Goldenwest Credit Union staffers are mourning the loss of longtime leader Shelley Clarke, who has died from brain cancer.

Clarke, who began her career at the Ogden, Utah-based credit union as a teller in 1974, retired as president/CEO in December 2011 after 37 years of service. She has been credited for helping Goldenwest CU grow from $190 million to $780 million in assets and more than doubling membership from 41,000 to 83,000. In addition, the knowledge gained from her experience helped Goldenwest establish best practices for operations, systems, marketing and management.

She shared her talents with many organizations, such as serving on the Governor's Advisory board and the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce. A dedicated advocate for the credit union industry on both state and national levels, she served on many advisory boards and councils including NAFCU board of directors, CUES board of directors, Filene Research Council Advisor and Utah League of Credit Unions chairperson.