Credit Union Leaders Seek National Board Roles at America’s Credit Unions

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 1, 2026

America’s Credit Unions (ACU) represents credit unions nationwide, advancing advocacy, policy, and collaboration across the industry. ACU is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of credit union leaders nationwide. With the upcoming board election, members have the opportunity to help shape the leadership that will guide ACU’s strategy and priorities in the years ahead. This year, two leaders from the GoWest region — Jennifer Kutcher and Jerry Schmidt — are seeking positions on the ACU Board of Directors for the Mid-Size Credit Union/Western Region seat.

Jennifer Kutcher, President and CEO of WECU

Jennifer Kutcher is President and CEO of Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU), where she has served in various leadership roles for more than 18 years. She began her career at WECU as an accounting intern and advanced through senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Lending and Chief Financial Officer, before becoming President and CEO in 2014. In her current role, she guides the credit union’s strategic direction and operational priorities, centering its work on financial education, community investment, and member success.

Kutcher has been actively engaged in credit union governance and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels and is recognized for a collaborative leadership style that values diverse perspectives and thoughtful dialogue around complex issues. She currently serves on the GoWest Credit Union Association Board of Directors and has previously held leadership roles supporting government affairs and board development within the credit union system.

In addition to her professional experience, Kutcher has long-standing involvement in community organizations. A longtime resident of Bellingham, Wash., and graduate of Western Washington University, Kutcher has been active in community organizations and has served in leadership roles at United Way, the American Red Cross, and the WWU Foundation Board. Her community involvement reflects a continued focus on service and local impact.

Jerry Schmidt, President and CEO of Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Jerry Schmidt is President and CEO of Black Hills Federal Credit Union, a role he has held since January 2021. He has been with Black Hills Federal Credit Union since 2007 and brings more than a decade of credit union leadership experience to his current position. Schmidt holds the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation and is a Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert (CUERME).

Schmidt has been involved in national credit union advocacy and governance efforts, currently serving on ACU’s Advocacy Policy Legislative Committee since 2024. He previously served on the CUNA Sub Powers Committee from 2022 to 2024, contributing to discussions related to credit union authorities and policy considerations.

Beyond the credit union system, Schmidt is active in his local community, serving as Board Chair of the Downtown Business Improvement District and the Black Hills Federal Credit Union Charitable Fund and as a board member of the Abbott House Foundation. His professional and community involvement reflects ongoing engagement with economic development, charitable initiatives, and advocacy efforts.

About the Election

The open ACU Board seat for which Kutcher and Schmidt are seeking election is for Mid-Size Credit Unions in the Western Region. Mid-Size Credit Unions are defined as those with at least 50,000 and not more than 200,000 members, and the Western Region consists of the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY.

ACU members who are eligible to vote are encouraged to learn more about the candidates and the election process through official ACU communications. Balloting closes April 17 at 5 p.m. ET, with results announced on April 20.

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.