Westerra Credit Union recently hosted the Colorado Symitar User Group seminar at its headquarters in Cherry Creek, gathering industry leaders and system experts from Denver area financial institutions that use Jack Henry Symitar as their core system. The event underscores Westerra's commitment to fostering shared innovation, collaboration, and influence across the credit union industry.
Westerra's leadership team led discussions on strategic initiatives for the future, including leveraging artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, engaging with Generation Z and Generation Alpha to increase memberships among younger demographics, and enhancing technology activations to strengthen members' experience and financial wellness. These topics reflect broader trends in financial services, where institutions must adapt to changing consumer expectations and technological advancements.
“We’re proud to play a role in building stronger connections across our peer network,” said Nicole Andrushko, vice president of marketing at Westerra Credit Union. “By hosting this exchange, we’re creating space for meaningful conversations that can lead to greater influence, better solutions and a stronger voice for credit unions using Symitar.” Kelvin Lui, interim chief information officer, added, “This group is more than just a technical exchange, it’s a catalyst for connection. By creating space for open dialogue, real-time problem solving and collective learning, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient credit union ecosystem and accelerating innovation that ultimately benefits our members and communities.”
The Colorado Symitar User Group serves as a peer forum where regional credit union leaders and system experts can share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and explore new capabilities within the Symitar platform. By facilitating these conversations, Westerra positions itself as a key player in driving collective progress within the credit union movement.
This event is particularly significant as financial institutions of all sizes grapple with rapid digital transformation. Smaller credit unions often lack the resources of large banks, making collaborative groups like this essential for staying competitive. Discussions on AI and younger generations indicate a forward-looking approach, aiming to attract and retain members who increasingly expect personalized, tech-enabled services. The focus on financial wellness also aligns with credit unions' nonprofit mission to prioritize member well-being over profit.
Westerra Credit Union, founded by eight schoolteachers in 1934, has a long history of community service and financial literacy. With over 110,000 members across eight branches in the Denver area, it contributes more than $500,000 annually to regional education foundations and school districts. Recognized by Newsweek as one of only three credit unions on its “Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions” list in 2024, Westerra continues to build a modern financial community where everyone belongs. For more information, visit www.westerracu.com.
