GoWest Leaders Among Nation’s Newest Credit Union Development Educators

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 16, 2026

DE volunteers at Forward Gardens

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has named 54 leaders from across the United States as the next Credit Union Development Educators of 2026. The group earned their designation after completing the Foundation’s signature Credit Union Development Education (DE) program on Sept. 4.

Delivered as an immersive week-long, in-person experience, the DE program offers a transformative learning journey designed to strengthen leadership to improve financial well-being. Through collaborative group work, experiential learning, and interactive discussions, participants deepen their connection to the cooperative model while exploring how credit unions can create meaningful impact in their communities. Participants leave equipped with new perspectives, lasting relationships, and practical tools to help move the credit union mission forward.

This class joins a growing community of more than 3,500 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its launch in 1982.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our newest graduating class of certified Credit Union Development Educators,” said Executive Director Lauren Culp. “These credit union leaders of all levels join us with curiosity, heart, and a genuine desire to develop and improve their communities. And, they walk away with a trusted network of likeminded leaders, a deeper appreciation for the collaborative superpower of cooperatives, and a passion to change the world through credit unions.”

Congratulations to the September DE graduating class members from the GoWest region!

• Charles Torres, Unitus Community Credit Union (OR)
• Heather McBroom, Wings Credit Union (CO)
• Rebecca Mauth, Wings Credit Union (CO)
• Roxy Garcia, Credit Union West (AZ)

This DE class was hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wisc., as part of the Foundation’s ongoing DE partnership with TruStage to help cultivate purpose-driven leadership across the Credit Union Movement. As part of the immersive experience, participants volunteered with local organizations addressing food insecurity to put the credit union philosophy of People Helping People into action through community service. The volunteer experience is an important reminder in the DE program that financial well-being is built not only through products and services, but through relationships, community partnership, and a shared commitment to supporting people through life’s challenges.

“There is nothing quite like watching a new DE class come together,” said Christopher Morris, Senior Program Director, DE. “They arrive from different organizations, roles, and communities, and in just a few days, they’ve built a network that will stay with them long after they leave Madison. As we prepare to open registration for our 2027 classes this fall, this group has us even more excited about who will walk through the doors next and how they’ll add their own energy, ideas, and experiences to the DE community.”

As the Foundation continues investing in leadership development across the Credit Union Movement, the DE program will expand opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and lead with purpose. Dates for the 2027 DE classes and scholarship applications are now posted on the Foundation website.

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines.