GoWest Board of Directors Spotlight: Jason Werts, Rivermark Community Credit Union President & CEO

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 22, 2026

Board service at GoWest comes down to focus and impact for Jason Werts, President and CEO of Rivermark Community Credit Union,

As the credit union industry navigates unprecedented political, regulatory, and technological change, Werts believes advocacy and storytelling are critical.

“There has never been a time in our industry’s history where political advocacy and telling our story has been this important,” he shared.

Serving on the GoWest Board allows Werts to actively participate in shaping the work of the Association while collaborating with what he calls some of the most creative and innovative leaders in the Movement.

“We are fortunate to have the best Association in the country,” Werts said. “I learn a lot from having the opportunity to work with the GoWest team. Being an active participant in the work GoWest is doing while also having the opportunity to work with a board comprised of forward-thinking leaders is really important to me.”

Engagement Beyond the Credit Union

Werts’ board service reflects a consistent theme: using governance roles to support community stability and well-being.

Within the credit union industry, he serves on the Oregon Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), previously serving as co-chair, and Rivermark is actively involved with Filene Research Institute and Backbone, a growing coalition of credit unions dedicated to strengthening awareness of credit unions and the impact they have in their communities.

Outside the industry, Werts’ board service reflects a deep commitment to community well-being. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Clackamas Community College Foundation, which supports students facing food and housing insecurity.

He recently joined the Board of Give an Hour, a Maryland-based nonprofit originally focused on mental health support for returning veterans, which has since expanded to address broader mental health challenges, including the growing emotional toll of financial fraud.

In addition, Werts serves on the State of Oregon’s Treasury Department Audit Committee, further contributing his financial and governance expertise at the state level.

Inspired by Collective Impact

When asked what motivates his continued commitment to the Credit Union Movement, Werts points first to the people.

“The people I work with across the industry inspire me and are willing to partner to make a meaningful impact on the communities that we serve,” he said. “It’s the collective impact that we have when we leverage our structure. This is truly a special industry — that’s why we call it a movement. We get to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people and families who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to build wealth on their terms.”

A Seat at the Table

For Werts, advocacy is not optional — it is foundational. That perspective directly shapes how Werts approaches his role on the GoWest Board.

“We are seeing challenges to our model and structure that we’ve never seen before,” he said.

“Washington credit unions continue to do amazing things to build up their communities — and we nearly lost our tax exemption due to budget challenges,” Werts explained. “To see that nearly happen in a state where its legislators know the value of credit unions should be a clear reminder of how critical advocacy is in our ability to control our future.”

At the same time, rapid change in technology, fintech, and the regulatory environment requires credit unions to stay engaged and proactive.

“We need a seat at the table to ensure that credit unions have a voice and play a role in the future of financial services,” he emphasized. “Advocacy is an important part of any credit union leader’s job description. We need all of our voices to tell our story.”

Protecting the Future of the Movement

Through his leadership at Rivermark and his service on the GoWest Board, Werts remains focused on ensuring that credit unions not only protect what makes them unique but also continue evolving to meet the needs of their members and communities.

For him, it’s about impact — both today and long into the future.

“This is a movement,” he concluded. “And it’s up to all of us to help shape what comes next.”

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