Governance and Board

Many thanks to the individuals who have served, and currently serve on the board of directors to the Utah Credit Union Association. Over the years, their guidance has helped the Utah credit union industry thrive and grow.

General information about the board governance

The Utah Credit Union Association consists of 11 directors that work or volunteer at member Utah credit unions. Directors are elected to three-year terms in 5 different categories:

Categories for 2025

The dollar amounts of the asset categories are adjusted annually, based on the overall growth rate of Utah’s credit unions over the last three years.

If a board member leaves the board in the middle of a term, the board appoints a new board member, who completes the term.

The board itself is directed by an executive committee consisting of the chair, vice chair, and secretary.

The board meets 8 times annually.

Current board members

Photo of current board chair, Tammy Phillips

Tammy Phillips, Chair

President,
Varex Federal Credit Union

Began serving: 2016
Term ends in: 2028
Seat category:
CUs up to $183 million

Photo of current board chair, Thayne Shaffer

Thayne Shaffer, Vice chair

President/CEO,
America First Credit Union

Began serving: 2021
Term ends in: 2028
Seat category:
CUs with more than $7.3 billion in assets

Photo of current board chair, Ken Payne

Ken Payne, Secretary

President,
Freedom Credit Union

Began serving: 2008
Term ends in: 2027
Seat category:
CUs up to $183 million

The following members of the board are sorted based on the year they began their service on the board.

Sterling Nielsen

President/CEO,
Mountain America Credit Union

Began serving: 2009
Term ends in: 2028
Seat category:
CUs with more than $732 million in assets

Thomas Gourdin

President,
Firefighters Credit Union

Began serving: 2011
Term ends in: 2027
Seat category:
At-large

Dean Hirabayashi

President/CEO,
National JACL Credit Union

Began serving: 2011
Term ends in: 2029
Seat category:
At-large

Shane London

President/CEO,
Deseret First Credit Union

Began serving: 2015
Term ends in: 2029
Seat category:
CUs with more than $732 million in assets

Paul Atkinson

President/CEO,
Alpine Credit Union

Began serving: 2019
Term ends in: 2027
Seat category:
CUs from $183 million to $732 million

Kerry Wahlen

President/CEO,
Goldenwest Credit Union

Began serving: 2020
Term ends in: 2027
Seat category:
At-large

Lindsey Merritt

President/CEO,
Jordan Credit Union

Began serving: 2026
Term ends in: 2028
Seat category:
CUs from $183 million to $732 million

Darin Moody

President/CEO,
Utah First Credit Union

Began serving: 2026
Term ends in: 2029
Seat category:
CUs with more than $732 million in assets