GoWest Celebrates State Flag Bearers for National GAC

Posted by Patti Hazlett on February 25, 2025

The state league opening flag ceremony, marking the commencement of the National Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. is a highly anticipated event showcasing the collaboration, commitment, and passion that is the difference of the Credit Union Movement.

Members from each state league/association carry their state flag down the aisle and display it on either side of the main stage. The parade usually has a festive feel, as flag bearers dress to impress, wearing jerseys or other items that uniquely represent their states.

GoWest is excited to announce this year’s flag bearers for the region and will be reporting from the GAC throughout the conference March 2-6.

Arizona

Karen Roch, President & CEO, Credit Union West – GAC Co-Chair

Under Karen’s leadership, the team at Credit Union West has heavily engaged in advocacy efforts in Arizona. The team at Credit Union West has become deeply involved in local advocacy efforts, with a large presence at the Days at the Capitol events. They actively engage with legislators, hosting conversations on key issues, and have shown a strong commitment to the cause by volunteering to testify on important legislation. Additionally, they purchased 250 of the “I’m a Credit Union Advocate” t-shirts for All Team Rally, celebrating advocacy throughout the credit union.

Credit Union West was a Top of the Hill award winner at MAXX, recognizing the organization’s outstanding advocacy efforts.

Colorado

Matt Gendron, Chief Engagement Officer, Ent CU

Matt has been a cornerstone of the credit union advocacy movement in Colorado for over 30 years, dedicating his career to advancing the interests of credit unions and serving the members of Ent Credit Union. A true advocate, Matt is a familiar face at the National Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), having attended the event nearly 20 times, where he consistently brings his strong leadership and deep credit union expertise to Capitol Hill. Throughout his tenure, Matt has also played a pivotal role in leading advocacy initiatives and PAC fundraising efforts at Ent Credit Union, further demonstrating his commitment to the credit union movement.

Idaho

Trisha Baker, President/CEO, Lewis Clark CU – GAC Co-Chair

Trisha Baker is the President & CEO of Lewis Clark Credit Union, a leader whose advocacy and fundraising efforts are exemplary. Under her leadership, Lewis Clark Credit Union has earned national recognition for its PAC fundraising efforts, receiving the prestigious Pinnacle Award in its asset category for two consecutive years—2023 and 2024. The credit union was recognized as one of the Top of the Hill Advocacy Award winners in 2024 at MAXX. Trisha serves as Co-Chair of the Idaho GAC and has been instrumental in organizing meetings with federal and state legislators at her credit union.

Oregon

Greg Mitchell, President/CEO, First Tech FCU

Greg Mitchell is the President and CEO of First Tech Federal Credit Union and has built a reputation as a strong advocate throughout his career. His leadership and passion extend beyond the credit union industry into community work, where he actively supports advocacy efforts that drive social impact. A noteworthy example of this is his involvement in raising over $15 million for Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) through the NW Classic, a significant contribution that showcases his commitment to making a difference both within the financial sector and in the broader community.

Washington

Frank Worden, Board Director, Community 1^st Credit Union

Frank Worden is a seasoned leader and advocate for the credit union industry. Now in his 51^st year of board service and credit union advocacy at both the Washington State and federal levels, he was recently recognized for his successful advocacy for transparent financing in recent Washington State consumer solar legislation. His deep commitment to the movement continues as he prepares to serve as an advisory board member on the Harborstone Credit Union board after their merger, expected to be completed in Q2 2025. Frank is a frequent attendee of key industry events, including Washington Credit Union Day Day at the Capitol and the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), where he regularly demonstrates his strong support and advocacy for credit unions.

Wyoming

Jeremy Gibson – President & CEO, Trona Valley FCU – GAC Go-Chair

Jeremy has been a staunch advocate in Wyoming. His commitment helped drive awareness, leading to a credit union-driven process and successful legislation that will bring an electronic lien and title program to the state. Additionally, he is always willing to testify on behalf of credit union priorities. His engagement helped lead to the overwhelmingly positive passage of Public Funds in the state, a huge win for credit unions and a long-time priority. He is also a leader in PAC giving, regularly challenging his counterparts to join in the vital practice of supporting credit union friendly legislators and candidates.

Trona Valley FCU was a Top of the Hill award winner at MAXX, recognizing the organization’s outstanding advocacy efforts.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Arizona Advocacy, Colorado Advocacy, Federal Advocacy, Idaho Advocacy, Oregon Advocacy, Washington Advocacy, Wyoming Advocacy.