Bergrud Awarded Luminary of the Year

North Star Community Credit Union’s Joann Bergrud Named Credit Union Times Luminary of the Year – Executive Leadership: C-Suite.

Joann Bergrud

By North Star Community Credit Union

North Star Community Credit Union is proud to announce that Joann Bergrud, Chief Operating Officer, has been named the Credit Union Times Luminary of the Year in the Executive Leadership: C-Suite category.
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This national honor recognizes exceptional credit union leaders who demonstrate outstanding innovation, vision, and impact within the cooperative financial services industry. The Luminaries Awards program, presented annually by Credit Union Times, celebrates individuals and organizations that are “lighting the way” toward a stronger, more vibrant future for credit unions and their members.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Joann and this incredible recognition,” said Kylee Lemieux, Marketing Manager of North Star Community Credit Union. “Her leadership has helped shape North Star into the innovative, people-focused credit union we are today. This award is a reflection not only of her achievements, but also of the values and teamwork she inspires across our organization.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Bergrud has been instrumental in advancing North Star’s strategic initiatives, guiding operational excellence, and fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and community impact. Her leadership has strengthened member service, employee engagement, and organizational growth, earning her national recognition among the industry’s most accomplished executives.

The Luminaries Awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and honor those who are making a measurable difference in advancing the credit union movement. Nominees are evaluated on the innovation, leadership, and results of their efforts to better serve members and communities.

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Kylee Lemieux

“Being named as Executive Leadership-C Suite Luminary of the Year is an incredible honor. This award reflects the strength of our entire North Star team and how we’ve worked together, completed a major project and maintained our focus on helping members achieve financial success. I am truly humbled to be part of the credit union movement that values commitment to our members, communities and missions.” – Joann Bergrud, Chief Operations Officer, North Star Community Credit Union

North Star Community Credit Union extends its heartfelt congratulations to Joann on this well-deserved achievement. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for serving others continue to drive the organization and the credit union industry forward.

In addition to Joann’s individual recognition, North Star’s Marketing Team was also named a Top 10 Finalist in the Marketing Excellence category of the 2025 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards. This national acknowledgment reflects the team’s creativity, strategic innovation, and commitment to sharing North Star’s mission in ways that strengthen member relationships and community connections.

About the Luminaries Awards
The Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards program honors top individuals, executives, teams, and organizations in the credit union industry who are driving meaningful change. The awards recognize excellence across key areas such as leadership, innovation, member service, and community impact. More information is available at www.cutimes.com/luminaries-awards.

About North Star Community Credit Union
North Star Community Credit Union serves the North Dakota communities of Maddock, Bottineau, Butte, Cavalier, Devils Lake, Grafton, Minot, Rugby, Velva, Tolna, and Willow City. Chartered in 1940, the credit union currently has more than 21,000 members and holds over $410M in assets.
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