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United in Purpose: Introducing GoWest’s 2026 Committees and Advisory Groups

Posted by on January 7, 2026

GoWest is pleased to announce the credit union professionals who will serve on its committees and advisory groups in 2026. Each new member will help drive the strategic priorities of the Credit Union Movement forward and plays a vital role in ensuring our efforts are aligned, collaborative, and impactful.

“When my credit union joined GoWest, I realized it’s not just a board running our association, it’s the work that’s done at the committee level that shapes who we are,” said Jay Curtis, President and CEO of First Credit Union and GoWest Board Chair.

This year, we have more than 400 professionals leading and serving on these 14 strategic committees from 144 different credit unions of all sizes and perspectives across our six-state credit union family network.  “That level of vast grass root participation and contribution of talent is a superpower and differentiator of the GoWest Association,” added Curtis.

Visit 2026 Committees & Advisory Groups to see the complete list of this year’s members.

 

2026 Committees, Advisory and Working Groups include:

State Governmental Affairs Committees (AZ, CO, ID, OR, WA, WY) are dedicated to identifying and advancing the best current and future operating environment for credit unions at the federal and state levels. Committee members ensure credit unions have the tools they need to remain distinctive, relevant, and trusted partners, serving consumers with dedication.

Small Credit Union Advisory Council is comprised of dedicated credit union CEOs passionate about the ongoing success of small credit unions. The Advisory Council will guide resource and content development for programs aimed at credit unions with assets of $250M or less.

Regulatory Advisory Committee plays a proactive role in influencing regulatory efforts as part of the comprehensive GoWest advocacy strategy. Working in close collaboration with the Association staff, committee members are dedicated to shaping responsible rules and regulations that impact credit unions, ensuring their relevance and appeal to consumers seeking not-for-profit credit unions as their trusted financial partners.

Grassroots & Political Engagement Committee advances and powers GoWest’s advocacy programs. Their mission is to inform and empower credit union leaders, fostering a culture of active engagement in grassroots and political initiatives. By evaluating and developing modern grassroots advocacy tools, the committee strengthens participation in the legislative and political process, elevating the influence of the Credit Union Movement in the six states.

Defense Fund Oversight Sub-Committee plays a crucial role in our Association’s advocacy strategy by providing diligent oversight of a robust and strategic defense fund. As a sub-committee, its primary responsibility is to offer expert guidance on defense fund expenditures in strict accordance with the fund’s covenants. These covenants center on appropriate and effective fund utilization and fundraising strategies, dedicated to special purpose advocacy funding for extraordinary circumstances.

Innovation Acceleration Committee works to help find solutions that deliver measurable, tangible value across the six-state ecosystem. This committee works with Association staff to connect innovative solutions with credit unions to advance solutions, products, and resources that deliver tangible value to consumers.

Talent Development Advisory Group shares best practices and analyzes market trends to help outline and promote pathways for growing future credit union industry leaders through Association and Credit Union Community development programs.

PR Influence and Proactive Storytelling Working Group brings together the best and brightest minds across credit union public relations and communication teams to brainstorm and develop proactive messaging plans for the GoWest credit union community.

Recognition Advisory Group is responsible for helping align the recognition efforts that shine a light on the credit unions and the people who have significantly raised the bar on the achievable outputs and results in sustaining and advancing the charter and operating environments, the value that is generated and delivered to the membership and the collective impact in the communities.

Congratulations to all the credit union professionals who will be working this year to help shape the future of our Movement!

If you have any questions or are interested in joining a committee in the future, please contact GoWest’s Director of Credit Union Engagement and Outreach, Amy Rovig.

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Compliance Resources, Idaho, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.

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