GoWest Board of Directors Spotlight: Don Clark, Sound Credit Union President & CEO

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on March 4, 2026

Don Clark’s leadership journey reflects both deep institutional knowledge and enduring commitment to the credit union mission. After first serving as Sound Credit Union’s CFO in the mid-1990s, he returned to the credit union in 2012, later becoming president in 2015 and president and CEO in 2016. Over the years, he has led with a steady, member-first philosophy focused on long-term relevance, financial strength, and community impact. That same grounded leadership and sense of responsibility extend beyond his own organization and shape his service on the GoWest Board of Directors.

Giving Back to the Movement

For Don, board service is rooted in gratitude and responsibility. “I’ve been blessed to be part of the credit union community,” Don shared. “As part of my journey as a credit union CEO, I feel that I should be willing to give back some time to the community. Serving on the GoWest Board is one way I can do that.”

He believes GoWest plays a critical role in helping credit unions remain viable and relevant to both current and future members. “GoWest strives each day to help credit unions stay strong in the communities we serve,” he said. “I hope I can add value to that important effort.”

Advocacy in Service of Members

At the center of Don’s leadership philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: credit unions exist to support members through every stage of life. “People experience different waves of life, and we exist to stand with them through all of those waves,” he said.

That philosophy also drives his commitment to advocacy. Don recognizes that legislation and regulation directly affect how credit unions serve members. “New laws and regulations can create barriers and friction in how we serve our members,” explained Don. “Advocacy at both the state and federal level is essential to ensure we have an operating environment that allows us to meet our members’ needs.”

He strives to attend Washington’s Days at the Capitol and the National GAC each year, valuing the opportunity to share the credit union story directly with elected officials. In addition to large advocacy events, he participates in smaller meetings and one-on-one conversations in local districts. “I find it important to deliver our message in person,” he said. “Those conversations matter.”

Leadership Beyond the Credit Union

Don’s commitment to community leadership extends beyond the Credit Union Movement. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board and as Chair of the University of Washington-Tacoma’s Milgard School of Business Executive Council.

In these roles, he works closely with fellow board members and executive leaders to help advance each organization’s mission — from attracting and retaining businesses in the region to enhancing students’ educational journeys and increasing their financial confidence.

These experiences strengthen his belief in collaboration and regional growth, values that closely align with the cooperative model of credit unions.

Supporting a Growing and Unified Association

Having served on the Northwest Credit Union Association board, Don is particularly proud of the successful expansion of the association to include credit unions in Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado — when it grew to become GoWest Credit Union Association.

“I’m so impressed with how credit union leaders and the GoWest team orchestrated this combination while maintaining strong local advocacy support,” Don said. “Many said it couldn’t be done, but it has been done, and each state feels incredibly supported.”

He sees the balance of regional scale with strong local presence as a defining strength of GoWest and a model for the future.

Focused on the Future

“My hope is that our credit union family stays focused and together as we strive to remain relevant to our members into the future,” Don said. “We have work to do — in advocacy and in delivering the products and services our members need as the world changes.”

Grounded in service, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the credit union mission, Don Clark continues to lead with purpose — ensuring that both his credit union and the broader movement are prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Posted in Board of Directors, Leadership, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.