Driving Collective Impact: Three Credit Union Leaders Join the GoWest Foundation Board 

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on December 4, 2024

The GoWest Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new credit union leaders to the Foundation Board: Ali Migaki, Chief Retail Officer, iQ Credit Union (WA); Larry Ellifritz, President and CEO, Consolidated Community Credit Union (OR); and Ning Duong, SVP and Chief Operating Officer, Credit Union West (AZ). 

 “I am excited to welcome these dynamic leaders to serve on the GoWest Foundation Board,” shared Sharee Adkins, GoWest’s EVP/Chief Impact Officer and Foundation Executive Director. “As longtime champions of credit union collaboration, Ali, Larry, and Ning will be tremendous assets in supporting the Foundation’s collective impact work as we expand opportunities for credit unions across the GoWest region to meaningfully engage in initiatives that strengthen the financial prosperity of their communities.”   

The GoWest Foundation works alongside credit unions and regional leaders to catalyze collaborative solutions for improving access to workforce housing, rural access to financial services, and small business support. The new directors were unanimously elected by the Board at the Foundation Board meeting on Nov. 19. 

Ali Migaki

“I’m thrilled to join the GoWest Foundation board, where I can further the mission of People Helping People and contribute to a movement that’s all about empowering individuals and communities,” shared Migaki, who has 29 years of experience in iQ’s retail banking services.

Larry Ellifritz

Ellifritz has 33 years of experience in financial services with nearly half of his career serving as CEO of Consolidated Community Credit Union. “It has been a real pleasure working with the GoWest Foundation and its team members over the years,” Ellifritz said. “I look forward to supporting their mission and leveraging our collective strength to further enhance our communities.” 

Ning Duong

“I’m passionate about supporting communities and empowering individuals through financial inclusion, which is why I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on the GoWest Foundation’s Board,” explained Duong, who has been in the financial services industry for 25 years in various executive leadership roles. “Credit unions are uniquely positioned to create positive social change by providing access to financial services and support for those who are often underserved.”

Friends of the Foundation Director Elected

The GoWest Foundation is also pleased to announce the results of the recent Friends of the Foundation Director election. Nora Carpenter, retired President and CEO of the United Way of Treasure Valley and current GoWest Foundation Director, was elected by acclamation and will assume another three-year term beginning in December 2024.

Board Liaison Directors Named

In addition, the GoWest Association Board Chair has appointed Tracie Wilcox, President and CEO of On Tap Credit Union in Golden, Colo., as the new liaison to the Foundation Board for a one-year term. The Foundation Board extends its gratitude to Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn, who served as the liaison for the past year, for her dedicated service. 

The GoWest Foundation works with credit unions and community partners throughout the GoWest region to provide solutions to pressing issues impacting the financial health of the people and communities they serve. The GoWest Foundation looks forward to working with the entire Foundation Board to drive meaningful credit union collective impact in 2025. 

GoWest credit unions can apply for planning and implementation grants to launch innovative products and services that address workforce housing, rural access to financial services, and small business barriers. For more information about the GoWest Foundation, please visit gowestfoundation.org. 

Posted in Arizona, GoWest Foundation, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.