Building Boards That Move Credit Unions Forward: A Conversation with Dan Stanton, Trona Valley FCU’s Board Chair

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on December 10, 2025

Strong boards don’t happen by accident — they’re built intentionally, over time, by leaders who understand their value. In recent conversations with Dan Stanton, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union Board Chairman, we explored how he has cultivated engaged, forward-thinking boards and what lessons he’s learned along the way.

Dan Stanton is no stranger to leadership. He’s a business owner, board chair, civic volunteer, and a diehard credit union evangelist. He’s helped shape the direction of his credit union for more than a decade — first on the supervisory committee, and for the past 14 years as a board member and chairperson. From the beginning, he’s led with curiosity, always encouraging his fellow directors to ask questions, stretch their thinking, and continue learning. Stanton has lived out the credit union philosophy for years — not for recognition, but because it’s just who he is.

Stanton won Distinguished Director of the Year honors at the 2025 GoWest Awards at MAXX. This award honors an individual who has displayed outstanding achievements and accomplishments as a credit union board member. He shared his perspectives on the future of board governance and the new GoWest resource and experience, VisionBoard, that is helping elevate board work.

How has your credit union built board strength over time?

According to Stanton, being intentional is important. Trona Valley has seven voting board members and two associate members. The associate members are important as they bring more voices and experiences to the board, and are an important part of succession planning.

Stanton stressed that it is important to take one issue or opportunity at a time. Board competency assessments were a need he identified for his board. Stanton had the board complete a skills survey where they learned that the board could use, for example, additional members with IT, legal, and multi-lingual skills. They used this information to intentionally look for new members with these skill sets.

How has your board been encouraged to develop their skills?

Stanton emphasized the value of continuous education for board members and the importance of networking and building relationships within the credit union industry. Their board has made it an expectation, but not a requirement, to attend some type of educational program, and is supported through their budget. He shared that their board also holds an annual board retreat. It is now designed and organized by a board committee, so they can address their top priorities during that time. Additionally, every board packet includes new development and educational opportunities that board members may take advantage of.

What do boards across all industries have in common and how are credit union boards different?

Credit union boards and those of other industries are different, but Stanton said there is a base requirement across the table of having a functioning board where everyone is respectful, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in board dynamics, and they have knowledge of how boards work. The difference, said Stanton, is that people are on a credit union board because they care about their community and use participation as a way to make a difference in their community

How has the advocacy component of serving on Trona Valley’s board impacted you, and would you encourage other board chairs and members to get involved?

Stanton said he’s truly come to enjoy the advocacy work and now looks forward to attending the GAC in Washington, D.C. each year. He noted that the access he has to senators and representatives is unrivaled to other states. Through this work, he has learned that creating meaningful change requires collaboration and strong relationships. Understanding the advocacy side of the credit union movement, he said, is essential for anyone who wants to help shape the future of their institution and the members they serve.

How can GoWest best support your efforts to strengthen and develop your board’s effectiveness?

Stanton said there is significant opportunity for GoWest to support board development by continuing to offer accessible, high-value resources. He noted that simply establishing a clear starting point for boards — along with curated, meaningful training sessions — can make a big difference.

He emphasized the importance of listening to board members to understand what development they need and then tailoring resources accordingly. Stanton added that the launch of VisionBoard will play a key role, offering a wide range of relevant topics and serving as a helpful refresher for both new and experienced board members.

GoWest’s New Board of Directors Experience: VisionBoard

Providing key learning components that leaders like Dan are sharing, credit union board leaders from across the country will gather for a transformational governance experience designed to strengthen strategic leadership, deepen collaboration, and inspire innovation. VisionBoard is designed to empower attendees to lead with clarity, adaptability, and confidence. This is where visionary governance takes root — and the future of credit union leadership comes to life.