The President’s Perspective

​DakCU team takes leadership role at AACUL Winter Meetings; a fond sendoff to longtime credit union advocate Floyd Rummel; and some positive news from the Dakotas! 

DakCU staff engage with America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle at the Winter Meetings last week.

DakCU team takes leadership role at AACUL Winter Meetings.
Last week, several DakCU team members took part in the annual American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) Winter Meetings. I know that we love acronyms for our movement, hence AACUL. I often describe AACUL as the “behind the scenes” organization where a lot of the collaborative league work is cultivated and implemented.

For the record, AACUL is the national association for the state and regional credit union leagues and associations in the country. AACUL cultivates the success of individual leagues (like ours here in the Dakotas) as well as the entire league system by supporting efforts to advocate, communicate, collaborate, and influence policy on behalf of credit unions nationwide. Membership is comprised of every state credit union association/league, proudly representing credit unions and their members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 
​
With over 250 in attendance, it was another record year for the Winter Meetings, and not only did DakCU team members take part, in many instances they led discussions and engagement. Senior VP Engagement and Partnerships, George McDonald, serves on the LSC (League Service Corps) Committee; and DakCU Executive Director of Political Affairs, Chesney Garnos, helped facilitated a forward-looking discussion on key state legislative issues. John Alexander, Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, took part in a meeting with the interim NCUA Region Five director, and Lindsey Hefta, VP of Marketing & Communications, participated in the League Communicators meetings. As the immediate past chair of AACUL, I took part in AACUL advocacy meetings, league president and board chair dialogues, as well as America’s Credit Unions Transition Board meetings. 

---

Floyd Rummel III

Floyd Rummel announces retirement. 
Last week, Floyd Rummel III announced his retirement at the end of the year. Floyd has been leading Northern Hills FCU for more than a decade; prior to that, he was president of Dakota Territory FCU and led that credit union’s merger with Northern Hills in 2013. The credit union will host an open house and cocktail party on Friday,
January 10, from 4 – 7 p.m. at The Lodge at Deadwood, located at 100 Pine Crest Lane in Deadwood, SD.

They say we are all replaceable, but when it comes to the unique qualities of a valued colleague, like their personality, standards, and individual contributions, replacing them is anything but straightforward. While roles can be filled, the dedication, leadership, and skills someone brings to their work often leaves an indelible mark.
 
Floyd, as you prepare to embark on this well-deserved retirement, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable legacy you leave behind and express my heartfelt congratulations. Your tenure as president and CEO of Northern Hills Federal Credit Union has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership.
 
Your engagement with the Dakota Credit Union Association has truly set a standard for excellence. Your passion for political fundraising and your steadfast leadership in legislative and regulatory advocacy has strengthened not only the credit union movement in the Dakotas, but across the country. Your influence has extended nationally as you championed policies and initiatives that protect and advance the credit union mission. Your voice, leadership, and strategic acumen have left an indelible mark on the movement.
 
Nearly 20 years ago, your foresight and guidance played a pivotal role in uniting the South Dakota and North Dakota leagues, laying the foundation for a stronger and more collaborative Dakota Credit Union Association. This visionary act has benefited credit unions and their members for generations, underscoring your commitment to ensuring a thriving future for our industry.
 
As you step into this next chapter, know that your contributions and the relationships you’ve built will continue to inspire. On behalf of the entire credit union family, thank you for your tireless service, incredible leadership, and the passion you have poured into every endeavor. May your retirement be filled with joy, adventure, and much-deserved relaxation. Finally, on a personal note, your departure will be deeply felt, and I know that your legacy will become a lasting part of the South Dakota Credit Union League history and the Dakota Credit Union Association’s legacy. You will be greatly missed! 

---

Senator John Thune with Jerry Schmidt.

​Notable meet-up.
Elevate Rapid City recently hosted a roundtable event for a policy discussion with special guest, Senator John Thune. Jerry Schmidt, CEO at Black Hills FCU, serves on the Elevate Rapid City Board and had had the opportunity to catch up with the newly elected Senate Majority Leader. Advocacy is always at the fore-front for our credit unions across the Dakotas, and every contact we make helps to advance our industry. We can’t emphasize enough how important these personal connections and touchpoints are to the continued success of Dakotas’ credit unions. 

---

On a positive note.
While there are plenty of “good news” stories at our Dakota credit unions during the holiday season, one in particular grabbed my attention this week. Aspire Credit Union made a generous donation of winter gear to the Minot Public School Foundation after learning the schools were seeking assistance with an urgent need. Winter clothing will help ensure that no child in the community must face the elements without the proper winter protection. Kudos to Kevin Vigested and staff for stepping up and responding quickly to this call for help. Well done! 

Important Year-End Dakota CEO Town Hall today
Finally, be sure to join us for the year-end DakCU CEO Town Hall today, Tuesday, December 10, at 3:00 p.m. (CT). America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer, Carrie Hunt, will be providing updates on the congressional lame duck session and tee-up what we could be facing in weeks to come with a new administration and Congress. DakCU staff will also provide an association update on items our staff has been working on, including a preview of exciting upcoming events, and other items of interest. If you are unable to attend, feel free to invite another executive in a leadership position from your credit union. Please reach out to me ASAP if you need the meeting link.
​
Have a great week, 

DakCU President/CEO