Pat Murtha Announces Retirement

Dakotaland Federal Credit Union's Mitchell Branch Manager will be retiring after 38 years of service.

By Dakotaland FCU
Pat’s credit union career started back on April 15,1987 after realizing she needed a change after 10 years of working at a CPA firm. 

One day when Pat was working out at the local fitness center, a Board Member of Mitchell Area Federal Credit Union asked if she would be interested in managing the Credit Union.  Pat’s response was “what is a Credit Union?”  He said, “oh you just give money out and take money in.”  She sent in her resume and the next day was told she had a new job if she wanted it.  Pat quickly found out there was a little more to it than that!  

The first week on the job required her to repossess a vehicle. Her legs couldn’t stop shaking from all the adrenaline, an experience she will never forget!  Also in the first week, another shocking discovery revealed that the Credit Union was in big trouble as NCUA was going to force a closure.  Learning this news lit a fire under Pat and she was determined to save the credit union and make it profitable again.

In 1999 Mitchell Area Federal Credit Union grew out of their little rented office space and built at their current location. At the time of merging with Dakotaland Federal Credit Union in 2013, they had no debt on the building, zero delinquencies and came in well capitalized at 11%.

Pat has so many accomplishments to celebrate and is grateful for all the wonderful relationships she has formed with members and staff over the past 38 years. It is hard for her to walk away knowing how much she will miss the credit union atmosphere and all the great people she has had the opportunity to work with.  

We wish Pat all the best while relaxing on the beach and traveling around the world!
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There will be an open house celebration for Pat on Friday, October 3rd from 12pm-3pm at the Mitchell branch.  If you are unable to attend, please feel free to reach out to Pat prior to her retirement or you can send a card to her at Dakotaland FCU, 301 S Ohlman Street, Mitchell SD 57301. 

​Dakotaland FCU is based in Huron, South Dakota with branch offices in Aberdeen, Brookings, DeSmet, Madison, Mitchell, Redfield, Volga, Watertown, and Woonsocket. Established in 1935, the credit union holds nearly $372.5M in assets and serves more than 32,000 members.