LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2014) - First West Credit Union CEO Launi Skinner has again been recognized as one of Canada's most influential women. Skinner was named to the Women's Executive Network's Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 for a fourth time, garnering her induction into WXN's Top 100 Hall of Fame. WXN's prestigious honours recognize the country's highest-achieving female leaders in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Award winners are selected based on their strategic vision and leadership, commitment to their communities and the financial performance of their organizations. Achieving the Top 100 four times earns winners appointment to the Hall of Fame.
"Earning recognition from WXN is important, but what's even more important is the responsibility leaders like me have in inspiring our current and future generations of emerging leaders," says Skinner. "I know firsthand how challenging it is to juggle all of life's priorities-growing your career, being a parent and enjoying life outside work. For leaders who are striving for greater career success, the advice I share is to surround yourself with mentors, lead courageously, and most importantly, love what you do. I'm proud to be joining the other WXN winners and Top 100 Hall of Fame recipients who are generously giving their time to grow leaders in our country."
Since taking the helm at First West in 2010, Skinner has led the credit union in achieving strong financial results, including $3.5 billion asset growth and double-digit percentage growth increases for First West's lines of business. The credit union has also achieved significant growth in members in a system that has seen flat membership growth for many years. In addition, under Skinner's leadership, on November 14, 2014, First West announced that Island Savings members approved by majority a special resolution that will see the organization join First West on January 1, 2015.
"Despite ever-changing styles and tastes, great leadership is timeless," says WXN founder Pamela Jeffery. "Top 100 Award Winners are a testament to the incredible range of female talent and leadership in Canada and proof that change is happening, with more women earning a place at the highest levels of Canadian organizations."
In addition to the WXN recognition, Skinner has also been awarded the Best Canadian Executive by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2011 and named one of Vancouver's Most Influential Women in Business in 2011 by Business in Vancouver. Fortune magazine also named Skinner as one of "Four Women to Watch" in its annual 50 Most Powerful Women feature.
About the Women's Executive Network (WXN)
At WXN, we inspire smart women to lead. WXN creates and delivers innovative networking, mentoring, professional and personal development to inform, inspire, connect and recognize our community of 19,000 smart women and their organizations in the pursuit of excellence. WXN enables our partners and corporate members to become and to be recognized as employers of choice and leaders in the advancement of women.
Founded in 1997, WXN is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles. WXN is a founding member of the Canadian Board Diversity Council, dedicated to increasing the diversity of Canada's corporate boards. In the fall of 2008, WXN launched in Ireland, a first step in creating an international community of female leaders.
As individuals, we can inspire and be inspired. To our community of members and partners, we thank you for inspiring WXN to lead.
More information and details are available at wxnetwork.com or top100women.ca.
About First West Credit Union
First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with $7.7 billion in assets under administration, more than 180,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. It operates 38 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.
Follow us on Twitter: @firstwestcu
Contact Information:
Jason Brown
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
604.539.7415
jbrown@firstwestcu.ca