GoWest YPs Are Ready to Crash the GAC

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 26, 2025

Crash the GAC 2024 Participants

Crashing the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. is an unforgettable experience for young professionals who want to get more involved in the Credit Union Movement. It’s a chance to see firsthand how advocacy works, meet industry leaders, and connect with other YPs who share the same passion.

Crashers don’t just attend the conference – they get exclusive sessions, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes access that helps them grow both personally and professionally. But more than anything, it’s about being part of a community, bringing fresh energy to important conversations, and leaving with new ideas and connections that can make a real impact back home.

The 2025 Crash the GAC marks the 16th anniversary of the event and is comprised of 55 talented credit union professionals from across the country – eight from GoWest member credit unions – who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the industry. The Crashers were selected from hundreds of applicants and have shown a commitment to advancing the values and principles that define the Credit Union Movement.

Congratulations to the Crashers from GoWest member credit unions!

• Ally Wiliams, Canvas Credit Union (CO)
• Mikala Tomkins, Ent Credit Union (CO)
• Chance Hartley, CapEd Credit Union (ID)
• Laura Henry, OCCU (OR)
• Rafael Saucedo, BECU (WA)
• Sarah Ballard, Harborstone Credit Union (WA)
• Mary Salas, Blue Federal Credit Union (WY)
• Amelia Thompson, Black Hills Federal Credit Union (SD/WY)

“I had my first real exposure to credit union advocacy this past year as a YP Lead at the 2024 MAXX Conference,” explained Chance Hartley, Fraud and Security Officer/Assistant Manager at CapEd Credit Union. “I came back from there after drinking the ‘CU Kool Aid’ with a newfound passion for being part of the CU movement on a large scale. I applied to be a 2025 Crasher so I could continue my own personal momentum and learn how to take others along on this journey.”

“Having the opportunity to Crash the GAC this year is a dream come true,” said Laura Henry, Director of Operational Excellence at OCCU “I have a list of credit union goals (Yes, I am that person!) that I want to achieve over time and it feels so good to be able to cross something off my credit union movement bucket list!”

“Being a Crasher is an unparalleled opportunity to prioritize credit union advocacy and provides a platform to connect with industry leaders, legislators, and peers, fostering relationships that can amplify my continued advocacy efforts,” shared Mary Salas, Director of Internal Controls at Blue Federal Credit Union.

“I have been involved in the credit union movement for over five years and have had numerous opportunities to deepen my understanding of the CU Movement. Attending the GAC has been a long-held aspiration of mine,” shared Ally Williams, LMS Administrator at Canvas Credit Union.

Crashers at the GAC have direct access to meet and engage with many top leaders across the credit union industry and will attend Filene’s Chair Breakfast at GAC, exposing them to more than 600 of the industry’s biggest change makers.

“I’m looking forward to learning about CU advocacy from the credit union leaders and professionals from around the U.S.,” added Hartley. “I’m also excited meet with Idaho’s senators and representatives to share the importance of credit unions and share what the CU difference is all about!”

“I’m particularly excited about hiking the hill, as it will be an incredible opportunity to engage directly with legislators,” Salas said.

“I am really excited to speak directly to our Federal lawmakers about the issues that are important to credit unions and ask for their support,” Henry added. “This is such important work and to be able to advocate for credit unions on Capitol Hill is going to be an incredible opportunity to move the credit union movement forward!”

“It will be a privilege to chat with federal legislators and share the remarkable story of our credit unions with them,” said Williams. “I am very excited to visit Washington, DC, gain deeper insights into what makes credit unions exceptional, and witnessing advocacy at its highest level.”

Crash the GAC programming is made possible by The Cooperative Trust from Filene Research Institute and is support by America’s Credit Unions.

Posted in Advocacy, Leadership, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Young Professionals.