BISMARCK, N.D.— The Dakota Credit Union Association has named Joe Keller as its next president and CEO, with the appointment taking effect May 11.
Keller brings more than 30 years of credit union industry experience and most recently served as vice president of membership and credit union solutions for the California, Nevada & Utah Credit Union Leagues, where he oversaw membership strategy, engagement and long-term growth initiatives, DakCU said.
In that role, Keller also managed strategic partnerships and solution offerings aimed at helping credit unions address operational, regulatory and growth-related challenges.
According to the association, Keller has spent much of his career working with credit union CEOs and executive teams on issues spanning advocacy, education, communications and operational strategy, with a focus on building collaboration across the 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, S.D., the league said.