Your Leadership Link

Your Dakota Credit Union Association kicked off 2026 strong with impactful events, active advocacy, and big things ahead.

Scott Simpson, president and CEO of America's Credit Unions

The year is off to a fast start, and your Association has already delivered two highly engaging and impactful events in support of Dakota credit unions.

The 9th Annual Roundtable, held the first week of February, brought together more than 130 credit union CEOs, senior leaders, and volunteer board members from North and South Dakota, as well as Minnesota, Montana, and new this year Wisconsin and Nebraska. The event provided meaningful opportunities for learning, collaboration, and peer exchange on the issues most important to our movement.

We were especially honored to host Scott Simpson, president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, who shared insights on the rapidly evolving political and regulatory landscape in Washington, D.C. His message was clear: credit unions must remain engaged, unified, and proactive in telling our story and advocating for the cooperative model. Our collective voice is our strength, and our continued involvement ensures we are well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

If you or members of your team are interested in becoming more engaged in advocacy, I encourage you to connect with your Association staff or your respective state Government Affairs Committee members.  Your involvement is critical in protecting and advancing the credit union mission.

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L to R: Gerry Singleton, President/CEO Montana’s Credit Unions; Sarah Wainscott, President/CEO, Wisconsin Credit Union League; Mara Humphrey, President/CEO, Minnesota Credit Union Network; Scott Simpson, President/CEO, America’s Credit Unions; Pat Pierce, President/CEO City and County CU, Minnesota and America’s Credit Unions Board of Directors; George McDonald, Interim President/CEO DakCU; Brandon Luetkenhaus, President/CEO, Nebraska CU League

​We also concluded a successful South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day in Pierre last week, where credit union leaders and advocates from across the state gathered at the Capitol to engage directly with legislators. Credit unions were formally recognized in both legislative chambers for their vital role in serving members and strengthening communities. The day included productive discussions with legislative leaders and valuable opportunities to reinforce our priorities and relationships. I encourage you to read Kenley’s accompanying article for additional highlights here.

Looking ahead, more than 30 representatives from Dakota credit unions will attend America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. in early March. This important event includes direct engagement with our congressional delegation carrying the message from our states house to Capitol Hill, ensuring Dakota credit unions remain visible and influential at the national level. We will share key updates and takeaways during our March 10 Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) CEO Town Hall. CEOs look for the calendar invite in your inbox. Reach out to me if you need me to resend the meeting link.

We are also just three months away from the DakCU Annual Meeting and Summit, taking place May 12–14 in Box Elder, South Dakota. Registration opens next week, and we are building a dynamic, engaging and educational program designed to deliver meaningful value for credit union leaders, and volunteers, from our states.

In addition, applications for our Summit Crasher program open today. This is an exciting opportunity for emerging professionals to gain exclusive access, connect with industry leaders, and grow their impact within the Dakota credit union movement.

Thank you for your continued leadership, engagement, and commitment to the credit union difference.
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Have a great rest of your week.

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​George McDonald
​DakCU Interim President/CEO