Individual Achievement Awards

DakCU presents Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Emerging Leader Awards at Annual Summit. ​

During the Dakota Credit Union Association awards banquet that was recently held at the Delta Hotel in Fargo, ND three Dakota credit union professionals were recognized for their outstanding individual achievements.
​
Mike Black, Board Member at North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, ND was named Volunteer of the Year. This award goes to one volunteer from North or South Dakota each year that has selflessly contributed time, effort, and talent to the development of the credit union movement in their state. Volunteers are an integral part of the credit union movement, and their contributions resonate throughout the credit union community by illuminating the most important part of the credit union structure.
 
Mike Black has served on the North Star Community Credit Union Board for 22 years, including as board president since 2014. A passionate advocate for the credit union movement, he actively participates in local, regional, and national initiatives, attending events like the MonDAK Roundtable, DakCU Summit, and GAC in Washington, D.C. His dedication is highlighted by his upcoming fifth GAC trip in 2025. Mike has also been instrumental in promoting philanthropy within North Star Credit Union, including leading a $100,000 pledge to the Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital and coordinating fundraising efforts for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with the Rugby Car Club.
Photo above shows Mike receiving his award from DakCU President/CEO Jeff Olson

​Joann Burgrud, Chief Operations Officer at North Star Community Credit Union (Maddock, ND) received the Professional of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors one credit union professional each year from North or South Dakota for their contributions to advance the credit union movement in their state and the nation by helping to craft an environment that allows credit unions to grow and prosper, to better serve their members.
 
Bergrud has dedicated over 20 years to North Star Community Credit Union, where her visionary leadership and commitment to “people helping people” have made a lasting impact. Beginning her career as a Member Services and Marketing Representative in 1998, she steadily advanced through key roles culminating in her current position as Chief Operations Officer. Joann has led numerous major initiatives, including a successful 2024 core system upgrade, and consistently drives innovation, efficiency, and growth while prioritizing member satisfaction.

---

Hunter Walsh, Assistant VP of Lending at Railway Credit Union (Mandan, ND), received the Emerging Leader of the Year Award. This award recognizes one credit union employee each year from North or South Dakota showing proven dedication and enthusiasm for the credit union movement by executing the credit union mission and guiding in new directions that enhance the overall vision of their organization.
 
Walsh began his credit union career at Railway Credit Union in 2018. Starting as a Financial Service Representative, his dedication and exceptional service led to promotions first to Loan Officer, then to Senior Consumer Loan Officer and now to his current role of Assistant VP of Lending. In addition to overseeing the consumer lending department and mentoring staff, Hunter is deeply involved in RCU committees and events, including the Youth Interaction and Emerging Leaders Committees. He also actively supports DakCU initiatives and continues to advance professionally through industry education and certifications.

---