Melanie Stillwell to Retire in April

Western Cooperative Credit Union’s longtime president/CEO has been an extraordinary leader in the credit union movement. ​

Melanie Stillwell

​Melanie Stillwell has served Western Cooperative Credit Union (WCCU), the Williston, North Dakota based credit union for over 26 years, growing from $76 million to its current assets of $444 million. Her last day will be April 1, 2024, the board of directors said in a recent statement. She will be succeeded by Justin Maddison, as announced earlier this year.  
 
“Melanie has been an extraordinary leader for Western Cooperative Credit Union,” stated Larry Novak, WCCU Board Chairman. “Her dedication and engagement with both our members and employees have been invaluable. Melanie’s involvement in the community, while maintaining her vision and focus on WCCU core values and accomplishments, has been remarkable. We thank her for her hard work and wish her the best in her retirement,” he added.
 
Stillwell served as vice president of WCCU for approximately four years before being selected as president/CEO in 2002. Under her tenure, WCCU has grown in assets, branch locations, and employees. Additionally, operational, financial, and technological improvements were implemented under her tenure, giving WCCU members the excellent service they deserve.
 
The greater credit union industry has also benefited from Stillwell’s expertise throughout her entire 38 years of service. Prior to her time at WCCU, she began her career as an NCUA examiner, later moving onto Safeway Rocky Mountain Federal Credit Union as senior vice president of finance. Wanting to move closer to family, she eventually returned to North Dakota and joined Western Cooperative Credit Union.
 
Stillwell has also extended her expertise to the CUNA Exam and Supervision Subcommittee, the North Dakota State Credit Union Board, DakCU Board of Directors, and was a founding member for Pactola. Locally, she served on the Williston State College Foundation Board, Western Region Economic Development Board, and CHI/St. Alexius Health Center Board of Directors. She was a Williston Rotary Club member for 17 years, serving as both secretary and president, and served on several chamber of commerce committees in Williston.
 
Stillwell was named one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Business and was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington, D.C. in 2023. She was awarded the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership award in 2024. Today, WCCU’s 100 employees run eight branches and serve over 19,000 members.
 
Congratulations, Melanie! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
 
Western Cooperative Credit Union is planning an open house celebration for Melanie on Wednesday, March 27. The public is welcome to join them from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Main Branch in Williston, 1300 Bison Drive. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.

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