First West Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

First West Credit Union has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, digital transformation, and regional banking services.

Committed to community-focused financial empowerment, First West Credit Union delivers comprehensive debt financing, investment, and insurance solutions while maintaining a robust presence across British Columbia to support long-term member prosperity.

Leadership Roles at First West Credit Union

  • Chief Executive Officer - Launi Skinner
  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Brodeur
  • President, Island Savings - Kendall Gross
  • President, Envision Financial - Tamara Hendsbee
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer - Darrell Jaggers
  • Launi Skinner - Chief Executive Officer

    Launi Skinner, the Chief Executive Officer at First West Credit Union, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory for the organization. By aligning corporate objectives with member-centric financial services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures sustainable performance across all regional operations. Launi Skinner maintains direct oversight of executive leadership initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation within the competitive Canadian banking landscape. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine institutional goals and expand market reach. Through rigorous analysis of economic trends, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes capital allocation and risk management frameworks. By championing member value, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the credit union. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organizational mission to provide accessible, high-quality financial solutions to individuals and businesses throughout the province.

    Paul Brodeur - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Brodeur, the Chief Operating Officer at First West Credit Union, manages the daily execution of core banking services and internal business processes. Overseeing the efficiency of lending, deposit, and insurance workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery across the entire branch network. Paul Brodeur architects operational improvements that reduce friction for members while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. This role requires close collaboration with other C-suite leaders to synchronize departmental output with the broader corporate strategy. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the scalability of the credit union. The Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction. Through disciplined management of internal resources, the Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of reliable financial products, ensuring that the operational foundation remains robust and responsive to evolving market demands.

    Kendall Gross - President, Island Savings

    Kendall Gross, the President, Island Savings at First West Credit Union, oversees the regional delivery of financial services across the island market. By tailoring lending, deposit, and insurance solutions to local member needs, the President, Island Savings drives regional growth and community engagement. Kendall Gross manages the performance of local branches, ensuring that service standards align with the broader corporate mission. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with local businesses and individuals to expand the market footprint. By analyzing regional economic conditions, the President, Island Savings adapts service offerings to maintain a competitive edge. The President, Island Savings collaborates with executive leadership to implement corporate initiatives at the local level. Through focused regional management, the President, Island Savings ensures that the credit union remains a trusted financial partner, delivering personalized value and supporting the economic health of the communities served.

    Tamara Hendsbee - President, Envision Financial

    Tamara Hendsbee, the President, Envision Financial at First West Credit Union, directs the strategic operations and member service initiatives for the Envision Financial division. By overseeing the provision of comprehensive debt financing and investment services, the President, Envision Financial ensures that the division meets the diverse needs of its client base. Tamara Hendsbee manages regional performance metrics, driving revenue growth and member satisfaction through targeted outreach and service excellence. This leadership role requires constant alignment with the overarching corporate strategy to maintain brand consistency. By fostering strong community ties, the President, Envision Financial strengthens the market presence of the credit union. The President, Envision Financial coordinates with other divisional leaders to share best practices and optimize service delivery. Through proactive management of regional operations, the President, Envision Financial supports the long-term success of the organization and enhances the financial well-being of members.

    Darrell Jaggers - Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Darrell Jaggers, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at First West Credit Union, leads the modernization of digital infrastructure and enterprise-wide change initiatives. By integrating advanced technology into banking platforms, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer improves the digital experience for members seeking debt financing and investment services. Darrell Jaggers directs the implementation of secure, scalable systems that support the long-term digital roadmap of the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive cultural and technical transformation. By leveraging data analytics, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer identifies opportunities to enhance operational agility and service delivery. The Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer ensures that technological investments align with the strategic goals of the credit union. Through continuous innovation, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer secures the technological future of the institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First West Credit Union Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First West Credit Union?
    First West Credit Union is led by Launi Skinner (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Brodeur (Chief Operating Officer) and Kendall Gross (President, Island Savings).
    Who is part of First West Credit Union’s executive team?
    The executive team of First West Credit Union includes leaders such as Launi Skinner (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Brodeur (Chief Operating Officer), Kendall Gross (President, Island Savings) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First West Credit Union have?
    First West Credit Union has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First West Credit Union’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First West Credit Union includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Island Savings, President, Envision Financial, Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer.