GoWest Board of Directors Spotlight: Stephanie Propps, Blue Federal Credit Union President & CEO

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 18, 2026

Stephanie Propps has never viewed leadership as a title — she sees it as a responsibility. Over her 26-year career at Blue Federal Credit Union, including 21 years as President and CEO, she has helped shape not only her own organization, but the broader credit union movement. Her long record of service on association boards reflects a deep-rooted belief in cooperation, advocacy, and the importance of showing up when the industry needs a steady voice.

A Believer in the Association Model

Stephanie’s board service began while she was with a small credit union in Casper, Wyo. At the time, the state league was a critical support system for small institutions navigating regulatory and operational challenges.

“I really needed the support of the league, so I built a really good relationship with that group and became a believer early on,” she said. “I’ve always supported and believed associations have a great place in the industry and fulfill an important need.”

Since then, she has served many years on association boards, including the Wyoming, Wyoming-Colorado, Mountain West, and GoWest Credit Union Association. Over the years, she has seen firsthand how an association can meet multiple needs at once — from advocacy and compliance support to leadership development and community building.

“Watching the work that GoWest does is really impressive,” Stephanie said. “The advocacy piece is also imperative for credit unions of all sizes, and GoWest has truly filled a void in our region.”

Advocacy Rooted in Purpose

For Stephanie, advocacy is not just about policy — it is about protecting members and preserving trust.

“There are so many things we want to protect — our tax status, regulation concerns, NCUA oversight,” said Stephanie. “But at the end of the day, who do I represent? My members. And GoWest represents its members, which is us. It’s about staying relevant and staying trusted.”

She believes credit unions occupy a unique and “sacred” space in financial services — one grounded in independence, resilience, and cooperative values. “I would hate for that to be jeopardized by being lumped in with much larger institutions,” she said. “It’s really about our members, protecting consumers, and maintaining their trust in us as a credible source of financial services.”

Stephanie has attended the majority of national GAC conferences in Washington, D.C., since becoming CEO and is an active participant in state-level advocacy efforts. In Wyoming, she was proud to be part of the successful effort to pass public funds legislation — a long-sought goal for credit unions in the state.

“To watch the advocacy piece come to life in Wyoming and achieve something I never imagined we could. That speaks volumes to the work being done,” she said. “It’s an exciting time to be part of it.”

She also sees a noticeable shift in how policymakers engage with credit unions. “I can remember days at the capitol when it felt like representatives didn’t really understand who we are. I don’t feel that way now. They’re listening. We’re making a difference. It’s a joy to talk about something you’re passionate about and have someone actually listen.”

Leadership Across the Movement

Stephanie remains actively engaged in shaping the future of the industry, currently serving on the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Board, the Western Credit Union Management School Board, and the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Her involvement with the Federal Reserve has provided an opportunity to collaborate with both credit union and banking peers, broadening perspectives and strengthening dialogue across the financial services landscape. “It’s been really interesting work, especially in this environment,” Stephanie shared. “I’ve really enjoyed that different flavor of participation.”

Investing in the Next Generation

If there is one theme that consistently defines Stephanie’s leadership, it is her commitment to developing the next generation of credit union leaders.

“If there’s one legacy I hope to leave, it’s a strong and prepared next generation of credit union leaders,” she said.

That commitment shapes her work with Western Credit Union Management School and CUES, both of which prioritize leadership development. “We want to equip them with all the tools and skills they need — including the soft skills that come with leadership,” she said. “You want to make sure what you’ve committed to can be carried on.”

She brings that same mindset to her own team, encouraging emerging leaders to step forward. “Don’t wait. Start now,” she tells them. “If you want to be part of something, you have to step up and have a voice.”

Stephanie is energized by the growing interest among younger professionals in advocacy and industry leadership. “We have more advocacy representation than ever, and this new generation is saying, ‘Hey, I want to get involved.’ It’s really fun to watch.”

A Cooperative Spirit That Endures

Throughout her career, Stephanie has remained grounded in the cooperative mentality that first drew her to credit unions.

“It’s a cooperative spirit,” she said. “I’m just really happy I get a chance to be part of it.”

Whether serving her credit union, her state, or the broader GoWest community, she continues to approach leadership with gratitude, conviction, and a clear sense of responsibility — always with members at the center and the future of the movement firmly in mind.

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