“Leadership Is an Action, Not a Title”: YP Summit Takeaways Resonate

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on June 17, 2026

Seventy young professionals from across the GoWest region gathered in Spokane on June 2–3 for the YP Summit with a shared challenge: Own Your Impact.

Over two days of leadership development, executive conversations, and meaningful peer connections, attendees explored how influence isn’t determined by title, but by the choices we make every day to lead, serve, and strengthen our credit unions, our communities, and the Credit Union Movement.

Leading from Where You Are

From the opening session, a key message resonated throughout the Summit: leadership starts now.

Kevin Parker, CEO of Dutch Bros Coffee, delivered a keynote that many attendees described as transformative, encouraging young professionals to embrace leadership in their current roles rather than waiting for a title.

“Hearing Kevin speak made me realize I can lead even without a management position,” one attendee shared.

Another added, “Lead from where you are is so impactful…it got me back into gear, with a fire lit under me to not get comfortable and to continue to lead in my current position.”

That message carried into sessions focused on adaptive leadership, authenticity, and finding your “why.” Cyndi Donahue, Leadership Training & Development Director at Gonzaga University School of Leadership Studies, challenged attendees to connect their values to their work, helping them better understand how self-awareness and purpose translate into stronger leadership.

“One of my most meaningful takeaways came from Cyndi Donahue’s session on authentic connection and finding your ‘why,’” said Taylar Carter of Blue Federal Credit Union. “Her message helped me reconnect with my confidence and lean into my strengths.”

Understanding Impact Across Every Role

A standout theme of the Summit was the importance of recognizing how every role within a credit union contributes to overall success.

Through a candid executive discussion featuring Lindsey Myhre, CEO of STCU, and Chris Jentges, CEO of Avista Credit Union, attendees gained valuable insights into financial performance, growth, and strategy.

“Lindsey and Chris provided a clear and meaningful breakdown of earnings, net worth, and growth,” Carter shared. “It helped me better understand how both member-facing and support roles directly influence a credit union’s bottom line.”

For many, this reinforced a broader takeaway: impact isn’t limited to leadership positions — it exists in every function across an organization.

Building Confidence, Connection, and Community

Beyond the formal sessions, connection played a central role in the YP Summit experience.

Through networking opportunities and the popular Executive Connection session, attendees engaged directly with industry leaders, gaining real-world advice and perspective.

Leaders who spent time with YPs during the Executive Connection session include:

• Joyce Lockard, CEO, Responders Emergency Services Credit Union
• Deanna Hanley, CEO, Spokane City Credit Union
• Chris Loseth, CEO, P1FCU
• Chris Jentges, CEO, Avista Credit Union
• Kim Lybecker, VP, Retail Strategy & Optimization, BECU
• Kurtis Kelly, Community Development Director, Canopy Credit Union
• Lars Gilberts, VP, Market Development, Numerica Credit Union

“I found it very valuable to sit down with credit union leaders and ask for career advice,” one participant shared.

“It really opened my eyes to the broader Credit Union Movement,” added Julia Shepherd of White River Credit Union.

For many attendees, those conversations helped build confidence as much as knowledge.

“I went into the YP Summit with very little self-confidence. In just one afternoon, I was able to talk to multiple people with full confidence,” shared Kaitlyn Ruppert of WyHy Federal Credit Union. “I am learning to find my voice so I can stand up and be heard.”

Others highlighted how hearing diverse perspectives — from frontline staff to CEOs — reinforced the collective strength of the Credit Union Movement.

“I loved being able to connect with so many other young professionals and feel like I am truly part of something incredible,” one attendee said. “I walked away with so much pride, knowledge, and inspiration.”

A Lasting Impact on Leaders and Organizations

For attendees like Jessica Jones of Our Community Credit Union, the summit delivered both personal and professional growth.

“This conference strengthened my understanding that leadership is not tied to a title, but to the ability to positively influence those around you,” she shared. “I am better equipped to foster engagement, support my team’s development, and contribute to a positive culture at work.”

Across sessions, conversations, and connections, one message remained clear: owning your impact starts with intention — and it grows through action.

Investing in the Future Through Scholarships

For several attendees, the opportunity to participate in YP Summit was made possible through GoWest Foundation Professional Development Scholarships, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to developing the next generation of credit union leaders.

“This scholarship has meant a great deal to me both personally and professionally,” said Chelsey Phillips of Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union. “It provided an opportunity to attend a high-impact development experience that I may not have otherwise had access to.”

Phillips noted that the experience not only strengthened her own skills and confidence, but also created value for her credit union through new ideas, insights, and connections.

“Opportunities like this have a meaningful impact on the Credit Union Movement as a whole,” she said. “By investing in young professionals, we are building the next generation of leaders.”

Connor LeBeau of Grand Altitude Federal Credit Union echoed that sentiment. “This scholarship supports both my personal development and my growth as a leader within my credit union,” she said. “Opportunities like this strengthen the Credit Union Movement by empowering young professionals to advance with confidence, knowledge, and a commitment to serving others.”

Together, Owning the Future

As attendees returned to their credit unions, they carried with them new skills, stronger networks, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The 2026 YP Summit made one thing clear: when young professionals are equipped, empowered, and connected, they don’t just grow individually — they help strengthen the entire Credit Union Movement.

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