Congratulations to the 2024 Graduates of GoWest’s Leadership Institute

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 1, 2024

2024 Leadership Institute's Arizona Cohort

GoWest Credit Union Association is proud to announce the graduates of the 2024 Leadership Institute. The 37 graduates, who represent 27 credit unions from across the GoWest six-state region, have demonstrated their commitment to building the talent pipeline and advancing the priorities of credit unions.   

Innovative leaders are crucial to advancing the Credit Union Movement, and GoWest’s signature leadership development programs – Leadership Institute and Advanced Leadership Program – empower graduates by giving them the confidence, decisiveness, and strategy they need to shape up-and-coming generations. 

“Leadership is not merely a position or job title; it’s a skill to be learned and practiced. This realization shifted my perspective, empowering me to make decisions with greater confidence and show up in spaces without the baggage of impostor syndrome,” explained Katie Caldwell, Senior Talent Aquisition Partner, Salal Credit Union. “Defining my core values has been equally transformative, serving as a constant reminder to focus my energy on what truly matters and to align my actions with my leadership philosophy.” 

2024 Leadership Institute’s Colorado & Wyoming Cohort

The eight-month long program includes in-person workshops and virtual sessions that develop leaders’ essential skills in areas such as change management, mentoring, and supervision while also providing guidance on building a leadership brand and exemplifying values-based management. 

“Learning the value of servant leadership has changed my approach with my team, colleagues, members, and even my family,” said Jamie Gaffney, Director of Business Services, OnTap Credit Union. “The program provided tools for navigating change effectively, understanding the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication.” 

“Participating in the program sharpened my leadership philosophy by encouraging me to reflect deeply on my values and leadership style,” shared Danielle Valenzano, VP of Leadership Development and DEI, Arizona Financial. “It helped affirm the importance of leading with integrity and authenticity, and the curriculum’s focus on values-based leadership really resonated with me. I learned how to align my personal leadership brand with the credit union’s mission, which gave me the confidence to continue taking on more strategic leadership roles.”  

Congratulations to 2024 Leadership Institute Graduates! 

Colorado & Wyoming Cohort
Colorado 

• Jeremy Croker – Bellco Credit Union 
• Joshua Cragg – Bellco Credit Union 
• Ana Arneros – Fitzsimons Federal Credit Union 
• Kristi Bacca – Minnequa Credit Union 
• Xochime Tafoya – Minnequa Credit Union 
• Gayle Bennett – Climb Credit Union 
• Teagan Griffith – Colorado Credit Union 
• Bailey Fisher – Colorado Credit Union 
• Alazae Cumplido – Colorado Credit Union 
• Kara Reis – Metrum Community Credit Union 
• Anna Preble – Elevations Credit Union 
• Jamie Gaffney – OnTap Credit Union 

Wyoming 

• Kourtney Hanger – Atlantic City Credit Union 
• Dunia Bloem – UniWyo Federal Credit Union 
• Krista McGahan – UniWyo Federal Credit Union 
• Josh Calvert – UniWyo Federal Credit Union 
• Chanelle Kizzire – Trona Valley Federal Credit Union 
• Suzette Williams – WyHY Federal Credit Union 
• Jamie Hysell – WyHY Federal Credit Union 
• Brandon Eberle – Meridian Trust Credit Union 

Arizona Cohort 

• Cara McCarthy – Vantage West Credit Union 
• Alvaro Astorga – Vantage West Credit Union 
• Anna Figueroa – Pyramid Federal Credit Union 
• Conrad Rodriguez – Pyramid Federal Credit Union 
• Nicole Armeli – Credit Union West 
• Danielle Valenzano – Arizona Financial Credit Union 
• Julie Bokuniewicz – First Credit Union 

Washington & Oregon Cohort
Washington 

• Katie Caldwell – Salal Credit Union 
• Danny Mendoza – Verity Credit Union 
• Rosa Thorpe Juarez – Harborstone Credit Union 
• Ashley Walker – Industrial Credit Union 
• Lori Dickie – Fibre Federal Credit Union 
• Meredith Hallinan – GoWest Credit Union Association 

 Oregon 

• Julie Frye – Rivermark Community Credit Union 
• Kaity Wittig – Rivermark Community Credit Union 
• Josie Murillo – Consolidated Community Credit Union 
• Ivanna Ramsdal – Northwest Community Credit Union, a Division of TwinStar Credit Union

2024 Leadership Institute’s Oregon & Washington Cohort

“I have already implemented much of what I learned to enhance my leadership style and approach to opportunities within my credit union,” said Anne Preble, Marketing Operations Manager, Elevations Credit Union. “The experience surpassed my expectations, and I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop as a leader, whether currently in a leadership role or aspiring to be one.” 

 “Whether you’re a seasoned manager or at a pivotal point in your career where you can start integrating leadership tactics, participating in a cohort that emphasizes values-based leadership and emotional intelligence can be transformative,” continued Caldwell. “The collaborative environment fosters deep connections, allowing participants to learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. This program not only equips individuals with essential skills but also inspires a greater sense of purpose and alignment in their leadership journey.” 

“It is a transformative experience that equips participants with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive as leaders,” Gaffney concluded. 

Location and online registration information for the 2025 Leadership Institute and Advance Leadership Program will be available soon. Please contact Layna Officer, Director of Credit Union Leadership and Talent Development, at [email protected] for more information about the 2025 programs. 

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.