Launi Skinner

Launi Skinner (born 1964) is a Canadian business woman, with 20 years of experience leading several high-profile companies within Canada and internationally, including Starbucks US, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, and . Skinner is currently chief executive officer of , one of Canada's largest .

Skinner joined First West Credit Union in 2010, four months after the January 1, 2010, merger of Valley First Credit Union and .^[1] The same year, Skinner established First West Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides subordinated debt and mezzanine finance services to small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia. Under Skinner's leadership in 2013, First West Credit Union successfully acquired Enderby & District Credit Union. Then, under Skinner's leadership In 2015, Vancouver Island-based Island Savings Credit Union merged with First West Credit Union.^[2]

Before joining First West Credit Union, Skinner served as chief operating officer of 1-800 GOT JUNK? and as president of Starbucks US. However, during her first year at First West, Skinner grew the credit union's net interest income by 37.3% to $129.0 million. Skinner's leadership between 2010 and 2016 saw First West introducing more than 20 new products and services, donating more than $2.2 million to charitable community causes, increasing total assets to $8.7 billion and adding more than 35,000 net new members,^[3] the latter a particularly noteworthy accomplishment in light of the flat membership growth trends facing Canada's credit union industry at the time.^[4]

Skinner is a four-time recipient of the Women's Executive Network's (WXN) Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, having received the accolade in 2010,^[5] 2011,^[6] 2012,^[7] and 2014,^[8] earning her entrance into WXN's Hall of Fame. She was also recognized by Business in Vancouver as one of the Most Influential Women in Business in 2011.^[9] In 2007, Skinner was included as one of the "Four Women to Watch" in Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Power Women feature.^[10] Internationally, Skinner received the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Canadian Executive.^[11]

Skinner has contributed to a number of boards and community organizations. She is a strong advocate for women in business and is deeply involved in the community. She served as past-chair for the Metro Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards in 2010 and 2011. Skinner is also a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. Additionally, she is a board member for Rocky Mountaineer,^[12] and Science World.^[13] Skinner is a former member of the board of governors for Kwantlen Polytechnic University.^[14] and former board member of Qtrade Financial Group.