STCU names first female president and CEO

Lindsey Myhre has been named president and CEO of STCU, the board of directors announced Wednesday.

The board’s decision was unanimous and enthusiastic, said Board Chair Steven Jones.

“We couldn’t be happier that Lindsey has accepted this position,” Jones said. “While we have a deep bench of leadership talent, Lindsey stands out as uniquely prepared for the top position.”

Myhre has been with the 300,000-member credit union since 2000.

“I’m deeply honored to step into this role at an organization I treasure,” Myhre said. “From the day I started as an accounting assistant, I knew that STCU was committed to my development into leadership — a commitment that continues today for all STCU employees who choose that path.”

Because of Myhre’s history with the organization, the board anticipates a seamless CEO transition, Jones said.

“STCU’s core values, and its commitment to members, communities and employees won’t change because Lindsey was integral to shaping those values and commitments,” he said.

Myhre grew up in Colville, Wash., and later worked for the Colville National Forest.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration — finance from Western Washington University and an MBA through Western Governors University. 

At STCU, she was promoted into manager and director positions before joining the executive leadership team in 2015. Her most recent title was chief financial officer and executive vice president, which also included the role of chief human resources officer. 

In 2023, American Banker named Myhre one of the 15 most powerful women in credit unions.

The board named Myhre interim CEO and chief financial officer when it began the process of selecting a new CEO on May 10. 

With Monday’s announcement, she becomes the sixth president of the credit union that got its start in 1934, and the first woman to hold the position.

In addition to her leadership at STCU, Myhre has served on the board for Partner's INW since 2016 and is currently the board president.

“I don’t believe we would be serving hundreds of thousands of people without her presence this past decade,” said Calvin Coblentz, CEO of the Spokane Valley-based nonprofit.

Myhre is the past chair and past treasurer of Spokane’s University District Development Association, as well as for the University District Public Development Authority, where she continues to serve. 

The mother of a current East Valley High School student and a recent graduate, Myhre is president and “an ever-present member” of the East Valley Booster Club, said Superintendent Brian Talbott. 

“She can be readily found working in the concession stands, recruiting members and planning for and supporting the student experience,” Talbott said.

Myhre’s ascension to CEO comes in a year of remarkable growth for the credit union. 

In May, STCU completed integration with Community Bank, which brought 14,000 new members and 10 new branches. That includes seven branches in Eastern Oregon — the credit union’s first outside Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

In September, STCU will open its 50th branch location — up from six when Myhre started her career.

“It’s been a thrill to watch this organization grow and earn a reputation for stellar service to members and communities,” Myhre said. “We’re just getting started.”