Kim Withers, Wyoming Financial Services Leader, Receives National Honor

Posted by Katy Wagnon on March 11, 2024

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Kim Withers, Wyoming Financial Services Leader, Receives National Honor

Withers is one of 16 visionaries inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2024)—Kim Withers, who retired early this year as President and CEO of Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, has received a national honor for her visionary leadership in the financial services industry.

Withers was inducted last week into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders, during the America’s Credit Unions National Governmental Affairs Conference. She joined 15 other financial services leaders in receiving the recognition this year. The Credit Union House serves as a gathering place for credit union leaders visiting the nation’s capital, connecting them to federal policymakers. The Hall of Leaders recognizes exceptional professionals who’ve dedicated their careers to perpetuating the cooperative credit union mission, and “people helping people” philosophy.

Withers dedicated 40 years of service to the financial services industry, 32 of those years as CEO of Meridian Trust.

“It has been such a wonderful journey, working in the Credit Union Movement,” Withers said. “To think back several decades, when it was a fraction of the size it is today, it’s gratifying to see an industry with more than $2 trillion in financial assets and serving more than 130 million people, it’s really a tremendous asset for all people.”

On Withers’ watch, Meridian Trust saw unprecedented member and asset growth. Today the credit union maintains a 12-branch network across three states, serves more than 40,000 members, and protects $680 million in assets. Throughout her leadership, Meridian Trust ranked among the nation’s top 50 credit unions (by asset size) in Return to the Member (ROM), measured by overall lower loan interest rates, higher interest paid on deposits, and low fees.

Withers was nominated for the Hall of Leaders honor by GoWest Credit Union Association, which represents the credit unions serving Wyoming.

“Kim Withers is so deserving of this recognition,” said Bobbie Frank, GoWest’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs for Wyoming. “The results in growth of membership and expansion of Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union after she assumed the CEO role speaks volumes to her

leadership capability and commitment to serving the state and region. Under her tenure the North Star Foundation was formed and honors our military heroes while raising funds for those in need and her commitment to community service is evident through her work.”

Some of Withers’ community work includes supporting a cooperative credit union initiative to erase $100,000 in school lunch debt, ensuring thousands of Wyoming children get a nutritional lunch at school, and during weekends. She also served on the Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Board and Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum Board. One of her favorite community contributions was being a Girl Scout Troop Leader focused on empowering girls to run the troop like a business and create their own opportunities. Her business leadership has been recognized numerous times, including the first “Wyoming Women of Influence” award for banking and finance, in 2013.

“The Credit Union House Hall of Leaders is a unique opportunity to recognize individuals who have made incredible contributions and have had a tremendous influence on our movement at the local, state, or national level,” said Patrick LaPine, Credit Union House chair. “This lasting recognition at the Capitol Hill facility for these outstanding leaders is an inspiration to the future champions of our movement.”

Withers retired in January 2024, but clearly, her influence on cooperative credit unions serving more than 130 million consumers across America, will be long lasting.

About GoWest Credit Union Association

GoWest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. GoWest advocates on behalf of more than 300 member credit unions, and their 17.4 million consumer members. The region’s not-for-profit cooperative credit unions take a bold, innovative, and forward-thinking approach to improving the lives of their members and enriching their communities.

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