Summit Crashers Announced!

​Congratulations to these 13 individuals who will be joining us in Fargo as we reconnect, build professional networks, and gain valuable knowledge and experience! 

DakCU is thrilled to announce that we have chosen 13 young professionals as Summit Crashers for our 2023 event in Fargo! These emerging credit union talents will be attending all general sessions and will also be engaging in specific Crasher activities led by Christopher Morris, Midwest Engagement Consultant at CUNA. Crashers should prepare to be inspired and invigorated in their knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry!
 
Congratulations to: 
 
Alisha Anderson, Member Success Manager, Railway CU (Mandan, ND). Alisha first became involved with credit unions four years ago when she was hired as a teller at Railway. She worked in that capacity for about two years before starting her new venture as a member success manager. She leads the credit union’s onboarding process, and says she earnestly enjoys the “people helping people mission.” Alisha is a bit of a social butterfly, and describes herself as “bubbly, outgoing, and empathetic.”
 
Austin Bicknase, Branch Manager, Voyage FCU (Sioux Falls, SD). Austin began working as a teller over three years ago when his aunt, a branch manager at Voyage, told him about an open position. Now, he is a branch manager at their Dawley Farms location. He says the best part of working in the credit union industry is providing excellent service while looking out for the best interests of their members. Austin has a shoe collection with over 150 pairs, and we’re betting he will be sporting some of his best at the Summit! He describes himself as motivated, encouraging, and sincere.
 
Chantay Diaz, Card Services Coordinator, United Savings CU (Fargo, ND). Chantay was just 21 years of age when she started working at United Savings, and says she had zero knowledge about credit unions or what they stood for. Now, she’s been a dedicated employee for 11 years. She is also a talented part-time bartender who enjoys making craft cocktails; a perfect “icebreaker!” This will be her first DakCU Summit, and she is excited for the experience. She describes herself as “genuine, kind, and outgoing.”
 
Annie Elhard, Marketing Manager, Hometown CU (Kulm, ND). A credit union member since 2015, Annie started working at Hometown in 2021 as a loan processor; last summer, she moved into the marketing position. She says she truly enjoys working with members, and being able to be a part of their first car purchase or home buying process. She is a talented singer who once auditioned for American Idol, and even though she didn’t make it past the first round, she says the experience was amazing! She describes herself as “organized, outgoing, and motivated.”
 
Averia Fast Horse, Member Service Representative, Lakota Federal Credit Union (Kyle, SD). Averia began her journey with credit unions two years ago, when she joined the team at Lakota FCU. She is now the head teller and is also training to be the BSA officer. She is excited for the new “Rolling Rez” bus so they can better serve all of the districts on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and while she is fairly new to the industry, she says her credit union family believes in her and wants to see her succeed. A talented bead worker, Averia describes herself as “funny, outgoing, and a fast learner.”
 
Cohl Hatch, IT Specialist, Railway Credit Union (Bismarck, ND). Cohl joined the team at Railway over two years ago, and says he never realized how much credit unions do for their members before he was able to see it first-hand. In his role, he manages the IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and assists employees with any issues they may be having with technology. He is looking forward to learning more about fraud prevention as well as leadership development opportunities. An interesting little tidbit: Cohl shares a birthday with his mother! He describes himself as “involved, approachable, and adaptable.”
 
Cassie Heath, Mortgage Processing Manager, First Community CU (Jamestown, ND). Cassie completed a year-long internship at First Community more than ten years ago, then, after working at other jobs for about five years, she returned to the credit union as a processor in the mortgage department. Today, she manages the processing team. She enjoys playing “campaign board games” several times every week – which take strategy, decision making, and teamwork. She describes herself as “focused, driven, and a learner.”
 
Samantha Meier, Accounting Representative, Western Cooperative CU (Dickinson, ND). Samantha opened her first checking account and received her first debit card from a credit union at a young age. She began her career at Western while in her final year of college, and fell in love with the industry. Over 11 years later, she is an accounting representative and also works with IRA reporting, real estate general ledgers, and supports the front line whenever she’s needed. She was a Girl Scout for 9 years, earning the Bronze and Silver Awards, and has been a Troop Leader for the past four years. She describes herself as “resourceful, organized, and reliable.”
 
Madelyn Mortensen, Member Service Representative, Aspire CU (Minot, ND). Madelyn joined the credit union industry less than a year ago. She assists members with their banking needs, and also helps with online banking processes; in her short time at Aspire, she is enjoying the relationships she has established with coworkers and members alike. She is eager to expand her credit union knowledge at the Summit, and is looking forward to building her peer network. Madelyn loves to read, and describes herself as “kind, ambitious, and calm.”
 
Kinsey Neshem, Marketing Assistant & Event Coordinator, North Star Community CU (Minot, ND). Kinsey has been involved with credit unions since she was a child, and some of her early memories are related to Pee Wee Penguin activities. Less than a year ago, she joined the credit union space as an employee; she helps plan NSCCU's events, in addition to working on marketing campaigns and social media. She graduated college with a degree in Farm and Ranch Management, and finds it rather amusing that her degree is so far removed from what she actually does every day! She describes herself as “reliable, cheerful, and results oriented.”
 
Jared Olson, Member Service Representative, United Savings Credit Union (Fargo, ND). Jared admits before starting at United Savings, he knew very little about credit unions, but wanted a career where he could help people. Now, after four years, he is able to achieve that every day as a member service representative. He truly enjoys getting to know the members and making them feel special, something that is rare in the business world. Jared has a green thumb and enjoys his many flower gardens. He describes himself as “responsible, honest, and detailed.”
 
Kirsten Solway, Assistant Branch Manager, Town & Country CU (Fargo, ND). Kirsten is one of the most seasoned credit union professionals in the Crasher group this year, with ten years in the industry, five of those at Town & Country. She has been a credit union member since age 13, but really fell in love with the industry once she began working in it. As assistant branch manager, she helps with onboarding new employees and coaching MSRs. Kirsten loves the volunteer spirit that credit unions encompass, something she demonstrates in her personal life as a group lead for Hope Kids. She describes herself as “humble, hungry, and smart.”
 
Dalton Trottier, Member Service Representative Team Lead, First Community Credit Union (Fargo, ND). Dalton first became involved with credit unions when he was in college; for the past three years, he has been supervising a team of tellers. He enjoys building relationships with the members, as well as the teams within FCCU. He is looking forward to gaining a reignited passion for credit unions as he builds his network of likeminded professionals. An avid Vikings football fan, Dalton describes himself as “respectful, engaging, and intelligent.”
 
This year, we received nearly 30 Summit Crasher applications – a new record! Because space is limited to 13, we had some very difficult decisions to make. We urge those who were not selected this year to try again next year!
 
The Summit will take place on May 9-10 at Delta Hotel by Marriott in Fargo, North Dakota. Be sure to visit our Summit Event Page for more details and the complete agenda. Registration is open until April 21! 
 
REGISTER TODAY!