The GoWest Credit Union Association is helping cultivate tomorrow’s leaders through the Young Professional Network. By convening young professionals from across the region and offering continual programming aimed at leadership development, the Young Professional Network will prepare the next generation of credit union leaders.
Signature Programs
Steering Group
The YP Steering Group comprises two representatives from each of the GoWest regional YP groups across our six states. This dedicated group takes charge of guiding and overseeing our young professional initiative, ensuring its success and impact. Please contact Lexy Strong for more information on how to get involved.
YP Summit
GoWest is dedicated to nurturing a thriving community for young credit union professionals through the YP Leads program, the GoWest YP Summit, a suite of leadership development programs, and more. Attending this conference is an excellent opportunity to learn how to become a stronger leader in the Credit Union Movement, hear from expert speakers, grow your network, develop skills in workshops, and more.
Register Now
YP Leads Program
Applications are now open through June 20.
The YP Leads Program is GoWest’s signature young professional leadership experience, designed to empower emerging credit union leaders. Each year, only 18 young professionals (3 from each of GoWest’s six states) are selected to participate in this exclusive program.
What are the benefits?
- Attend MAXX 2025 as a fully sponsored YP Lead. (Travel and lodging costs are the responsibility of your credit union).
- One-on-one mentorship with an experienced credit union leader.
- A yearlong leadership development journey, with a mentor-mentee plan created at MAXX.
- Develop a community of peers by connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and advocates who are shaping the future of the Credit Union Movement.
- Opportunities to engage in the Credit Union Movement, develop skills and gain industry knowledge through breakout sessions, general sessions, and networking experiences.
What’s the commitment?
- Actively participate during the 3-day MAXX Experience
- Attend monthly or quarterly virtual check-ins with their mentor
- Contribute to at least one GoWest advocacy initiative throughout the year
- Bring back what you’ve learned to your credit union and local community
How to apply?
Applications will be reviewed by past YP Leads and mentors who are passionate about shaping the next generation of credit union leaders. Selected participants will be announced in July.
Regional YP Groups
- Arizona YCUP
- Colorado YCUP
- CLIMB Idaho
- YCUP PDX
- YP Leads Legacy Group
- Wyoming YCUP
Partnerships
Resources
- Sample Bylaws
- Social Media Best Practices
All Upcoming Events
All EventsQ2 Small Credit Union Roundtable
YP Summit
Collectors Council; Session Two
Risk Management Council; Session Two
On The Go Articles
It Is “Credit Union Forward” at the 2025 Small Credit Union Conference
More than 100 leaders from 60 credit unions from across the country came together in Spokane, Wash., this week for the 2025 Small Credit Union Conference, co-hosted by GoWest Credit Union Association and America’s Credit Unions.
Celebrating Every Credit Union’s Impact
Oxford Economics performed an analysis for all 311 credit unions with branches in the GoWest footprint in 2023. These reports, distributed to each credit union’s leadership team recently, measure the credit union’s contribution to the GDP, employment, wages, and member benefits.
ALICE Reports Reveal Growing Number of Financially Struggling Households
GoWest Foundation and Ent Credit Union are proud partners of regional United Ways for sponsorship of United for ALICE’s state reports, which highlight the financial struggles faced by ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.