After a months-long nationwide search, the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) has found its next leader. Joe Keller will step into the President and CEO role on May 11, 2026, bringing with him over 30 years of credit union experience and a track record of getting things done.
Keller comes to DakCU from the California, Nevada & Utah Credit Union Leagues, where he served as Vice President of Membership and Credit Union Solutions. Think of it as being the person who helps credit unions navigate everything from regulatory headaches to growth strategies while keeping everyone on the same page. He’s spent his career building bridges between credit unions, creating partnerships, and making sure individual institutions succeed while strengthening the broader movement.
His resume reads like a tour of the credit union world. Beyond his league leadership work in membership strategy and engagement, Keller has worn multiple hats over the years. At the California, Nevada & Utah Leagues, he also led communications, marketing, and digital media efforts—basically making sure credit unions stayed visible and connected in an increasingly digital world.
Before joining the league system, Keller spent more than two decades at a corporate federal credit union, working in senior technology and operations roles. There, he advised executive leadership on digital strategy and member service delivery, getting an inside look at how credit unions actually operate day-to-day.
What the Board Had to Say
“Joe brings a deep understanding of advocacy and a proven ability to unite and elevate credit unions around a common purpose,” said Lacey Fetsch, DakCU Board Chair and CEO of University Federal Credit Union. “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.”
Translation: They found someone who gets both the big-picture advocacy work and the nuts-and-bolts support that credit unions need.
Keller’s Take on the New Gig
For his part, Keller sounds ready to dive in. “I’m honored to join the Dakota Credit Union Association and represent such a strong, mission-driven network of credit unions,” he said. “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 search that led to Keller’s appointment wasn’t a quick one. DakCU partnered with D. Hilton Associates starting in October 2025, pulling in input from credit union CEOs, governmental affairs committees, foundation stakeholders, and board leadership. It was thorough, deliberate, and designed to find the right fit.
What Happens Next
Keller will be based in Bismarck, North Dakota, and his first official act will be attending the Dakota Credit Union Association Annual Meeting & Summit in Box Elder, South Dakota, from May 12-14. Perfect timing to meet the credit union leaders he’ll be working with and hit the ground running.
The DakCU Board made it clear they’re confident Keller will advance the association’s priorities: collaboration, reliability, advocacy, and member engagement. The goal is to keep Dakota credit unions strong, connected, and well-represented whether they’re dealing with state legislators or federal regulators.
With Keller’s blend of advocacy experience, operational know-how, and collaborative leadership style, DakCU seems poised to keep punching above its weight in the credit union world.