on How Your Role Impacts the Bottom Line.

One of the biggest takeaways? Every role matters.

Whether you’re serving members on the front line, supporting operations behind the scenes, or leading strategic initiatives, your work contributes directly to your credit union’s success. We explored what drives growth, supports financial stability, and how everyday decisions influence the bigger picture.

The session also broke down key financial concepts—including earnings, net worth, and growth—in a way that connected them to the work we do every day. Understanding the “why” behind the numbers helps all of us see how we contribute to our organization’s mission and long-term success.

It was inspiring to see attendees fully engaged—taking notes, sharing perspectives, and asking thoughtful questions. The energy in the room has been incredible, and we’re just getting started!

Hi, I’m Jorge!I am on my 2nd year as a GoWest YP, this time taking part of the Social Media Takeover as well for 2026’s ...
06/02/2026

Hi, I’m Jorge!

I am on my 2nd year as a GoWest YP, this time taking part of the Social Media Takeover as well for 2026’s YP Summit in Spokane, Washington!

My credit union journey began in 2024 joining Westmark Credit Union as a Relationship Development Officer. In my role, I strengthen community connections by building strategic partnerships, delivering financial education, and identifying opportunities that promote financial well-being.

I absolutely love what our movement is all about and I am so thankful I have the opportunity to be part of it through both GoWest and Westmark! People, community, relationships and all that come with it are what drive me to be better every day!

I look forward to sharing my time with you for these next two days!


Hey—I’m Taylar! 👋🏼I decided to and head to Spokane, Washington for the YP Summit, and I’m excited to be here taking pa...
06/02/2026

Hey—I’m Taylar! 👋🏼

I decided to and head to Spokane, Washington for the YP Summit, and I’m excited to be here taking part in the YP Social Media Takeover!

My credit union journey began as a kid eager to save money, opening my first share account at [then] Warren Federal Credit Union. Fast forward to 2021, when [now] Blue Federal Credit Union opened its state-of-the-art World Headquarters. I knew it was where I wanted to be.

I spent four years working toward that goal, and now, 10 months into my role as Executive Assistant to an incredible CEO and Executive Leadership Team, I couldn’t be more proud to wear the Blue name.

There’s something special about credit unions and the people behind them. It’s care. It’s community. It’s connection. It’s a movement that’s bigger than any one of us, and one that continues to make a difference in the lives of our members every day.

I can’t wait to share this experience with you over the next few days!

🔷 If you were attending the YP Summit, what would you want to know? Drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll do my best to get answers while I’m here! 🔷

Address

18000 International Boulevard Ste 1102
Seatac, WA
98188

Telephone

+18009959064

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