Talent Development Resource Center: A Hub for Organizational Best Practices and Resources

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 25, 2024

GoWest’s Talent Development Advisory Group’s goal is to help outline and promote pathways for growing future credit union industry leaders through association and credit union community development programs. With this goal in mind, the group created and maintains the Talent Development Resource Center on the GoWest website. 

Intended to serve as a hub of best practices and resources for credit unions across the GoWest region, there are tools in the resource center focused on organizational culture, career development, succession planning, employee engagement, and more. 

“The collective knowledge and experience represented in the GoWest Talent Development Advisory Group is a powerful tool for the GoWest region,” shared Carmen Vigil, GoWest’s SVP of Credit Union Engagement & Development. “These leaders working together have assembled a highly useful resource to share with their peers. I encourage all GoWest credit unions to start here when researching a leadership or talent development topic.” 

There are dozens of shared resources in a variety of categories, including: 

• Organizational Culture 

• Career & Leadership Development 

• Succession Planning 

• Upskilling 

• Training & Development Best Practices 

• HR Development & Knowledge Building 

• Employee Engagement 

• Innovation in the Workplace 

• Social Skills & Education 

• Periodicals & Articles 

• Vendors & Partners 

• Tools & General Resources 

• Performance Management 

“Every session we share ideas, offer assistance, and gain insights on a wide variety of topics the group has collectively identified as important across dozens of credit unions in six states,” said Brian Fassett, Co-Chair of the Talent Development Advisory Group and Advantis Credit Union’s Director of Learning & Development. 

“As we research future initiatives to support organizational effectiveness, this group invariably provides expert thought leadership on topics such as the use of generative AI, sales and service strategies, and navigating mergers and acquisitions,” explained Leah Friedenberg, Co-Chair of the Talent Development Advisory Group and Pima Federal Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Organizational Development. 

During quarterly sessions, advisory group members share strategies for effective talent management and development, lessons learned, and vendor-partners of choice. Because there is considerable scope in terms of organizational size and culture among group members, “there is truly relatable information for all,” Friedenberg added. 

“I always look forward to our meetings because I know I am going to learn something new and broaden my perspective due to the level of expertise, insight, and sharing that truly epitomizes the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” said Fassett “The Resource Center highlights all of this collaboration in a tool accessible to everyone.” 

Committee Nominations Are Open Now! 

“Connecting with credit union people leaders through the GoWest Talent Development Advisory Group has been a fantastic learning experience!” Friedenberg said. “I’ve been able to expand my network as I moved into a role in organizational development. This has proven to be valuable as our credit union launched new leadership development and learning programs.” 

“I have gained so much from participating in GoWest’s Talent Development Advisory Group these last two years,” shared Fassett. “It has given me a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new connections.” 

If you are interested in being a part of the 2025 Talent Development Advisory Group, submit your nomination today! 

Posted in GoWest Association, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines.