Seven Dakotans Named to National Committees

​These credit union professionals will be serving at the national level – making a difference for credit unions around the country. 

​Bismarck, ND - The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) have announced their Committee Assignments for 2022. Six Dakotans have been appointed to various committees and subcommittees and will be serving at the national level, making a difference for credit unions around the country.
 
Amy Kleinschmit, Chief Compliance Officer, Dakota Credit Union Association (Sioux Falls, SD) has been appointed to the CUNA Consumer Protection Subcommittee. The purpose of this committee is to monitor developments, address concerns, and advise CUNA staff in the areas of consumer financial protection laws and regulations; to develop voluntary guidelines in this area for the benefit of credit unions and their members; and to make recommendations to the Advocacy Committee to minimize or eliminate requirements without jeopardizing consumer protections.  In addition, Amy was named to AACUL’s Regulatory Advocacy/Compliance Advisory Committee, which provides advice and feedback to CUNA and AACUL regarding federal and state regulatory advocacy and compliance issues affecting credit unions.  
 
Jeremiah Kossen, President/CEO Town and Country CU (Minot, ND) was also named to the CUNA Consumer Protection Subcommittee, as an Ex-Officio Member. Kossen was first named a member of the national CFPB Credit Union Advisory Council in September of 2020, the first North Dakota credit union leader to serve on this council.
 
George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services, Dakota Credit Union Association (Bismarck, ND) serves on the AACUL LSC Committee. The purpose of this committee is to provide a forum for LSC executives to collaborate, discuss, and develop ideas for meeting the challenges and fostering the long-term viability of Leagues and LSCs—individually and collectively—to serve credit unions.

Jeff Olson, President/CEO of Dakota Credit Union Association (Bismarck, ND) will serve on the following boards and committees: CUNA Board of Directors and Executive Committee (ex-officio); CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) Board of Directors; CUNA Advocacy Committee, Member; CU Awareness LLC Board, AACUL Executive Board. The CU Awareness Board is responsible for overall direction of the credit union awareness initiative. 
 
Melanie Stillwell, CEO of Western Cooperative Credit Union (Williston, ND) was appointed to the CUNA Examination & Supervision Subcommittee. This committee makes recommendations to the Advocacy Committee regarding safe, fair, and efficient examinations for federal and state credit unions, and also makes recommendations regarding the Share Insurance Fund, the CDFI fund, and the Community Development Revolving Loan Program.
 
Jerry Schmidt, CEO of Black Hills FCU (Rapid City, SD) was named to the Credit Union Powers Subcommittee. This committee provides CUNA with feedback on pending legislative and regulatory proposals affecting credit union powers at the federal and state level, and develops recommendations to the Advocacy Committee to address those concerns.
 
Patricia Tollefson, Volunteer at Area Federal Credit Union (Aberdeen, SD) was named to the Volunteer Leadership Committee. This committee assists in the development of CUNA strategy for increased involvement and support of credit union volunteers.  Members serve as a strategic leadership resource, providing advice and guidance for enhanced volunteer-centered initiatives.