It Is “Credit Union Forward” at the 2025 Small Credit Union Conference

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 16, 2025

Small Credit Union CEO panel discuss

More than 100 leaders from 60 credit unions from across the country came together in Spokane, Wash., this week for the 2025 Small Credit Union Conference, co-hosted by GoWest Credit Union Association and America’s Credit Unions.

The theme, Credit Union Forward, captured the spirit of the event: transparent dialogue, problem-solving, and purposeful collaboration to drive member impact.

Scott Butterfield, from Your Credit Union Partner, emceed the event and helped attendees connect the dots following each panel and presentation. GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang welcomed attendees and emphasized the vital role small credit unions play in their communities and in shaping the future of the Movement.

Across panel sessions, table breakouts, and networking opportunities, attendees shared how collaboration is helping them do more with less — from co-negotiating vendor pricing to “loaning out” CFO-level or culture talent.

A standout session featured five Washington credit Union CEOs who regularly meet to share policies, support their credit union colleagues, and engage in real talk. “We get closer every time we meet,” one panelist said. “It’s become a must-have in my life — a space where we can talk about anything.

GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang (front, second from left) with attendees from the 2025 Small Credit Union Conference

An “Impact and Outreach” panel gave attendees tangible ideas for community involvement and difference-making in their communities, with the bottom line being that for small credit unions, it’s actually not about the bottom line on the balance sheets but about showing up to serve. Thought leaders igniting that discussion included Tyler Disburg, President and CEO of Casper, Wyo.-based Pathfinder Federal Credit Union, Kurtis Kelly, Marketing and Community Development Manager at Canopy Credit Union in Spokane, and Cathy Statz, who brought home the cooperative perspective as an outreach specialist for the International Centre for Co-operative Management.

On the advocacy front, GoWest’s Joe Adamack moderated a session featuring Meagan Barrett of Northern Colorado Credit Union, Amy Nelson of Point West Credit Union, and Will Hall of Newrizons Federal Credit Union. Their message: Advocacy doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Whether it’s meeting with a lawmaker over coffee or contributing to a podcast as a guest on the spirit of advocacy, every action helps move the needle.

“It’s not one party or another — it’s Credit Union Forward,” a panelist shared.

The conference also tackled fintech with a session on overcoming tech anxiety and finding innovation that fits small credit unions’ scale and mission. One memorable session focused on Artificial Intelligence. As recently as a year or two ago, some credit union leaders asked whether they should be using AI; now, the question is how they can leverage AI to streamline operations and enhance member experience. Conference attendees got solutions!

An attendee favorite feature was a hands-on strategic planning workshop guided by Tyler Valentine, CEO, StagePoint Federal Credit Union in Laramie. Attendees were tasked with planning a future for an “imaginary credit union,” leading to excited, high-energy conversation.

Throughout it all, the energy was collaborative, candid, and solution-focused.

“Stay humble, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” a panelist shared. “We’re building each other up — and building our future leaders while we’re at it.”

Posted in Across the Region, GoWest Association, Leadership, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines.