Meet the 2024 GoWest Award Winners!

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 7, 2024

After a record-breaking number of nominations and a competitive review, GoWest Credit Union Association proudly announced the winners of the 2024 GoWest Awards on Oct. 16 at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala at MAXX 2024. The GoWest Awards have eight main categories – four to spotlight credit unions and four honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the Movement.

“This is one of my favorite evenings because it’s all about our member credit unions,” said GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang. “The amount of nominations and momentum pushing forward the Credit Union Movement is absolutely inspiring. Credit unions continue to improve, bring value to their members, and bring innovative ideas to life. A huge congratulations to the winners, and applause to the finalists and nominees!”

The winners of the 2024 GoWest Awards are:

Employee Experience – Blue Federal Credit Union, Wyoming

This award recognizes a credit union that has built a culture of growth by creating a positive work environment, providing tools for success, and supporting career development every step of the way. Blue Federal Credit Union enrolled 40 employees in a two-year Emerging Leadership Program, achieved an impressive 27% internal promotion rate, reduced turnover by nearly 11%, logged over 4,000 hours of volunteerism, and offered their employees enhanced benefits like 24 hours of earned time off for every 24 hours of completed volunteer time.

Member Program  – First Tech Federal Credit Union, Oregon

This award celebrates a credit union that has developed a unique initiative, business model, program, or service that directly addresses the local, social, cultural, or economic needs of its members. First Tech discovered a void in the financial services system and built a program to serve a niche and historically underserved community: foster youth. By focusing on foster youth, they’ve created a path toward financial wellness for individuals who don’t often have access to these opportunities.

Community Impact – Fitzsimons Credit Union, Colorado

This award goes to a credit union that has demonstrated the value of its unique structure through a comprehensive approach to community impact. Fitzsimons Credit Union made a substantial impact on its community by providing access to financial services and opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring everyone has the means to save, invest, and pursue their financial aspirations. With nearly 6% unbanked and 12% underbanked individuals and families in the Denver area, Fitzsimons strengthens its community through a commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers.

Cooperation in Action – Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, Arizona

Hughes Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, Pyramid Federal Credit Union, Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union, and Vantage West Credit Union

This award highlights credit unions that live out the spirit of cooperation, demonstrating what’s possible when the credit union industry comes together in service of members and communities. Poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and chronic health conditions contribute to food insecurity for many citizens. Paired with unique challenges brought on by summer weather, these six credit unions stepped up to address a critical need through a season of extreme heat. Together, they recruited 53 volunteers to deliver 530 meals and raised more than $12,000 in donations for a cherished local nonprofit.

Distinguished Director of the Year – Nicole Davison León from Unitus Community Credit Union, Oregon

The Distinguished Director is someone who has displayed outstanding achievements and accomplishments as a credit union board member. Credit union board members are vital mentors and leaders in the credit union movement; they bring an abundance of wisdom and influence and embody the People Helping People spirit that makes credit unions so different.

Nicole demonstrates commitment and leadership in credit union advocacy, community service, and the ongoing success of her credit union. Through her lived experiences, she brings a unique perspective to the Board, ensuring equitable access to financial products and services. She has championed the credit union’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nicole amplifies the voices of those who do not have a seat at the table and is dedicated to the credit union philosophy. Her efforts in fostering deep connections with the Latino community and stakeholders have significantly enhanced industry engagement with underrepresented voices.

Young Professional of the Year – Scott Sager from Colorado Credit Union, Colorado

Scott has been involved in the Credit Union Movement for more than a decade. From the start of his credit union career, he has demonstrated a strong drive to further the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, to lift up his credit union colleagues and fellow young professionals, and to whole-heartedly serve his members and his community.

Everything Scott does is built around developing a strong network of credit union advocates in his region. He was instrumental in establishing his local Young Credit Union Professionals group. In his seven years of service with the group, he helped found and played a key role in developing GoWest’s annual Young Professional Summit.

Summit Advocate – Dan Thurman, CEO of Frontier Credit Union, Idaho

This award is presented to a credit union professional who demonstrates commitment and leadership in credit union advocacy and recognizes participation in the legislative and political process is essential for the long-term success of the Credit Union Movement.

Dan personifies leadership by example. He is a voice for people over profit, financial inclusion, and community support, helping to shape policies that protect credit union members and ensure the next generation of credit unions will thrive. He has brought a new era of growth to his credit union through financial stability and strength, recognizing the opportunity to evolve through expansion, developing a thriving internal culture, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community, and embedding the values of advocacy throughout every level of the organization — from the frontline staff to the executive team.

Dan began his credit union journey in 2002, is a steadfast advocate for credit unions across Idaho and the nation, and has led efforts that will have a lasting impact on the industry.

Summit Icon – Teri Robinson, CEO of Ironworkers USA Credit Union, Oregon

This prestigious award recognizes a credit union professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership in the Credit Union Movement in advocacy efforts, social responsibility, credit union philosophy, and community impact.

Teri embodies the spirit of the credit union industry and is a fierce catalyst for improving her members’ financial lives. Her deep understanding of the Movement shines through in every action she takes. And it’s not just about financial services for her, it’s about people. Whether she’s personally sitting down with a member to tackle challenges or coaching her team to help members steer clear of predatory lenders, boost their credit, or achieve homeownership, her commitment is unmatched. She fully understands the unique needs of her members and is relentless in her passion for their personal growth and financial well-being. Her work inspires others and is a true gift to the Credit Union Movement.

Congratulations to the winners of the GoWest Awards! 

Posted in Community Impact, Leadership, MAXX.