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Emerging Leaders Earn Their Place at MAXX 2026: Meet the 2026 YP Leads

Posted by on July 15, 2026

YP Leads 2025 Cohort at the CU4Kids Benefit Auction

Twenty-two rising stars from across the GoWest region have been selected to participate in the 2026 YP Leads program at MAXX this October in Denver. 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 an impact across the Credit Union Movement.

Following one of the most competitive applicant pools to date, GoWest expanded the YP Leads cohort to include additional high-scoring applicants, creating more opportunities for exceptional young professionals who had already demonstrated their leadership potential through the program’s competitive selection process.

“This group brings incredible enthusiasm for the Credit Union Movement and a genuine desire to grow as leaders,” said Lexy Strong, GoWest’s Director of CU Communities. “I’m excited to watch them learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and gain experiences they’ll take back to their credit unions and communities long after MAXX.”

Since launching in 2017, the YP Leads program has offered emerging credit union professionals more than a complimentary pass to MAXX — it has opened doors to connection, leadership development, and mentorship. During MAXX, YP Leads engage with industry leaders, expand their networks, and begin a yearlong mentorship experience designed to support their continued growth in the Movement.

That mentorship is at the heart of the YP Leads experience. Each participant is paired with a mentor who helps guide a personalized growth plan and encourages them to take the next step in their credit union career. Together, mentors and mentees work toward goals that support the participant’s professional development while strengthening the future of the Credit Union Movement.

Today, YP Leads alumni serve as mentors, chapter leaders, advocates, and emerging executives across the GoWest region — continuing the cycle of leadership development that the program was designed to inspire.

Congratulations to the 2026 YP Leads!

 

Arizona

Gabriela Alvarez, Copper State Credit Union, Member Relationship Consultant II

Wendy Bojorquez, Arizona Financial Credit Union, Learning and Development Specialist

Ivan Carreno, Copper State Credit Union, Loan Servicing

Stephanie Gibbons, Pyramid Federal Credit Union, Member Service Director

 

Colorado

Devon McClure, Elevations Credit Union, Marketing Data Analyst

Chelsey Phillips, Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist

Mikala Tomkins, Wings Credit Union, Assistant Service Center Manager

 

Idaho

Kayla Horton, Clarity Credit Union, Branch Manager

Taylor Malm, P1FCU, Senior Marketing Specialist

Kade Olsen, Pioneer Federal Credit Union, HR Generalist

Christian Sedrick, Clarity Credit Union, Information System Specialist

 

Oregon

Alia Baker, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Training & Development Consultant

Avery Jesmer, Rogue Credit Union, Senior Process Improvement Analyst

Karla Bravo Rayon, Trailhead Credit Union, Digital Experience Manager

 

Washington

Chloe Dardano, O Bee Credit Union, Marketing & Community Outreach Specialist

Jessica Jones, Our Community Credit Union, Director of Risk and Compliance

Jaxon Pace, iQ Credit Union, Member Advisor

Brooke Richter, Red Canoe Credit Union, Marketing Content Coordinator

Chelsea Smart, Harborstone Credit Union, Training and Development Specialist

 

Wyoming

Taylar Carter, Blue Federal Credit Union, Executive Assistant

Jessica Chitwood, WyHy Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist

Stacia Stacey, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, MSA

 

Young Professionals Social Hour at MAXX

New this year, all young professionals — generally under the age of 40, who identify as young — attending MAXX are invited to connect with peers from across the GoWest region during a casual networking hour on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Grab a drink, enjoy some appetizers, introduce yourself, and connect with fellow YPs who are eager to learn, share ideas, and grow together. More details will be available on the MAXX app in October.

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

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