CUs in the News is a spotlight series celebrating the incredible work happening across our Dakota credit unions. From standout promotions and community giveback efforts to innovative programs and member-focused initiatives, this series will showcase how our credit unions live out the “people helping people” philosophy each and every day.  Joann Bergrud Announces Retirement After 28 Years of Service at North Star Community Credit Union North Star Community Credit Union (North Dakota) announces the upcoming retirement of Joann Bergrud, Chief Operations Officer, effective December 31, 2026, following an extraordinary 28-year career dedicated to the credit union, its employees, members, and the communities it serves. Joann began her career with North Star Community Credit Union on July 13, 1998, as a Member Services and Marketing Representative. Through decades of dedication, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the credit union philosophy of people helping people, she grew into one of the organization’s most respected and influential leaders, serving as Chief Operations Officer since 2017. Throughout her career, Joann has played an instrumental role in shaping not only the direction of North Star Community Credit Union, but also the culture that defines the organization today. Her leadership style has consistently centered around empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and creating an environment where employees feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally. Known throughout the organization as a mentor, advocate, and trusted leader, Joann has guided countless employees throughout their careers, helping develop future leaders and fostering a workplace culture rooted in teamwork, compassion, accountability, and service. Her ability to lead with both strength and heart has left a lasting impact on generations of North Star employees and the members they serve. Joann has also been a passionate advocate for the credit union movement, consistently encouraging employee engagement and helping staff understand the importance of advocacy efforts that strengthen and protect the credit union industry. She believed deeply in ensuring every employee understood the impact their voice could have in shaping the future of the movement. Beyond her leadership within the organization, Joann has dedicated herself to strengthening her community through volunteerism, financial education, and service. Whether supporting local organizations, serving on North Star’s Donation Committee, contributing to financial literacy initiatives, or volunteering throughout the Maddock community, Joann has continually demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of others. Her leadership and impact have been recognized both regionally and nationally throughout her career. Joann was honored as the Dakota Credit Union Association’s Professional of the Year, recognized nationally as a Credit Union Times Executive of the Year, and named one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Business. These achievements reflect not only her professional excellence, but the respect and admiration she has earned from colleagues, peers, and communities throughout the region. “Joann’s impact on North Star Community Credit Union is impossible to measure,” said Bob Herrington, President/CEO of North Star Community Credit Union. “She has helped shape the culture, values, and direction of this organization for nearly three decades. Her leadership has influenced employees across every level of the credit union, and her commitment to people has made North Star Community Credit Union a stronger organization. Joann’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless individuals she has mentored and inspired throughout her career.” Reflecting on her upcoming retirement, Joann shared, “It has been an incredible honor to spend the past 28 years serving our members and working alongside such an amazing team. The relationships built throughout the years are what I will cherish most. I am incredibly proud of what North Star has accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization that truly cares about its employees, members, and communities.” North Star Community Credit Union extends its deepest gratitude to Joann Bergrud for her years of service, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the credit union movement. While she will be greatly missed, her impact on the organization and the people within it will continue to be felt for many years to come. Additional details regarding retirement celebrations and opportunities for members, employees, and the community to honor Joann’s career will be shared at a later date. As North Star Community Credit Union prepares for this transition, the organization will begin the process of identifying its next operational leader to help carry forward the strong culture, values, and member-focused philosophy that Joann helped shape throughout her career. North Star is committed to finding a passionate and forward-thinking individual who will continue building upon the credit union’s legacy of service, leadership, and community impact. To support this important transition, North Star Community Credit Union is partnering with executive recruitment firm D. Hilton Associates. To submit a confidential application and learn more about positions represented by D. Hilton Associates, please visit www.dhilton.com and click on “Find a Career.” Individuals may also recommend candidates for consideration by contacting Sarah Hilton, Senior Vice President, at (800) 367-0433, extension 133, or [email protected]. 52 Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation in June DE Class of 2026 Congratulations to Chad Peterson of North Star Community Credit Union on earning his Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation through the National Credit Union Foundation's Development Education (DE) Program! The immersive program brings together credit union professionals from across the country to deepen their understanding of the cooperative movement, community impact, and financial well-being. Chad was the only North Dakota representative among the 52 leaders recognized in the June 2026 graduating class. We're proud to see Chad representing North Dakota credit unions and continuing to invest in leadership that strengthens our movement. Read the full announcement and see the complete list of graduates.  Levo Partners with Air Madness, KELO, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Award $34,502.50 to Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation
Levo Credit Union, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), Air Madness, and KELOLAND TV are pleased to announce that the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation will receive a $34,502.50 donation from Operation Hope and Caring. Levo was able to apply for a matching donation from FHLB Des Moines’ Member Impact Fund to multiply Levo’s gift as part of Operation Hope and Caring. Air Madness, Levo, and KELO also hosted a fundraiser for the cause in February. The group presented a check at this month’s Sioux Falls School Board meeting. Operation Hope and Caring supplies funding for projects in Title –I schools, where a large percentage of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Since 2017, Operation Hope and Caring has provided more than $162,500 in assistance to the Sioux Falls Public Schools. These funds have been used to pay for things like winter gear, tennis shoes, playground equipment, field trip lunches and washing machines to allow students to feel clean and comfortable during the school day while also maintaining their dignity. “Operation Hope and Caring is a wonderful tradition because we all believe in giving back to our community,” says Jen McKeown, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Levo. “And what better way to give back than to provide basics for kids in need? We don’t think any student should have to go without things like winter boots, school supplies or washing their clothes.” Levo also offered Perky Coffee and Levo mugs for donations to the fund, as well as collecting laundry detergent for the schools to use when washing kids’ clothing. “Operation Hope and Caring partners make a significant impact on thousands of students each year, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. Levo selflessly leads the charge and rallies their members and other partners to join them in meeting the basic needs of students who would otherwise go without winter gear, clean clothes, and fun field trip experiences. This partnership serves as a shining example of what is possible when schools and businesses work together to care for their own,” says Dr. Jamie Nold, Sioux Falls Superintendent. This year, Operation Hope and Caring benefitted from a matching grant opportunity offered to Levo by FHLB Des Moines called the Member Impact Fund. FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. “The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion the organizations that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.” Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to serve affordable housing or community development needs including job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks and youth programs. This member matching grant program is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members. Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $113 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding—reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to partnership and impact. Levo has donated almost $360,000 to worthy causes over the past five years and operates its own foundation called the Levo Cares Foundation. For more information about Levo’s giving, go to: Levo.org/foundation. Founded in 1940, North Star Community Credit Union serves members across central and northeast North Dakota with 13 branch locations. North Star is dedicated to helping members achieve financial success through personalized service, local decision-making, and a strong commitment to community. To learn more, visit www.nsccu.com Levo Credit Union was chartered in 1934 and is South Dakota’s oldest credit union. The not-for-profit cooperative has over 37,000 members with six Sioux Falls locations, one Sioux City location, and one Fargo location. It serves 29 counties in South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. For more information, please visit www.levo.org. Comments are closed.
|
|
Copyright Dakota Credit Union Association. All Rights Reserved.
2005 N Kavaney Dr - Suite 201 | Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Phone: 800-279-6328 | [email protected] | sitemap | privacy policy |
|
|
|