CUs in the News

Celebrating credit union excellence: Nicole Crawford and Lisa Irion were honored for their dedicated careers and retirements, while Audrey Fink earned the prestigious CCUE designation.

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.
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Nicole Crawford Retires from Healthcare Plus FCU
After 26 incredible years, Healthcare Plus Federal Credit Union said "see you later" to someone who made an immeasurable impact on the organization and its members. Nicole Crawford's final day with the credit union was July 24. While it's difficult to put 26 years of dedication into words, one thing is certain - the credit union is better because of her leadership, commitment, and service.

Since joining the team in 2000, Nicole served as Vice President of Lending with unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a genuine passion for helping members. She embodied the credit union philosophy of People Helping People every day, leaving a lasting impact on the organization, its members, and the community.

Throughout her career, Nicole was a trusted leader, supportive teammate, and familiar face to countless members. The relationships she built and the difference she made will continue to be felt for years to come. Healthcare Plus Federal Credit Union extends its sincere gratitude to Nicole for her 26 years of outstanding service and wishes her all the best in this well-deserved next chapter.

See the Facebook post here.

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Ft. Randall FCU's Audrey Fink Completes Credit Union Management School
Dakota Credit Union Association congratulates Audrey Fink, Vice President of Ft. Randall Federal Credit Union, on successfully graduating from Credit Union Management School and earning the prestigious Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE)™ designation.

Credit Union Management School is an intensive three-year executive education program designed for credit union professionals preparing for executive leadership. Participants complete rigorous coursework, applied projects, presentations, and examinations while developing expertise in strategic planning, financial management, leadership, and organizational strategy. The CCUE designation is recognized as the highest standard of leadership achievement within the credit union movement, reflecting a strong commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.

Congratulations to Audrey on this outstanding accomplishment. Her dedication to continued professional development strengthens both Ft. Randall Federal Credit Union and the members and communities it serves!

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Hometown Credit Union Celebrates Lisa Irion's Retirement
​After more than 10 years of dedicated service, Hometown Credit Union is proud to celebrate the retirement of Lisa Irion, whose kindness, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the credit union, its members, and the community. Irion's final day with Hometown Credit Union was July 30, marking the close of a remarkable career dedicated to serving members and her community.

Irion joined Hometown Credit Union as a Member Service Representative on November 17, 2014, after leaving the Kulm Post Office to pursue an opportunity that would keep her closer to home. What began as a new career quickly became a rewarding journey centered on serving others.

Throughout her time at Hometown Credit Union, Irion embraced the evolving nature of the financial industry while remaining focused on providing exceptional member service. She also appreciated the flexibility to stay active in her church and community, including teaching Sunday School, helping with Wednesday night programs, serving on the worship team, and performing with the Kulm City Band and Kulm Pep Band.

While Irion enjoyed the work itself, it was the relationships she built with members and coworkers that meant the most. Whether helping members with everyday transactions or simply sharing conversations about life, she treasured the connections she made over the years.

"Members often shared their joys and struggles with me," Irion said. "It was a privilege to pray for them, and sometimes even pray with them." One thank-you note from a member remains tucked inside her Bible as a reminder of the importance of caring for others.

In retirement, Irion looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, completing farm and home projects, focusing on her health, and enjoying life's next chapter.

"Lisa has been a caring and dependable presence for our members and our team for more than a decade," said Harold Hagen, president/CEO of Hometown Credit Union. "Her compassion, positive attitude, and dedication to serving others have touched countless lives. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her nothing but the best in retirement."

Hometown Credit Union extends its sincere appreciation to Lisa for her years of service and wishes her many happy years ahead.

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Healthcare Plus Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative proudly serving Aberdeen and surrounding communities. Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, attend school, own property, or own a business in 22 counties across northeast South Dakota and southeast North Dakota, as well as immediate family members of current members. Committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, Healthcare Plus FCU puts members, not shareholders, first.

Fort Randall Federal Credit Union was established in 1951 to serve local federal employees of the Pickstown School District, and their immediate family members. In 1990 the field of membership was expanded to a community charter to serve anyone who lives or works in Charles Mix County and their family members. In 2002, the charter was further expanded to include anyone who worships, volunteers, or attends school in Charles Mix County. In 2004 a branch was opened in Platte. In 2016 the field of membership was extended to include anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Brule, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, or Hutchinson Counties in South Dakota.  Today, they hold over $24M in assets and serve more than 2,700 members from their offices in Pickstown, Platte, and Wagner, South Dakota. 

Founded in 1949, Hometown Credit Union is a locally owned, member-owned financial cooperative serving the financial needs of individuals, families, farms, and businesses across south central North Dakota. Guided by a commitment to personalized service and community, Hometown Credit Union provides trusted financial solutions while helping members achieve their financial goals at every stage of life. Headquartered in Kulm, North Dakota, Hometown Credit Union proudly serves members through branches in Kulm, Ashley, Hazelton, Lincoln, and Medina.

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