First West Credit Union Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

First West Credit Union has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, risk management, technology, and regional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to community banking, First West Credit Union provides comprehensive financial services, fostering economic well-being through personalized debt financing, lending, and investment solutions.

Leadership Roles at First West Credit Union

  • Chief Executive Officer - Launi Skinner
  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Brodeur
  • President, Island Savings - Kendall Gross
  • Risk Director, Financial & Chief Revenue Officer, Modeling (Reporting To The ) - Arsen Vaganyan
  • 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 overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding the credit union's expansion and ensuring alignment with its core mission of serving members and communities. Skinner oversees the integration of financial services, including debt financing, deposits, lending, investment, and insurance, across all business units. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and member-centricity, crucial for maintaining First West Credit Union's competitive edge in the financial sector. By setting high standards for performance and ethical conduct, Launi Skinner ensures the sustained growth and financial health of the credit union, impacting both individual and business clients through robust financial solutions.

    Paul Brodeur - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Brodeur, the Chief Operating Officer at First West Credit Union, manages the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery across the organization. This executive oversees the efficiency and effectiveness of all departments responsible for providing debt financing, deposits, lending, investment, and insurance services. Brodeur's focus includes optimizing internal processes and enhancing the member experience, ensuring seamless service delivery throughout British Columbia. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence by implementing best practices and leveraging technology to streamline workflows. By ensuring robust operational frameworks, Paul Brodeur directly supports the credit union's ability to meet diverse financial needs and maintain its strong market presence, contributing significantly to First West Credit Union's overall service quality and member satisfaction.

    Kendall Gross - President, Island Savings

    Kendall Gross, the President, Island Savings at First West Credit Union, directs the strategic operations and market presence for the Island Savings division. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of the regional business, including lending, deposit-taking, investment, and insurance services tailored to the specific needs of the Island Savings membership. Gross focuses on strengthening member relationships and driving growth within the region, ensuring alignment with the broader First West Credit Union mission. The President, Island Savings is instrumental in fostering a strong local brand identity while leveraging the resources of the parent organization. By championing member-focused initiatives and operational excellence, Kendall Gross ensures the continued success and community impact of Island Savings within the First West Credit Union network.

    Arsen Vaganyan - Risk Director, Financial & Chief Revenue Officer, Modeling (Reporting To The )

    Arsen Vaganyan, the Risk Director, Financial & Chief Revenue Officer, Modeling (Reporting To The ) at First West Credit Union, spearheads critical financial risk management and revenue generation strategies. This dual role encompasses the development and implementation of sophisticated financial modeling to assess and mitigate risks associated with lending, investments, and insurance products. Vaganyan also drives revenue growth by identifying market opportunities and optimizing pricing structures for the credit union's diverse service offerings. The Risk Director, Financial & Chief Revenue Officer, Modeling (Reporting To The ) ensures that all financial activities adhere to regulatory requirements and internal risk appetite frameworks. By meticulously analyzing financial data and forecasting market trends, Arsen Vaganyan safeguards the financial stability of First West Credit Union and enhances its profitability through strategic revenue enhancement initiatives.
    Arsen Vaganyan

    Darrell Jaggers - Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Darrell Jaggers, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at First West Credit Union, leads the strategic direction of technology and drives organizational change initiatives. This executive is responsible for overseeing the entire IT infrastructure, ensuring its security, scalability, and alignment with the credit union's business objectives, including its debt financing, deposit, lending, investment, and insurance services. Jaggers champions digital transformation efforts, implementing innovative solutions to enhance member services and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer plays a pivotal role in modernizing First West Credit Union's technological capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Through strategic technology investments and transformative projects, Darrell Jaggers ensures the credit union remains agile and competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

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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, Risk Director, Financial & Chief Revenue Officer, Modeling (Reporting To The ), Chief Information Officer & Chief Transformation Officer.