Three Dakotans Complete CCUE Designations

​Congratulations to Kelly Duchsherer, Cassie Pannone, and Sandi Widdel on completing CUNA Management School – the highest level in CU leadership! 

Kelly D.

Three Dakota CU Professionals recently completed CUNA Management School, earning their Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designations. The CCUE designation demonstrates the highest level of aptitude in credit union leadership. It is awarded after completing three years of executive education including three exams, two projects and an extensive oral presentation. In addition, CCUEs learn advanced credit union management and operations techniques, preparing them to advance into higher executive roles and provide leadership that engages and motivates their entire staff. Congratulations to:
 
Kelly Duchsherer, President/CEO of Affinity First FCU (Minot, ND). Kelly says CUNA Management School (CMS) was one of the best experiences she has had during her 26 years in the credit union movement. “It was inspiring to be part of a group of credit union professionals that have the same passion as I do,” she stated. “CMS is not easy by any means, and it takes a lot of dedicated time. However, with the full support of Affinity’s board of directors, staff, and my family, I was able to dedicate the time to be successful. From projects, tests, presentations, ratio calculations, networking, dorm life, late night study sessions, team building activities, and so much more I have built relationships and learned valuable lessons I can apply to becoming the best CEO possible. I would encourage anyone that has the passion and perseverance to become a credit union leader to take this opportunity – it is life changing!” she added.

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Cassie P.

​Cassie Pannone, CFO at Highmark Credit Union (Rapid City, SD). Cassie reported that her experience at CUNA Management School was one of the best in her career with credit unions. “The opportunity to connect with numerous people in various aspects of the credit union industry was so valuable; I have never experienced such a great networking experience,” she said. “The three-year program was a challenge to say the least! Our first year was on the cusp of the pandemic and conducted remotely; this made the experience a little more challenging, but CUNA handled the program very well. I value the information I learned through all the projects; while challenging, it was interesting to look at credit union operations from different angles. I strongly encourage all credit unions to engage their aspiring managers to get involved with CMS. It’s a great program to develop professional skills while learning more about advocating for the credit union movement,” she concluded. 

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Sandi W.

​Sandi Widdel, Branch Manager, North Star Community CU (Minot, ND). Sandi shared that CMS was more than just building her resume or expanding her credit union knowledge; it helped her build relationships, confidence, pride, and most importantly, it created a huge network of people that are dedicating their careers to supporting the movement. “The support that I was given by my board of directors and by North Star as a whole was not lost on me,” she said. “I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected, and I hope to make them proud.” She continued, “CMS is not an easy journey; it is long hours of sacrifice and commitment. However, the program is designed and executed in a way that ensures you are well rounded in your knowledge and all the pieces come together. The presenters and the access we had to people that are advocating for credit unions either politically or by education blew me away! If I had to give one word to sum up my three years through the CMS program, it would be this: Grateful.”
 
CUNA Management School has prepared more than 5,000 professionals to lead change within the credit union industry. It blends academic training with hands-on activities and projects to provide real-world applications to enhance their leadership.
 
Learn more about CUNA Management School.

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