New Beginnings at DakCU

​John Alexander on his first few weeks at the Association. Plus, a bit more on his background and previous experience as he transplants to North Dakota. 

by John J. Alexander, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

My journey with the DakCU team set sail, and the initial voyage was a heartwarming one. During my first week, I've had the privilege of experiencing a warm welcome and an obvious sense of anticipation. It's becoming clear that the credit union industry is on the cusp of some exciting transformations.

The camaraderie and support from the DakCU team and the broader credit union community have been nothing short of inspiring. Interacting with colleagues who not only excel in their fields but are also deeply committed to the credit union industry has been a true privilege. I'm eager to learn from each of them as we embark on this collective journey.

My first week at DakCU took me on a strategic journey to Fargo, where we dove into the intricacies of credit association expectations. Our resolve to elevate awareness and promote education was reaffirmed, with a pronounced focus on advocating for credit unions at both the local and federal levels. Creating a nurturing environment for credit unions is at the core of our mission.

Now, what you can expect from me: My background prior to joining DakCU encompasses serving as the acting Regional Coordinator for The Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. In that role, I led a team of hundreds of volunteers, orchestrating impactful activism events, organizing speaking engagements with state chapters, and driving pivotal changes in college education policy.

My journey also includes roles as an intern for the U.S. Senate, where I witnessed the inner workings of legislative processes, and as a contract field organizer for a grassroots political group, where I honed my skills in mobilizing communities. My time serving as a legislative director in Austin, TX, was characterized by securing witnesses for committee hearings, expanding organizational influence, advancing crucial legislation, and strategic planning for the Texas House of Representatives.

Many lawmakers often lack a comprehensive understanding of the credit union structure. Education is the key to bridge that gap. We stand on the precipice of change; one law, one vote away from potentially losing the essence of what defines us.

What this means for DakCU members is that, with my experience in enhancing advocacy efforts, grassroots management, and legislative planning, I am confident in our capacity to promote comprehensive legislative and regulatory advocacy, facilitate professional development, and create educational opportunities. This commitment extends not only within the political arena but also right here in North Dakota.

As we look ahead, I am genuinely excited about the prospect of collaborating with our outstanding team to realize our shared objectives in the credit union industry. I extend my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome I've received from DakCU and the people of North Dakota. As the saying goes, "Opportunity finds you when you're looking in the right places." This sentiment resonates beautifully with the spirit of this team and its leadership.

Signing off, I wish to express my deep honor in joining the DakCU team and my eagerness for the journey ahead. Together, we will navigate the evolving financial landscape and carve out a promising future for the credit union industry.

Feel free to contact me with any legislative and/or advocacy concerns at [email protected].