CHEYENNE, Wyo.–The Mountain West Credit Union Association hosted 30 people as part of its third LEAD Summit for Young Professionals here.
According to the MWCUA, the two-day, conference is designed to teach and encourage principles of Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development (LEAD). By programming the event over multiple disciplines, attendees gain a broad knowledge base to help them determine their areas of interest for their futures, the MWCUA said.
“This conference helps young professionals become strong advocates for credit unions as they move into positions of leadership,” said Scott Earl, president and CEO of the Mountain West Credit Union Association (MWCUA). “Being an advocate includes the political perspective, but it goes beyond that, too. We see this as an opportunity to invest in their professional growth that will bring a great return, both for them and for their employer.”
After postponing the event in 2020, the conference returned in-person this year, allowing for interactive sessions and great networking opportunities for attendees, the MWCUA said, adding that 12 credit unions from its three state region – Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming – were represented.
State’s First Lady Appears
Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon made a special appearance and presented to the group on her Wyoming Hunger Initiative, a program that works to end childhood hunger in the state. The nonprofit saw a tremendous uptick in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and received a donation from the Mountain West Credit Union Foundation as part of a region-wide initiative to assist organizations involved with helping on the front lines with the pandemic response, the MWCUA said.
“It was a privilege to have the First Lady address this group,” said Tyler Valentine, president and CEO of StagePoint Federal Credit Union and Chair of the Mountain West Young Credit Union Professionals Committee. “Her passion and commitment to this cause resonates because credit unions are community minded at heart and helping in a crisis is in our DNA.
“There is a wealth of knowledge, talent and leadership in our region that we are able to tap into as we train the next generation,” Valentine continued. “The session leaders brough dynamic and relevant content to the group that will help them as they plan their careers, get involved in political advocacy, develop leadership skills and much more.”
The Presenters
In addition to Valentine, presenters included:
- Tansley Stearns, chief people and strategy officer at Canvas Credit Union in Lone Tree, Colo.
- Scott Sager, CFO with Trona Valley Federal Credit Union in Green River, Wyo.
- Chris Kemm, VP-political affairs for MWCUA
- Dan Diorio, director of Director of Political Financing & Policy for MWCUA.