INDIANAPOLIS – Two people have been selected for induction into the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame.
Dallas Bergl, president/CEO of INOVA CU in Elkhart, is being inducted after serving credit unions at the statewide, national and international levels through his service as a board member for organizations at each of these levels. He was a member of the Indiana Credit Union League board 2013-19, where he was chairman from 2018-2019. He currently serves on the board of CUNA, the World Council of Credit Unions and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.
“Through his contributions to these organizations, he has had a positive impact on millions of credit union members in the United States and around the world,” the Indiana league stated. “He has been instrumental in making connections between credit union representatives from Indiana and those from other countries, including paving the way for credit union leaders from around the world to visit Indiana credit unions and for Hoosier leaders to travel internationally to work with peers.”
The ICUL noted Bergl has also been a strong political and legislative advocate for credit unions, serving as a key contact for legislators from his home district and being involved with countless interactions and outreach efforts to bring important credit union issues to the attention of lawmakers. Most notably, he has appeared before the Senate Banking Committee where he testified on behalf of America’s credit unions.
Three Decade Career
Bergl has been with INOVA Federal Credit Union for more than 31 years, During his tenure, the credit union has grown to play a vital role in its community including providing support for a number of organizations and communities important to the membership, the ICUL said.
In addition to his work at the credit union, he is a board member for the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority Board and the Lerner Theater Governing Board. He has served as the City of Elkhart’s Ambassador to China for the Sister City of Tongxiang City, China and has been a leader for several community groups.
Salisbury Inducted
Also inducted into the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame was Karla Salisbury, president/CEO of KEMBA CU in Indianapolis.
She has served KEMBA CU in Indianapolis and the entire credit union community for more than 22 years, “never wavering in her commitment to find the best solutions for the 6,200 members of her credit union and credit unions throughout Indiana. She understands the value of political advocacy, having traveled to Washington, D.C, on several occasions to take the credit union message directly to legislators,” the ICUL said. “She has also hosted a U.S. senator and a congressman at the credit union, which is located on the east side of Indianapolis.”
The league noted Salisbury served on the ICUL board from 2013-19, including as chairman in 2017-2018, and served on the board of the Indiana Credit Union Foundation from 2005-17, including as chairman from 2009-11. During her tenure, the Foundation made grants to individuals for professional development and grants to credit unions for financial literacy and disaster relief. Salisbury also helped establish the Foundation’s popular annual bowling event which helps make funds available for these and other endeavors, the league said.
“Her dedication to the needs of small- and mid-sized credit unions is well-known and takes the form of mentorship, friendship and partnership to solve problems, share resources and cooperatively serve members’ financial needs in ways that may not be possible otherwise,” the ICUL said.
Lives Positively Effected
According to the league, at KEMBA CU, hundreds of members’ financial lives have been positively impacted because of her commitment to them and to the community. Currently assets are more than $75 million, having more than doubled under her leadership. Innovative products, services and approaches are the hallmark of the credit union, which is known for helping many members who other financial services providers have left behind.
With Salisbury’s guidance, KEMBA CU is a valued community resource, especially to the YMCA, area churches and some of the Indianapolis Public Schools with whom the credit union has partnerships, the league said.
Induction Ceremony Delayed
The induction of both Bergl and Salisbury will take place at the next in-person Convention held by the Indiana Credit Union League. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 convention will be held virtually; the next in-person convention is expected in September 2021.