Your Leadership Link

​A look back at a year defined by collaboration, gratitude, and the people who keep the credit union movement strong.

As we head into the holiday season and bring another busy year to a close, I want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This time of year always gives an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to be part of the credit union movement.

One of the things that consistently stands out to me is how well we work together. Whether it’s league to credit union, association to association, or alongside our national partners like America’s Credit Unions and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), there is a shared understanding that we are stronger when we collaborate and stay focused on the greater good of the movement. It mirrors the way credit unions themselves operate every day, supporting one another and putting people and communities first.

That spirit of cooperation is something many of us across the movement feel and believe in, and my colleague Bruce Adams, President/CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut, simply says it best. His article thoughtfully captures the importance of collaboration, shared purpose, and the steady, behind-the-scenes work that continues to strengthen the credit union movement. I appreciate his perspective and wanted to share it with you here.

None of this work happens without the dedication of volunteers who give their time, expertise, and leadership to support your association. I want to sincerely thank those serving on the Dakota Credit Union Association and Service Corp Boards, the Foundation Board, our two GACs, as well as our chapter leaders, and other committee members. You work alongside our team in countless ways, helping ensure the credit union voice remains strong and unified across the Dakotas, and your commitment truly makes a difference.

In the same spirit Bruce describes, where progress is driven by collaboration, shared responsibility, and steady commitment, it’s important that we take time to recognize and celebrate those efforts. Now is the time to do that through the DakCU Awards. Submitting a nomination is a meaningful way to highlight the individuals and credit unions who exemplify cooperation, leadership, and service, and who continue to move our movement forward through their work in communities across the Dakotas.

Most importantly, thank you to all our member credit unions for your trust, engagement, and partnership throughout the year. On behalf of the entire DakCU team, I wish you, your staff, and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead. As a quick reminder, our weekly Memo will take a short holiday pause and return on January 6, 2025.

​George McDonald
​DakCU Interim President/CEO