Two GoWest-Region Leaders Receive CU Movement’s Top Honor

Posted by Lynn Heider on March 4, 2025

As thousands of credit union advocates gathered in Washington DC for the National Governmental Affairs Conference, the spotlight was on some of the Credit Union Movement’s most impactful leaders.

Monday, the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Dinner celebrated the outstanding achievements of three individuals and one credit union league; and two of those honors recognized leaders from the GoWest region.

Teri Robinson, President & CEO of Ironworkers USA FCU was honored for being a transformational leader. She led her team in saving a credit union that was on the brink of financial disaster to become successful.

“Under her stewardship, Ironworkers USA FCU has achieved extraordinary growth—expanding tenfold in size in less than 15 years—a testament to her vision and dedication,” noted the National Credit Union Foundation in announcing Robinson’s award.

Robinson is known for a hands-on approach to leadership, often stepping out to the frontlines to talk with members personally, going the extra mile to help them better manage their finances. One of her proudest accomplishments at Ironworkers was getting approval for the Portland-based credit union to obtain a national charter, providing Ironworkers across the country with the opportunity to become members. Her quote from the awards mainstage sums up her determination.

“Don’t tell me how you can’t do it,” she said. “Tell me how you can.”

Awards in the Credit Union movement most often recognize CEOs for their decades of contributions, but one of this year’s honors spotlights an unsung hero–Deborah Wege, Cooperative Community Advocate at BECU in Tukwila Washington.

“Debbie embodies the spirit of the credit union mission, bringing joy, kindness, and a relentless commitment to service every day,” the Foundation’s announcement noted.

From the time she began her career as a loan officer nearly 35 years ago, Wege has gone the extra mile to help not only every member she’s encountered, but to help her colleagues grow as well. She established the credit union’s first diversity training program, launched volunteer programs, and helped to establish BECU’s giving strategy, increasing its community commitment from $100,000 a year into the millions. She has also made a mark developing financial education strategies.

Her certification as an International Credit Union Development Educator (I-CUDE), she has said, helped her uncover her purpose.

“I think my purpose is to help others find their purpose,” Wege said as she accepted her award.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Federal Advocacy.