DakCU Welcomes Chesney Garnos!

​The newest member of our team is a South Dakota native who will serve as our Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs. 

Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is very pleased to announce the newest member of our team, as Chesney Garnos joins the association this week as Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs.
 
Chesney is a highly skilled communicator with a strong background in government relations, nonprofit advocacy, and executive relationship building. Raised in Presho, South Dakota, she earned her B.A. in political science and social media marketing and her M.A. in communications from the University of South Dakota. During her time as a student, she had the opportunity to work as a South Dakota legislature intern and political science research assistant, and held positions at KYOT news and KAOR radio.
 
She also brings an impressive resume of previous work experience to the association, completing five internships in the U.S. Senate. In addition, she was the communications manager for a non-profit based in Washington, D.C., and worked as a communications specialist in the office of South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds. Most recently, she worked as a strategic communications manager and senior digital strategist for two Sioux Falls, South Dakota based companies.
 
Chesney’s primary responsibilities at DakCU will be to assist the advocacy team with all legislative and political objectives, and direct legislative affairs and political action efforts in the South Dakota region. “Chesney brings a wealth of experience working in legislative affairs and policy issues at both the state and federal level, having worked extensively in Washington, D.C.,” says DakCU President/CEO, Jeff Olson. “We are very excited to have Chesney on our advocacy team; her successful background and engagement in policy issues will be an asset in guiding our credit union advocacy agenda on both the state and federal levels, as well as coordinating our political action objectives,” he added.
 
Along with her notable resume and educational background, Chesney has received recognition from the University of South Dakota's “30 Under 30” award, and was named an “Up and Comer” by Sioux Falls Business. As the child of a former South Dakota State Legislator, she has a unique perspective and insight into the political process, being engaged in everything from campaigning to the legislative sessions at the South Dakota State Capitol and our nation’s capital.
 
“I often joke that navigating the political process is second nature to me,” Chesney shared. “I'm dedicated to serving as an active advocate and catalyst for positive change; as the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs at Dakota Credit Union Association, I'm honored and excited to extend my impact, advocating for South Dakotans through service, leadership, and stewardship,” she added.
 
Chesney resides in Sioux Falls, SD and will be working from the DakCU office located at 1741 S. Cleveland Ave, Ste 304 – Sioux Falls, SD 57103. You may contact her at 701.250.3928 or [email protected].