GoWest Board of Directors Spotlight: Matt Stephenson, Rogue Credit Union President & CEO

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 4, 2026

For more than two decades, Matt Stephenson has been a steady and influential voice in the Credit Union Movement — one grounded in service, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. As President and CEO of Rogue Credit Union for the past four years, and a Rogue team member for 22 years, Matt brings deep institutional knowledge and a movement-first mindset to every role he serves. That perspective has made him a trusted leader across not only the GoWest region but the entire industry.

A Commitment to the Movement

Matt joined the GoWest Board of Directors in 2025, filling a seat vacated by Pyramid Credit Union’s Ray Lancaster upon his retirement. His decision to serve was driven by a belief he has long held: that a strong, unified association is critical to the future of credit unions.

“I’m a strong advocate for the association and the critical role it plays for the success of our credit unions,” Matt said. “The work the association does is fantastic, especially on the advocacy side. Rogue Credit Union has consistently been at the table to make sure we do our part to support that work.”

When he was asked about board service, Matt saw it as an opportunity and a responsibility. “Being on the board is my way of supporting the Movement,” he said. “It felt like it was my turn.”

A Proven Advocate and Trusted Leader

Advocacy has been a cornerstone of Matt’s career. For more than a decade, he has served on the GoWest’s Oregon Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), co-chairing it the last two years. His association involvement also includes service on the Compliance Advisory Council, a state issues work group, and several other advisory boards.

He is a familiar presence at GoWest’s Oregon Credit Union Day at the Capitol and has attended the national GAC conference for the past 18 years.

“Advocacy is essential,” Matt said. “If credit unions aren’t at the table, there’s a real risk we’ll end up on the menu. We have a responsibility to speak up for what’s in the best interest of our members, push back against attacks from the banking industry, and build meaningful relationships with elected officials and other key influencers.”

Matt credits GoWest with helping align credit unions around shared priorities. “That’s what we need from the association — to get us all on the same page and then scream for us, while also building the connections behind the scenes at both the state and federal levels. GoWest has done an exceptional job at that.”

Leadership Beyond GoWest

Matt’s influence extends well beyond GoWest. He currently serves or has served in leadership roles with several organizations, including:

• Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines – Board of Directors
• Western Credit Union Management School (WCMS) – Associate Dean and Board of Trustees
• Federal Reserve Community Depository Institution Advisory Council (CDIAC)
• Southern Oregon University – Board of Trustees

His commitment to public service also includes time on his local city council and county budget committee, further reflecting his belief in civic engagement and community leadership.

Matt is quick to credit the support he receives at work. He said that Rogue Credit Union’s Board of Directors and EVP/COO Jeanne Pickens have consistently encouraged him to stay involved in both the movement and the broader community. “I feel very fortunate to have that level of support.”

Shaping the Next Generation of Credit Union Leaders

Among his many accomplishments, Matt is particularly proud of his long-standing involvement with Western Credit Union Management School (WCMS).

“I get to be a pretty substantial part of that experience for students,” he shared. “We put a lot of emphasis on balancing head and heart as a movement. Unlike traditional banking schools, we don’t just focus on finance and regulation — we go deep on credit union philosophy. I’m proud of the work we do to send people into the movement with both head and heart.”

At WCMS, Matt serves as an instructor, teaching strategy and finance. He also wrote and teaches a comprehensive financial simulation model that allows students to run a virtual credit union, and he oversees students’ annual strategic business plan projects. In addition, he serves on the school’s Board of Trustees, helping guide its long-term vision.

A Unifying Voice at a Critical Time

Matt believes the Credit Union Movement faces a pivotal moment — one that makes strong, collaborative leadership more important than ever.

“We’re in danger of being a little fractured as a movement,” he said. “And the last thing we want, especially when we’re under some of the most substantial political attacks we’ve seen in a while, is to be fractured. I see it as our responsibility to stay on the same page. I’m excited to be in a role where I can help be a diplomat and bring credit unions together.”

That focus on unity, combined with decades of experience, a strong advocacy record, and a genuine passion for developing future leaders, captures what defines Matt Stephenson as a leader. At a time when alignment and leadership matter more than ever, Matt exemplifies the values and vision of the Credit Union Movement.

Posted in Advocacy, Board of Directors, GoWest Association, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines.