The Best and Brightest Are Ready to Shine — Introducing the 2025 YP Leads!

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 7, 2025

The 2024 YP Leads Cohort at MAXX 2024

Nineteen rising stars from across the GoWest region have been selected as this year’s YP Leads, earning their spot at MAXX 2025 this October in Portland, Ore. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these young professionals represent credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, and are already making their mark on the movement.

“The young leaders in this year’s cohort have extraordinary passion for the Credit Union Movement and great desire to grow as professionals in the industry,” said Lexy Strong, CU Communities Manager at GoWest. “I am excited to see and be a part of their journeys as they develop into influential and impactful credit union leaders.”

Launched in 2017, the YP Leads program offers emerging credit union professionals more than just a complimentary pass to MAXX — it opens doors to connection, growth, and mentorship. At MAXX, YP Leads engage with industry leaders, build their networks, and kick off a yearlong mentorship designed to fuel their professional development.

Each YP Lead is paired with a mentor who helps craft a personalized growth plan and supports them in taking the next step in their credit union career. Together, they work toward shared goals that contribute to both the individual’s development and the broader advancement of the Credit Union Movement.

Congratulations to the 2025 YP Leads Cohort!

Arizona

Aviana Bates, Arizona Central Credit Union, E-Solutions Agent

Josiah Karpenko, Copper State Credit Union, BSA Fraud Analyst

Camille Roloff, Alhambra Credit Union, Branch Supervisor

Colorado

Andrea Kramm, Westerra Credit Union, Business Systems Analyst II

Laura Straub, Ent Credit Union, Community Education Lead

Teagan Werden, Colorado Credit Union, Community Impact Manager

Idaho

Hallie Lanphear, Pioneer Federal Credit Union, Community Business Promoter

Matt Radenz, Clarity Credit Union, IT Manager

Jessie Todd, Westmark Credit Union, Assistant Branch Manager

Oregon

Cesar Chavez, Rogue Credit Union, Manager of Internal Support

Tyler Holbert, Point West Credit Union, Call Center Manager

Ashlee Jacobson Dunbar, Unitus Community Credit Union, Sr. Community Impact & Program Specialist

Washington

Shayla Gilmour, iQ Credit Union, Branch Manager

Rafael Saucedo, BECU, Philanthropy Program Manager

Emily Summers, White River Credit Union, Compliance Specialist

Tatiana Vazquez, Gesa Credit Union, Corporate Sponsorship Specialist

Wyoming

Alycia Mandros, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, Contact Center Loan Officer

Alexis Nix, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, Contact Center Representative

Anna Wagner, Grand Altitude Federal Credit Union, ACH/Back Office Clerk

MAXX 2025 is happening in Portland on Oct. 13-16 at the Oregon Convention Center. It will be an exciting experience full of learning, networking, and collaborating for the GoWest community.

Register today for MAXX 2025 to get in on all the action!

Posted in MAXX, Top Headlines, Young Professionals.