Launi Skinner

Launi is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First West Credit Union, one of Canada’s largest credit unions with more than $6.6 billion in assets under administration, nearly 169,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. Launi  leads visioning and strategic direction for First West. She ensures its locally-led brand family, comprised of Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial, is able to make a real difference in the financial lives of its members.

Raised in Summerland, B.C., Launi brings more than 20 years of business-building experience in both the U.S. and Canada as a result of her time at Starbucks U.S. and 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. As president of Starbucks U.S., Launi oversaw 7,000 company owned stores and 3,400 licensed stores, and managed an extensive management team with operational responsibility for 130,000 employees.

Launi has been recognized for her leadership and business acumen including being named one of “Four Women to Watch” in Fortune Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women feature. Since joining First West, she has been named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2011 as well as 2010 by the Women’s Executive Network and also received the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Canadian Executive. Launi was also recently named one of Business in Vancouver’s Most Influential Women in Business for 2012.

Educated in business administration, Launi has also recently completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program as well as the certified general accountant program. She has a rich history of community involvement, including her service as a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, a committee member of Science World’s Champions Circle as well as past event chair for the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards. Launi was also appointed by the provincial government to sit on Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Board of Governors for a term ending on July 31, 2014 and is also currently a board member for Qtrade Financial Group.