Dakota CU News & Notes

Bluestone FCU announces Guy Anderson as new Director of Accounting; DakCU is hiring an Administrative Assistant; and several other career opportunities! 

​Bluestone FCU Announces Director of Accounting
Bluestone FCU is pleased to announce that Guy Anderson has joined their staff as the new Director of Accounting. He comes to Bluestone with 15 years of experience in financial institutions ranging from $45 million to $2 billion. A South Dakota native, Guy received his Bachelor’s from USD and his MBA from Sioux Falls University. He has three grown children who all also call East River home, is a diehard MN Vikings fan and roots for the USD Coyotes. Please join us in welcoming him to the credit union family! 

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DakCU Seeking Administrative Assistant
Due to an upcoming retirement, the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is seeking a highly organized, detail orientated individual to join our dynamic team as an Administrative Assistant. This position is responsible for providing general administrative support primarily for our executive team and will support all staff as needed. Primary duties include managing our membership database including basic accounting, assisting with conference/meeting logistics, administrative support for our foundation, and assisting with our awards and recognition program, in addition to daily office routine duties.
 
The Administrative Assistant will work closely with all members of our team but will also function independently while handling projects and deadlines. As such, a self-motivated individual that enjoys a fast-paced environment will enjoy the opportunity to use their organization skills to keep staff and our office operating smoothly. To apply or to request more information, including required skills and experience, contact Karla Clark.
 
Black Hills FCU Seeking VP Eastern Market
Black Hills Federal Credit Union is seeking a Vice President Eastern Market in Sioux Falls, SD. This person will be responsible for the overall operation of the Member Service Centers (MSC) in the assigned market, ensuring an exceptional member experience through great service, knowledgeable staff, and effective consultative sales and service strategies. Also responsible for business development activities to support membership and loan growth in the assigned market. Applicants can visit the Careers page on the BHFCU website to learn more and to apply. Contact Angie Clements, VP Human Resources with any questions.
 
Chief Financial Officer Opportunity
Affinity First Federal Credit Union ($59M assets) located in Minot, North Dakota is seeking a qualified professional to lead the credit union in the role of Chief Financial Officer. The ideal candidate will have financial institution experience and a background in accounting. Position will include monthly and daily balancing, general ledger accounts, investments, accounts payable duties, completing quarterly call reports, financial audits and regulatory exams, reconciliation of corporate accounts, assist with policy and procedure updates, budgeting and forecasting, risk assessments and objectives in the strategic plan. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership and motivational skills, be a team builder, and will lead the credit union regarding accounting goals. Experience in a financial institution is preferred a degree in finance or accounting or 3+ years accounting experience will be considered. Competitive compensation in the market and includes a generous benefits package. Candidates may email their resume to Kelly Duchsherer at [email protected].
 
Aspire CU Seeking Loan Officer
Aspire Credit Union in Minot, ND is looking for an energetic and service minded individual with an enthusiasm to learn while serving members. They are now hiring a full-time Real Estate Loan Officer. This person will be primarily responsible for answering residential Real Estate Loan questions and helping members with home purchases, home equity loans, refinances, and construction loans. Three years real estate lending experience including Desktop Underwriting Guidelines; must be able to obtain an NMLS number; and must be bondable. Aspire offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Submit resume to [email protected].
 
President/CEO Opportunity in Montana
Russell Country Federal Credit Union, with approximately $95 million in assets, located along the historic Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana, is currently seeking a financial executive to serve as its President/CEO.  Reporting directly to the board of directors, this individual will be tasked with instilling a strategic vision throughout the organization that will strengthen the financial performance of the credit union, expanding the organization’s community presence and brand while increasing both membership and loan growth. The successful candidate will have strong financial analysis skills, be well-versed in compliance and regulatory standards, and possess extensive experience in coaching and mentoring staff. The successful candidate must also be experienced in credit union operations to include branch operations, marketing, lending, IT operations, and accounting/finance. Five - seven years of increasing leadership responsibility within a financial institution is required, along with a bachelor’s degree.
Salary commensurate with experience. Position description available upon request at [email protected]. Please send a letter of interest, resume with three professional references, and salary history by July 1st, 2022, to: [email protected] or mail to Russell Country FCU; ATTN: Board Chairman; PO Box 6017; Great Falls, MT 59406

Prepaid Card Usage in 2022: What Credit Unions Need to Know
You are invited to join Envisant for a complimentary webinar on May 17th at 1:00pm CT. How did the prepaid card market balloon to over $600B in 2021? Learn how the latest trends are giving prepaid cards new life and growth, making them more essential than ever to advancing member relationships. Register Today!
 
Discover2022 Open for Pre-Registration
You are invited to pre-register and enjoy a full day of strategic insights with CUNA Mutual Group at the Discovery2022 virtual conference on August 11th. As always, admission is free, and the final agenda will be published soon. The conference platform is new, interactive, and offers great networking opportunities. Most importantly, the agenda will include sought-after topics such as: Economic and financial market outlook; Credit unions and cryptocurrencies; Financial wellness for your members; Overdraft programs and credit union best practices; and Creating a strong culture in remote environments.
 
America’s CU Museum – Credit Union Women Making History
America’s Credit Union Museum has announced the launch of a new “Credit Union Women Making History – Herstory” exhibit. Honoring the past, present and future of the incredible women making history in the credit union industry, Herstory will be an interactive exhibit showcasing inspiring stories never heard before. The new exhibit will premiere at the museum’s 20th Anniversary celebration in September 2022. In addition to a physical display at the museum, the exhibit will have an online presence that shares stories through virtual visits. Everyone is invited to nominate a CU Woman from the past, the present, or someone whose work today is contributing to the future of the movement. For more details, click here.
 
Brandi Stankovic Joins Dakotas Sister Society
Dakota credit union leaders are familiar with Brandi Stankovic, as she has been a featured speaker at several of DakCU’s events including the MonDak Roundtable! Now, she is joining the Dakotas Sister Society as special guest speaker on Thursday, June 16th at 2:00 p.m. CT. Her topic: Being a Kickass Professional Woman! Join us as we chat about being unapologetically a professional powerhouse! Register here – everyone is invited to join! Contact Nanci Wilson at University FCU with any questions.
 
Free Webinar Series for Small Credit Unions
There is a new, free webinar program for smaller credit unions from CUNA. In this series, you will be connected to business partners that are vetted and known to work well with smaller credit unions. Partnering with CUNA Strategic Services, the goal is to deliver direct to your offices presentations on services from small credit union-friendly vendors that can help you enhance your organizations and the services you offer members. Each month, two small credit union-friendly providers will present how their offerings can enhance your service to members. This free series takes place every second Thursday of the month now to December. Register for the series here.
 
Maurie C. Byrne Chapter Meeting
The Maurie C. Byrne Chapter has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, May 17 at Up North Pizza Pub – 314 4th Street NW – East Grand Forks MN. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for social, followed by dinner and program: State of the Association to be presented by Jay Kruse, Chief Advocacy Officer with Dakota Credit Union Association. RSVP to Connie Johnston by Wednesday, May 11.
 
Red River Chapter Meeting
The Red River Chapter has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. Meet at the DoubleTree by Hilton West - 825 E Beaton Dr, West Fargo. Program will be BSA Training with Amy Kleinschmit, Chief Compliance Officer, Dakota Credit Union Association. RSVP no later than Tuesday, May 17 to [email protected].

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