Dakota Executives Honored in Credit Union House Hall of Leaders

Two Dakota credit union executives were recently inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.

Troy Stang, Credit Union House chair and president/CEO of the GoWest Credit Union Association & Steve Schmitz

Two distinguished credit union leaders from the Dakotas were recently recognized on a national stage with induction into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.

Steve Schmitz, president and CEO of First Community Credit Union in Jamestown, ND, and Fran Sommerfeld, president and CEO of Levo Credit Union in Sioux Falls, SD, were among 18 credit union leaders honored during a ceremony held March 3 in Washington, D.C., during the America’s Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference.
The Credit Union House Hall of Leaders recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the credit union movement through leadership, vision, and service at the local, state, or national level.

Schmitz has served First Community Credit Union for more than two decades, joining the organization in 2000 and becoming president and CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, FCCU has experienced significant growth, including multiple mergers and surpassing the $1 billion asset milestone, while continuing to focus on strong community engagement and member service.

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Troy Stang, Credit Union House chair and president/CEO of the GoWest Credit Union Association & Fran Sommerfeld

Sommerfeld has dedicated more than 30 years to the credit union movement. Since becoming president and CEO of Levo Credit Union in 2009, he has led the organization through significant growth, expanding its reach to more than 36,000 members across four states while fostering a culture centered on mentorship, advocacy, and community impact.

“This recognition reflects the incredible leadership and dedication that Steve and Fran have brought to the credit union movement throughout their careers,” said George McDonald, interim president and CEO of the Dakota Credit Union Association. “Both have made lasting contributions to their credit unions, their communities, and the broader industry, and we are proud to see them honored among the nation’s credit union leaders.”

Their induction places them among a distinguished group of leaders who have helped shape the credit union industry and advance its mission of people helping people.

Photos courtesy of Credit Union House.

Credit Union House is a stately townhouse in Washington, DC owned by every statewide credit union trade association and American Association of Credit Union Leagues. It was built primarily for credit unions and credit union groups across the country as a coordination center on Capitol Hill. It’s where credit union leaders and policymakers come together to discuss ideas, share stories, and advance the movement’s mission. Visit cuhouse.com to learn more.​​

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