Top Advocacy Honors Announced at MAXX

October 17, 2024

Advocacy to protect and enhance credit unions’ operating environment is “Job One” for GoWest, and there is a role for every credit union employee and board member in this mission.  Wednesday night as MAXX 2024 concluded in Denver, the region’s top advocacy awards were announced.

Dan Thurman, CEO of Frontier Credit Union in Idaho Falls, was honored as the Summit Advocate of the Year. The Summit Advocate Award is presented to a credit union professional who demonstrates commitment and leadership in credit union advocacy and recognizes that participation in the legislative and political process is essential for the long-term prosperity of the Credit Union Movement.

While leading Frontier CU to a new era of growth through financial stability, developing a thriving internal culture, and contributing to a more vibrant local community, Thurman also embedded the values of advocacy throughout every level of the credit union — including not only the executives but also the frontline team.  Since becoming CEO five years ago, Thurman led the credit union to double its assets, and to become one of the Gem State’s fastest growing credit unions. Through all of that he has been a steadfast advocate not only for Frontier, but for all credit unions across Idaho, and the nation. Thurman is recognized as a leading voice for the people-over-profit financial services model, inclusion, and community support.  His personal engagement has been strong and steady as a former Chair of the Idaho Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the GoWest Credit Union Association Board of Directors.

On Thurman’s watch, Frontier has built its own internal Governmental Affairs Team. They host town halls and invite political leaders into the credit union for face-to-face, meaningful discussions.

(Thurman is pictured receiving the Summit Advocate award with, from left-to-right, GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang, Chief Impact Officer and GoWest Foundation Executive Director Sharee Adkins, Thurman, GoWest’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Jennifer Wagner, Ryan Fitzgerald, GoWest’s SVP, Advocacy, and Zach Forster, VP, Legislative Affairs for Idaho.)

Also spotlighted during the MAXX awards gala were twelve credit unions with teams that went “above and beyond” in advocacy engagement that helped to shape successful state and/or federal engagement.  Congratulations to the following Top of the Hill credit unions:

• Arizona — Credit Union West, First CU
• Colorado –Columbine FCU, SunWest CU
• Idaho–Lewis Clark CU, Westmark CU
• Oregon — Mid Oregon CU, Rogue CU
• Washington — Gesa CU, TAPCO CU
• Wyoming — Trona Valley FCU, UniWyo CU

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.