Dakota Credit Union Association Names Joe Keller President/CEO

Joe Keller

The Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Joe Keller as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 11, 2026.

Keller brings more than three decades of credit union leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Membership and Credit Union Solutions for the California, Nevada, Utah Credit Union Leagues. In that role, he led membership strategy, engagement, and long-term growth initiatives while overseeing strategic partnerships and solutions that addressed operational, regulatory, and growth challenges.

Throughout his career, Keller has worked closely with credit union CEOs and executive teams to strengthen alignment across advocacy, education, communications, and operational strategy. His leadership has consistently focused on building collaborative frameworks that advance both individual credit union success and the broader movement.

During his tenure with the California, Nevada & Utah Credit Union Leagues, Keller also held leadership roles in communications, marketing, and digital media, directing integrated strategies to strengthen engagement and visibility. Prior to his league experience, he spent more than 20 years at a corporate federal credit union in senior technology and operations roles, advising executive leadership on digital strategy, growth, and member service delivery.

“Joe brings a deep understanding of advocacy and a proven ability to unite and elevate credit unions around a common purpose,” said Board Chair of DakCU and CEO of University Federal Credit Union Lacey Fetsch. “We are confident in his ability to strengthen our voice at the state and federal levels while ensuring DakCU delivers meaningful value to the credit unions we serve.”

“I’m honored to join the Dakota Credit Union Association and represent such a strong, mission-driven network of credit unions,” said Keller. “I look forward to building on DakCU’s strong foundation, listening to our members, and advancing solutions that help credit unions thrive in their communities.”

The selection follows a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with D. Hilton Associates, which began in October 2025 and included input from credit union CEOs, DakCU governmental affairs committees, DakCU Foundation stakeholders, and board leadership. Keller will be based in Bismarck, North Dakota, and will begin his tenure by joining Dakota credit union leaders at the Dakota Credit Union Association Annual Meeting & Summit, taking place May 12–14 in Box Elder, South Dakota.

The DakCU Board expressed confidence that Keller will continue advancing the association’s commitment to collaboration, reliability, advocacy, and member engagement, ensuring Dakota credit unions remain strong, connected, and well-represented at both the state and national levels.

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