Legislative Update with Chesney

Meet the individuals who make up the South Dakota GAC; these volunteers generously donate their time and resources for credit union advocacy! 

Joey Rotert

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Meet the Leaders Shaping South Dakota’s Advocacy Efforts
In our ongoing efforts to enhance advocacy, the DakCU advocacy team, Jeff Olson, John Alexander, and I, have been diligently collaborating with our Governmental Affairs Committees in both North and South Dakota. If you caught my article last week, you'll know that our inaugural advocacy golf event raised over $11,000 for South Dakota advocacy efforts!

Recognizing the hard work of others is important, and this week, I want to highlight each of our dedicated members of the South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee (SD GAC). Each member generously donates their time and resources to ensure that our advocacy work effectively supports and promotes the priorities of our credit unions across the Dakotas and nationwide. 
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Chairman Joey Rotert

• Role: Vice President Eastern Market, Black Hills FCU – Sioux Falls, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Positive, supportive, collaborative.
• Passion for Credit Unions: Fostering growth within our communities.
• Hobbies: Golfing and hunting.
• Travel Dreams: Golfing along Ireland’s coast.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: To advocate for our cooperative financial model.
• Policy Focus Area: Protecting our tax status.

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Chad Moller

Vice Chairman/CULAC Trustee Chad Moller

• Role: Chief Growth Officer, Dakotaland FCU, Huron, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Passionate, loyal, driven.
• Hobbies: Golfing, fishing, hunting, community service.
• Travel Aspirations: Ireland, to experience the culture and Guinness.
• Motivation for Joining SD GAC: Interest in politics and building relationships.
• Policy Focus Area: Advocating for beneficial policies and member representation.

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Jaymason Bramblee

Member Jaymason Bramblee

• Role: Loan Officer/Marketing
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Outgoing, bubbly, reliable.
• Passion for Credit Unions: The unique member interactions and challenges.
• Hobbies: Outdoors activities like hunting and gardening.
• Travel Dreams: The UK for a soccer game and historical sites.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: The pivotal role of state & local policies observed in 2020.
• Policy Focus Area: Preserving credit unions' tax-exempt status.

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Jay Kruse

Member Jay Kruse

• Role at Credit Union: President/CEO, Norstar FCU, Britton, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Passionate, servant, leader.
• Hobbies: Golfing, watching college sports, and exploring new cultures.
• Travel Aspirations: Egypt and the Middle East for their rich history and culture.
• Motivation for Joining SD GAC: Lifelong political interest and desire to educate on credit union benefits.
• Policy Focus Area: Advocating for policies that enhance agricultural and business lending.

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Cassie Pannone

Member Cassie Pannone

• Role: Chief Financial Officer, Northern Hills FCU, Sturgis, SD
• About Me: Family-oriented, analytical, ambitious.
• Passion for Credit Unions: Embodying the philosophy of people helping people.
• Hobbies: Attending live sports events and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Travel Dreams: Germany to connect with family heritage.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: To take a more active role in the credit union movement.
• Policy Focus Area: Ensuring the continuation of credit unions' tax exempt status.

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Jarrod Reisner

Member Jarrod Reisner

• Role at Credit Union: Chief Financial Officer, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Rapid City, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Authentic, approachable, pragmatic.
• Passion for Credit Unions: Working with dedicated teams to support our mission and community.
• Hobbies: Coaching soccer, snowboarding, mountain biking, fly fishing, and outdoor activities.
• Travel Dreams: Exploring Alaska for its vast wilderness and unique experiences.
• Motivation for Joining SD GAC: Desire to enhance advocacy for credit unions in South and North Dakota.
• Policy Focus Area: Protecting the unique attributes of credit unions and ensuring fair regulations.

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Floyd Rummel, III

Member Floyd Rummel, III

• Role: CEO, Northern Hills FCU, Sturgis, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Honest, direct, trustworthy.
• Passion for Credit Unions: I love helping people through my role.
• Hobbies: Golfing, hunting, and playing bridge.
• Travel Dreams: Scotland and Ireland for their iconic golf courses.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: To ensure credit unions have a voice in political affairs.
• Policy Focus Area: Fraud prevention.

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Jeff Schmidt

Member Jeff Schmidt

• Role: Chief Executive Officer, Voyage FCU, Sioux Falls, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Curious, sociable, competitive.
• Passion for Credit Unions: Impacting community financial well-being.
• Hobbies: Traveling, golfing, and enjoying sports events.
• Travel Dreams: Visiting Hawaii for its diverse natural beauty.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: To influence policy aligning with my goals.
• Policy Focus Area: Renewable energy and low carbon emission policies.

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Hannah Taylor

Member Hannah Taylor

• Role: Business Intelligence Analyst, Highmark FCU, Rapid City
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Competitive, methodical, mindful.
• Passion for Credit Unions: Freedom to drive change based on member needs.
• Hobbies: Hydroponic gardening.
• Travel Dreams: Iceland for its stunning landscapes and culture.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: Importance of understanding the financial sector's diverse areas.
• Policy Focus Area: Consumer protection.

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Guy Trenhaile

​Member Guy Trenhaile

• Role: President, Healthcare Plus FCU, Aberdeen, SD
• Three Words Describing Yourself: Transparent, outgoing, approachable.
• Passion for Credit Unions: The joy of working with people.
• Hobbies: Playing pool and golf, despite my struggles with the sport!
• Travel Dreams: Exploring the Northeastern U.S. during fall.
• Why I Joined SD GAC: I was invited due to my interest in PAC contributions.
• Policy Focus Area: Financial education over policies.

As you can tell, these leaders bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the credit union industry, each playing a pivotal role in fostering community growth and ensuring financial well-being in South Dakota and across the U.S. Thank you, SD GAC, for all each of you do!

Contact Chesney with any advocacy or legislative questions at [email protected].

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