SEATAC, WA (October 25, 2018) — The Northwest Credit Union Foundation(NWCUF), powered by a network of more than 180 credit unions, is working to harness and deliver resources that strengthen the financial lives of people and communities throughout the Northwest. During the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) annual MAXX Convention earlier this month, NWCUF announced the creation of mission-focused commissions to address financial and social challenges.
“We want to build on the groundwork our credit union community and their Foundation has laid, and drive greater impact,” said Troy Stang, NWCUA President and CEO. “We are excited about our newly created commissions, which will bring credit union leaders into the trenches with community leaders and nonprofit organizations and bring solutions to the table.”
To lead the Foundation’s intentional approach, Stang named Sharee Adkins to the position of Executive Director. Adkins has served as NWCUF’s Managing Director since early 2017. Prior to that, she led fundraising efforts and implemented large-scale initiatives at public and non-profit organizations in Idaho and Washington. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Boise State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Idaho.
The Foundation will first establishanEconomic Empowerment Commission to explore workforce housing solutions, small business success, and workforce development.
“Professionals such as teachers, manufacturers, nurses, and police officers want to live where they work,” Adkins said. “In nearly every community our credit unions serve, workforce housing is a challenge. Credit unions are uniquely positioned to address this critical issue.”
Following the launch of the Economic Empowerment commission, other commissions will be created and announced in coming months, Adkins noted.
During its meeting in Tacoma, the Foundation seated its new Board. Those now serving include:
Barbara Mathey, President and CEO of IBEW and United Workers Federal Credit Union, Portland, was appointed by Pagenstecher as Immediate Past Chair, a non-voting role. Stang will serve as the NWCUF’s President, also a non-voting position.
“The Northwest Credit Union Foundation has been building a strong base since its inception to create real impact for credit unions, their members, and the communities they serve in the areas of asset building, economic impact, and cooperative development,” Pagenstecher said. “I’m honored to be a part of the leadership of the board at this exciting time, where those efforts have led to innovative initiatives to address important needs in our communities, including affordable workforce housing, education savings, financial literacy, and so much more.
The Foundation also recently added Program Director Claire Hendrix to the team. Hendrix will develop and manage the Foundation’s grant portfolio to improve the prosperity of credit union communities in the Northwest. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and social justice from the University of Portland, and her master’s degree in sustainable development from the School for International Training.
Sharee Adkins
The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for- profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 8.1 million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union. For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com
Lynn Heider
503.329.7208 | lheider@nwcua.org
Jenny Miller
jmiller@nwcua.org
208.713.9596 (Mobile)
