A Final Update with Chesney

Chesney bids a farewell to DakCU, leaving it all on the court—one final buzzer-beater before the next big game.

by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs

Thank you, credit union teammates! 
When I first joined the credit union movement, people told me I’d meet some of the best in the industry. At the time, I thought it might just be talk, but they were right. This team is full of all-stars. What sets this industry apart is the people: those who hustle for their communities, set screens for each other, and always have your back on and off the court.

Over the past two years with the Dakota Credit Union Association, it’s been a slam dunk to represent credit unions across South Dakota and assist with the full-court press in North Dakota, too. From the statehouse in Pierre to the big leagues on Capitol Hill, it’s been a privilege to suit up and advocate for you all.

Together, we’ve notched some serious wins, and I will list a few of my favorite including:

• Launching a full-court press for the “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” campaign.
• Driving record-high PAC fundraising with the “Par for the PAC” golf event—raising $11,000 in year one and then doubling it to $20,000 in year two (talk about a fast break!).
• Hosting a first-ever meeting with the South Dakota State Treasurer (nothing but net).
• Creating our first State Advocacy Panel at South Dakota Legislative Day (another game-changing play).
• Advancing national legislation on trigger leads and student lending with help from MVPs like Senator Mike Rounds.
• Private tours and election parties for U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (the perfect screen plays).
• Being selected as Co-Chair of the AACUL Grassroots Committee and Small Credit Union Committee (let’s call that a strong pick-and-roll move).
• Taking it to the paint for rural credit unions by joining Senator Thune, Senator Boozman, and Jay Kruse on key Farm Bill discussions.
• And many more plays that will go down in the history books, together.

But let’s not forget the biggest team play of all, building a strong bench of credit union advocates across the Dakotas. That’s how we win championships. And with this kind of momentum, I’d say North and South Dakota are well on their way to a three-peat.

I’ll be honest: leaving this amazing team isn’t easy. To Jeff Olson, the board of directors, and our incredible Government Affairs Committees in South and North Dakota, thank you for trusting me with the ball and letting me run some plays. This point guard loved calling the shots with this experienced all-star team!

Working in this movement hasn’t just been a job, it’s been the game of a lifetime. And while I may be moving courts, you better believe I’ll still be cheering on our credit unions every step of the way in whatever capacity I can.

I’m grateful for every pass, every play, and every huddle we shared. Here’s to keeping the momentum alive and making sure our North and South Dakota keeps cutting down nets, because that’s how champs do it!

With my utmost respect,
Chesney Garnos

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