Leadership
GoWest Honors Advocacy Leaders With 2026 Top of the Hill Awards
The Top of the Hill award is presented to two credit unions in each GoWest state and celebrates credit unions that demonstrate exceptional growth and leadership in advocacy, grassroots engagement, and public policy influence that protects and advances the Credit Union Movement.
Arizona Central Credit Union Names Greg Malmedal as New CFO
Throughout his career, Greg Malmedal has successfully led complex financial initiatives, including subordinated debt strategies and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) activities within the credit union sector.
Amber Speer Promoted to AVP, Retail Experience at Numerica Credit Union
Amber Speer has been with Numerica for nearly 10 years and most recently served as manager of the credit union’s Sullivan branch.
Celebrating Excellence: Meet the 2026 GoWest Award Winners
After a record-breaking number of nominations and a competitive review, GoWest is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 GoWest Awards.
MAXX Mainstage Comes Alive Celebrating Credit Unions’ Next 250 Miles
MAXX opened on Wednesday with Troy Stang’s vision speech, a fireside chat, and an appearance by NCUA Chairman John Crews.
SnoCope Credit Union Names Chad Seabury New President and CEO as Steven Ellis Retires at End of Year
A key leadership change is planned by SnoCope Credit Union as President and CEO Steven Ellis announced his retirement as of Dec. 31, 2026, concluding a 26-year career at the credit union.
Tucson Federal Credit Union CEO Matthew Gaspari Named a Credit Union Leader of the Year by AZ Business Magazine
The Excellence in Banking section recognizes Arizona’s leading banks, credit unions, and financial services organizations, along with the executives driving the industry forward through leadership, innovation, community involvement and excellence.
Richard Laermer to Lead Conversation on Strengthening the Credit Union Story at CEO Co-Lab in January 2027
Communications strategist and bestselling author Richard Laermer will join GoWest leaders for an interactive session focused on reputation, relevance, and the collective credit union brand.
Puneet Malhotra Joins Kitsap Credit Union as Chief Digital Experience Officer
Puneet Malhotra will lead Kitsap Credit Union’s digital strategy, driving innovation across digital initiatives that expand convenience for members while maintaining the credit union’s commitment to personal service.
GoWest Member Credit Unions Shine as Luminaries Awards Finalists
Fourteen GoWest member credit unions have been named finalists for the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards, earning recognition for programs and leaders making extraordinary contributions to the Credit Union Movement.
GoWest Leaders Among Nation’s Newest Credit Union Development Educators
The National Credit Union Foundation has named 54 leaders from across the United States as the next Credit Union Development Educators of 2026.
Bring Your Expertise to a GoWest Committee in 2027
GoWest is now accepting nominations for its 2027 committees, advisory groups and working groups, inviting credit union leaders and professionals from across the region to get involved, collaborate with peers and help shape the future of the Movement.
Start 2027 With Fresh Perspectives at CEO Co-Lab
Returning to Mountain Shadows Resort in Phoenix Jan. 6-8, 2027, CEO Co-Lab brings together credit union CEOs from across the country for a distinctly different leadership experience.
NW Priority Credit Union Names Christine Torland as Chief Executive Officer
NW Priority Credit Union has named Christine Torland as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026, having served as interim CEO since December 2025, following the departure of former CEO Julie Guerin.
The Stories We Need to Tell: How Red Rocks Credit Union Makes Storytelling Intentional
Credit unions have a story to tell. The challenge, according to Darius Wise, President and CEO of Red Rocks Credit Union, is that the industry hasn’t always been very good at telling it.
The Power of Peer Connection at Executives@Coeur d’Alene
Credit union leaders from across the GoWest region gathered in Coeur d’Alene on Aug. 4-6 for Executives@Coeur d’Alene, GoWest’s premier executive conference.
SunWest Credit Union Welcomes Tricia Cordova as Chief Lending Officer
Tricia Cordova has joined SunWest Credit Union as Chief Lending Officer, bringing a wealth of lending experience and over 10 years of leadership experience to the role.
Western Credit Union Management School’s 2026 Graduates Poised to Make a Lasting Impact
The “Psi” class of 2026 had 137 graduates, including 49 from the GoWest region, who took part in the three-year program that is designed to transform students into passionate, strategic credit union leaders through rigorous collegiate-level head and heart education.
Elevations Credit Union Names Deron Streitenberger as its Chief Information Officer
Bringing decades of leadership experience in technology, operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation to the organization, Deron Streitenberger has been appointed Chief Information Officer at Elevations Credit Union.
Matthew Figueroa Joins Sound Credit Union as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial & Risk Officer
Matthew Figueroa joins Sound’s executive leadership team with nearly 14 years of experience in the credit union and financial services industries.
Elevations Credit Union Promotes Veronica Riojas to Chief Retail Officer
Elevations Credit Union has promoted Veronica Riojas to Chief Retail Officer, where she will lead all retail functions, including branches, the contact center, digital banking, and wealth management.