GoWest Honors Advocacy Leaders With 2026 Top of the Hill Awards

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 15, 2026

The Top of the Hill award is presented to two credit unions in each GoWest state and celebrates credit unions that demonstrate exceptional growth and leadership in advocacy, grassroots engagement, and public policy influence that protects and advances the Credit Union Movement. The 2026 winners were announced at the at the GoWest Awards Dinner and Gala at MAXX on Oct. 9.

“Top of the Hill credit unions are among our most powerful resources when advocacy calls for action,” said Jennifer Wagner, GoWest’s EVP and Chief Advocacy Officer, during the Top of the Hill presentation at the GoWest Awards. “They are leaders that go above and beyond to help elect champions, build relationships with state and federal policymakers, and attend advocacy events in force.”

Congratulations to the 2026 Top of the Hill Winners!

Arizona

Tucson Federal Credit Union and Pima Federal Credit Union

Tucson Federal Credit Union and Pima Federal Credit Union demonstrated a strong commitment to Arizona credit union advocacy through their leadership on GoWest committees, participation in Arizona Day at the Capitol, and engagement in Hike the Hill events and other federal advocacy efforts. Both credit unions prioritize building relationships with policymakers and championing issues that matter to credit unions and the members they serve. Their ongoing involvement helps strengthen the collective voice of Arizona credit unions and advance the priorities of the Movement.

Colorado

Credit Union of Denver

Credit Union of Denver played an important role in advancing Colorado credit union advocacy through policy expertise, legislative engagement, and strong participation in GoWest advocacy efforts. The credit union helped advance Colorado’s ASSET Act to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial fraud and exploitation, with Luke Justice, AVP of Risk and Compliance, providing committee testimony and sharing insights through media interviews. Through President and CEO Chris Wallace’s leadership as GAC co-chair, contributions to the State Issues Working Group, and active participation in Colorado Day at the Capitol and meetings with elected officials, Credit Union of Denver helps ensure credit union priorities are represented in policy discussions.

Minnequa Works Credit Union

Minnequa Works Credit Union has demonstrated a strong commitment to Colorado credit union advocacy through legislative engagement, policy expertise, and collaboration with industry partners. The credit union played a pivotal role in opposing Colorado’s proposed interchange legislation, including committee testimony from Sarah Rhule, VP of Risk & Compliance, and helped bring advocates and elected officials together by co-sponsoring the successful Legislative BBQ at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. Through President and CEO Nathan Cape’s leadership as GAC co-chair, contributions to the State Issues Working Group, and participation in Colorado Day at the Capitol and meetings with policymakers, Minnequa Works helps advance credit union priorities and strengthen the Movement’s collective voice.

Idaho

Responders Emergency Services Credit Union (RESCU)

Since becoming engaged in Idaho’s advocacy efforts, RESCU has quickly established itself as an active and committed partner. The credit union has been eager to learn, quick to get involved, and committed to finding meaningful ways to make an impact. Its energy and willingness to engage demonstrate how credit unions of every size can help strengthen advocacy and advance the priorities of the Movement.

St. Joe Valley Credit Union

St. Joe Valley Credit Union’s commitment to advocacy and support for the Credit Union Movement has made a meaningful impact. The credit union demonstrates that effective advocacy is not about size, but about consistently showing up, staying engaged, and supporting the issues that matter to credit unions and their members. Through PAC fundraising and ongoing participation in advocacy efforts, St. Joe Valley does its part to strengthen the collective voice of Idaho credit unions.

Oregon

Old West Federal Credit Union

Old West Federal Credit Union consistently shows up for Oregon credit union advocacy, participating in Credit Union Day at the Capitol, GoWest advocacy initiatives, and statewide efforts such as the Oregon Shared Prosperity Initiative. Through the leadership of CEO Kenneth Olson and its continued engagement in legislative and regulatory discussions, the credit union helps ensure rural perspectives are represented in conversations about financial access, small business lending, and community needs. Its commitment to advocating for Eastern Oregon strengthens the voice of rural communities and the Credit Union Movement across the state.

Consolidated Community Credit Union (CCCU)

CCCU has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Oregon credit union advocacy through year-round political engagement, strong PAC participation, and consistent grassroots involvement. Under the leadership of President and CEO Larry Ellifritz, the credit union plays an active role in statewide advocacy efforts, building relationships with policymakers and ensuring credit unions and their members are represented in legislative and regulatory discussions. By exceeding its 2026 PAC fundraising goal at 126.8% and engaging on issues affecting financial consumers, housing, lending, and access to affordable financial services, CCCU sets a strong example of advocacy in action.

Washington

STCU

STCU has made advocacy a priority throughout its organization, building strong relationships with elected officials, mobilizing grassroots support, and demonstrating the credit union difference through meaningful community engagement. From activating members during significant advocacy challenges to helping address issues such as FAFSA completion, STCU connects policymakers with the real-world impact of credit unions’ work. Its consistent engagement and willingness to respond to emerging issues help strengthen the voice of Washington credit unions and build understanding of the communities they serve.

NW Plus Credit Union

NW Plus Credit Union pairs meaningful legislative engagement with a community-centered approach to financial services, bringing its mission of “bringing humanity to financial services” to life. The credit union has hosted key legislators, including the state tax policy chair, engaged in partnerships such as the Small Business Resiliency Loan program, and expanded community relationships to increase financial access for underserved populations. By connecting policymakers with the needs of the communities they represent, NW Plus demonstrates how strong relationships and community impact can advance credit union advocacy priorities.

Wyoming

Blue Federal Credit Union

Blue Federal Credit Union has strengthened Wyoming credit union advocacy through consistent engagement with county commissioners, legislators, and legislative candidates. Team members across the organization build relationships with policymakers, share stories that connect credit union priorities to Wyoming legislative issues, and stand ready to engage at the Capitol during the legislative session. Their hands-on approach helps ensure policymakers understand the value credit unions bring to Wyoming communities and the members they serve.

Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union

Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union has helped ensure Wyoming’s voice is represented in advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, participating in Hike the Hill events in Washington, D.C., and Day at the Capitol in Cheyenne. The credit union has also significantly increased its PAC contributions, leading Wyoming credit unions in fundraising, while maintaining engagement with legislators and candidates. Its commitment to political advocacy and relationship building helps advance credit union priorities and strengthen the Movement’s collective voice in Wyoming.

Top of the Hill winners will also be recognized at each of their state’s Credit Union Day at the Capital next spring.

We are grateful for the partnership of these credit unions and their commitment to strengthening advocacy across the GoWest region. Their engagement helps ensure credit unions have a strong voice in the policy discussions that affect their members and communities. Congratulations!

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Leadership, MAXX, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Washington, Wyoming.