Keller Named DakCU President & CEO

​DakCU has named Joe Keller as its next President and CEO, bringing decades of credit union leadership experience to the role.

The Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Joe Keller as the Association’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 11, 2026.

Keller brings more than 30 years of experience in the credit union movement, with a career defined by leadership across advocacy, operations, and member engagement. He most recently served as Vice President of Membership and Credit Union Solutions for the California, Nevada & Utah Credit Union Leagues, where he led membership strategy and long-term growth initiatives while overseeing partnerships and solutions designed to support credit unions in navigating operational and regulatory challenges.

Throughout his career, Keller has worked closely with credit union CEOs and executive teams to strengthen alignment across advocacy, education, communications, and operational strategy. His leadership has consistently focused on building collaboration and advancing efforts that support both individual credit union success and the broader movement.

In addition to his work in membership and strategy, Keller has held leadership roles in communications, marketing, and digital media, guiding integrated efforts to strengthen engagement and visibility. Prior to his time with the Leagues, he spent more than two decades at a corporate federal credit union in senior technology and operations roles, where he advised executive leadership on digital strategy, growth, and member service delivery.

“Joe brings a deep understanding of advocacy and a proven ability to unite and elevate credit unions around a common purpose,” said DakCU Board Chair and University Federal Credit Union CEO Lacey Fetsch. “We are confident in his ability to strengthen our voice at the state and federal levels while ensuring DakCU continues to deliver meaningful value to the credit unions we serve.”

Keller shared his enthusiasm for joining the Dakota credit union network. “I’m honored to join the Dakota Credit Union Association and represent such a strong, mission-driven network of credit unions,” said Keller. “I look forward to building on DakCU’s strong foundation, listening to our members, and advancing solutions that help credit unions thrive in their communities.”

The selection follows a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with D. Hilton Associates, which began in October 2025 and included input from credit union CEOs, DakCU governmental affairs committees, DakCU Foundation stakeholders, and board leadership.

Keller will be based in Bismarck, North Dakota, and will begin his tenure by joining Dakota credit union leaders at the Dakota Credit Union Association Annual Meeting & Summit, taking place May 12–14 in Box Elder, South Dakota.

The DakCU Board expressed confidence in Keller’s ability to build on the Association’s strong foundation and continue advancing its commitment to collaboration, reliability, advocacy, and member engagement, ensuring Dakota credit unions remain strong, connected, and well-represented at both the state and national levels.

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