Unlock Deeper Insight into Compensation with New Member Benefit: Milliman Northwest Financial Survey

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 13, 2026

GoWest members now have access to a powerful new resource in 2026: the Milliman Northwest Financial Survey (MNFS), a dynamic, online compensation platform designed specifically for financial institutions.

This new benefit replaces the America’s Credit Unions Staff Salary Report and delivers a more robust, flexible experience. With MNFS, credit unions can build custom peer cohorts and explore comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data on total compensation and benefits, helping leaders make more informed decisions about talent, pay structures, and long-term workforce strategy.

Why It Matters

Strong, reliable compensation data is essential for attracting and retaining talent, building competitive salary bands, and supporting thoughtful succession planning. The MNFS platform provides the depth and flexibility credit unions of all sizes need to develop compensation strategies that are both competitive and sustainable.

“I rely on the Milliman Northwest Financial Survey because it offers a dynamic online platform that allows me to build truly customized peer cohorts, along with an in‑depth qualitative and quantitative view of total compensation and staff benefits,” shared Amy Nelson, Point West Credit Union‘s President and CEO.

What to Expect

• Data collection is now open
• Date effective date: May 1
• Submission deadline: July 3
• Survey publication: Early August

For the first year, participants can expect a 2–4 hour time commitment, with future updates becoming significantly easier as data and job matches are stored in the system.

A Resource Built for Credit Unions

The Milliman Northwest Financial Survey offers:

• Customizable peer cohort comparisons
• In-depth compensation and benefits data
• Greater analytical flexibility than many competing surveys
• Strong value, particularly for small and mid-sized credit unions
• Ongoing support from a knowledgeable and responsive team

“The MNFS team is exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive, whether you need help pulling data or want to suggest enhancements for future surveys,” added Nelson. “Their commitment to making the tool useful, relevant, affordable, and user‑friendly is why it has been my survey of choice for over 20 years.”

Your Participation Makes It Stronger

To ensure the survey reflects the full credit union landscape across the GoWest region, member participation is key. The goal is to have 75% of GoWest credit unions contribute data, strengthening the accuracy and value of the final report for everyone.

An added benefit: credit unions that participate in the survey receive the final report free of charge — a savings of up to $999.

This is more than a survey — it’s an opportunity to access high-quality, relevant data while helping build a stronger, more representative resource for the entire GoWest membership.

To learn more about the MNFS, join the HR & Trainers Council on May 28 or the Small Credit Union Roundtable on May 22 or contact Jennifer Huggard, GoWest’s Chief Administration Officer, for information on how to participate.

Posted in Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.