Your Leadership Link

Momentum is building across Dakota credit unions as Summit nears and advocacy efforts remain strong.

As we move further into spring, there’s a noticeable sense of momentum building across our Dakota credit union network, and it’s showing up in meaningful ways.

The Dakota Credit Union Association’s Annual Summit is now just three weeks away, and we can’t wait to kick things off! We are looking forward to welcoming more than 220 attendees to Box Elder, South Dakota, for what is shaping up to be an outstanding event. Our programming is strong, timely, and intentionally designed to meet the needs of Dakota credit union leaders and their teams, from strategic insights to practical takeaways, and of course, a lot of fun and good conversation. Summit will once again serve as a key opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen the relationships that define our movement.

At the national level, Congress is back in session and actively working through federal funding bills and broader legislative priorities. While indications are there is currently no direct threat to the credit union tax status and importantly, no meaningful indicators suggesting it is being seriously considered, we are not taking a passive approach. Your Dakota Credit Union Association team, along with America’s Credit Unions, remains actively engaged with our congressional delegations, staying vigilant, informed, and advocating on your behalf. Protecting the credit union model is not a one-time effort; it requires consistent presence, strong relationships, and a unified voice.

That unified voice starts with you.

Our friends at the Iowa Credit Union League have shared a unique, last-minute training opportunity through their Foundation’s “People Helping People” Financial Coaching Program. Developed in partnership with nationally recognized personal finance expert and credit union advocate Adam Carroll, this virtual training is designed for professionals who work closely with members and want to strengthen their ability to provide personalized financial guidance. With limited spots available and sessions beginning April 29, we encourage interested credit unions to register soon and take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more and register here. 

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of our member credit unions for the continued trust and confidence you place in your Association team. Achieving 100 percent reaffiliation is a strong statement about the value of what we do together and a responsibility we take seriously. Your engagement allows us to advocate more effectively, respond more strategically, and deliver resources that truly align with your needs.

Our commitment remains clear: to meet you where you are. Whether that means advancing advocacy priorities, navigating compliance and regulatory challenges, providing meaningful education and engagement opportunities, or delivering relevant products and services, we are focused on helping you succeed in a rapidly evolving environment.

We also want to recognize recent leadership transitions within our Dakota credit union family. Teri Kleinsasser took over the reins at Lisbon Farmers Union Credit Union in Lisbon, North Dakota, earlier this year. Additionally, Tamyra Pladson is now serving as manager at Minot Area Schools Federal Credit Union in Minot, North Dakota, succeeding Mindy Faaiuaso, who will be retiring at the end of April. We extend our sincere appreciation to Mindy for her years of dedication to her membership and wish her all the best in retirement. At the same time, we warmly welcome Teri and Tamyra to the Dakota Credit Union Association family and look forward to their leadership and contributions in the years ahead.

As we look toward the Summit and beyond, I am confident in the direction we are heading together. The strength of your Association and our member credit unions has always been rooted in collaboration, rising with a shared purpose and commitment to serving our members and communities. That has not changed, and it will continue to guide us forward.

I look forward to connecting with many of you in just a few weeks.

​George McDonald
​DakCU Interim President/CEO