In the Spotlight: Lexie Hanwell from Capital Credit Union

​“When you’re part of the credit union industry, you really feel that everyone is working together to do what is best for each other and the membership,” says this communications specialist. 

Lexie Hanwell was born and raised in Hazen, North Dakota, the middle child of three close sisters.  Her father was a boilermaker who worked at local power plants, sometimes traveling out of state in the winter months, while her mom was a beautician and homemaker. 

“Both my parents have been strong influences in my life,” she shared.  “My dad taught me the value of hard work and always putting your best foot forward.  When he does something, it is done well and correctly, and that is something I try to emulate on a day-to-day basis.  My mom is the epitome of kindness and selflessness – she has always been a great example to me of how to treat others.  I have a very close-knit family for which I am so grateful.  They have always supported me and encouraged me in my career and personal life,” she added.

Lexie attended Hazen High School in a class of about 90 students.  She was involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society, and attended the Close Up Foundation program in Washington, D.C., which teaches young people how to participate in civic affairs and government.  In addition, she was on the golf team and took stats for boys’ and girls’ basketball.  

After graduating from high school, she attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, receiving her major in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism.  She also worked as an intern at KVLY-TV in Fargo, where she assisted with video journalism and news production.

Once she received her degree, she moved to Hastings, MN, for a time, and worked as an editor at Thomson West (now Thomson Reuters) in Eagan.  However, she wanted to be closer to her family, so she moved to Bismarck and accepted a job at a local advertising agency, working for the next 12 years and receiving several promotions.  Then, when a communications specialist position opened at Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah (a subsidiary of Basin Electric Power Cooperative), she jumped at the opportunity to be even closer to family.  After just three short months, her position was eliminated in a wave of cost-cutting measures.  At the same time, a position became available for a communications specialist at Capital Credit Union, which she says has turned into the perfect fit!

She became an employee at Capital Credit Union in September of 2018, but her relationship with the credit union actually began nine years ago when she was purchasing her first home.  “I was referred to Capital Credit Union by a friend who had a great experience with her mortgage loan here, and I too had a wonderful experience,” she said.  “Purchasing your first home is an overwhelming process and it was reassuring to have such knowledgeable and truly caring people in my corner.”
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She continues, “I love the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy and the support I feel as an employee and member of the credit union.  When you’re part of the credit union industry, you really feel that everyone is working together to do what is best for each other and the membership.  I feel lucky to have landed where I did, and to experience that from the inside.  I love being part of the Marketing Team here at Capital Credit Union; every day brings a new challenge, but also the opportunity to grow.”  

Shortly before Lexie started, Capital Credit Union went through a rebrand, so once she was hired, she jumped in to help establish and carry forward the new look and feel of the credit union in both its marketing and in the physical locations.  In her role as communications specialist, Lexie is responsible for developing and reviewing all internal and external written communication, including ad copy, newsletters, press releases, website content, letters, and email messages.  She develops content for social media channels and initiatives, identifies marketing opportunities, and assists with annual and project budgeting and various events. 

Besides her many work responsibilities, she also gives her time for “unofficial” duties.  She serves on the credit union’s Communications Committee and participates in the voluntary “Step Forward” program, which encourages employees to get involved and engaged in the community.  She has volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring, The Banquet, Heavens Helpers, Girl Scout Cookie University, Optimist Club gift wrapping, and Salvation Army
Co-op Ring Day.  In 2019, she was awarded Capital Credit Union’s Champion Award which is presented to an employee who provides exceptional staff support and exemplifies the credit union mission.

“My first years here have been a whirlwind, but I couldn’t have asked to join a better team!  Everything we do is truly a team effort, and I’m proud to be part of both the Marketing Team and Capital Credit Union as a whole,” she concluded. 

In her personal life, Lexie has four adoring nephews whom she tries to see as often as possible.  Her parents still reside in Hazen, but now they winter in Arizona – which provides a great escape for her to visit during the cold North Dakota winters.  She loves to travel and enjoys the research and planning process for big adventures.  Just before the pandemic hit, she traveled to Scotland with two close friends, where they explored Edinburgh, and took a tour of the Highlands and Isle of Skye.  Other favorite destinations have included Banff National Park, Mackinac Island, Mexico, and New York City.  Her next trip this fall will be to Acadia National Park in Maine, and she says she can’t wait to go hiking and exploring after the last year of restrictions. 

When she’s not traveling, you are likely to find Lexie at home, spending time with friends and family, watching movies and documentaries, or listening to true crime podcasts.  She also enjoys cooking, baking, and playing recreational volleyball.

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