The Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) Board of Directors has named Joe Keller as its next president and CEO, marking a milestone for a longtime leader within the credit union movement. Keller, who spent the last 14 years serving California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, will assume his new role on May 11.
For over a decade, Keller served as vice president of credit union solutions and membership — and held other previous roles — where he became an advocate for member interests and a partner in credit unions’ growth.
The California and Nevada leagues would like to thank Keller for his service, noting that while his departure is a loss for the organization, the associations are proud to see him take this well-deserved step. His tenure spanned membership strategy, engagement, and long-term growth initiatives, and he was instrumental in helping credit unions navigate operational challenges.
Keller’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search beginning in late 2025, with extensive input from credit union CEOs, governmental affairs committees, and stakeholders, according to the Dakota Credit Union Association.
Keller brings more than three decades of credit union leadership experience to the role. Before joining the California and Nevada leagues, he spent 20 years at a corporate federal credit union in senior technology and operations positions.
Based in Bismarck, ND, Keller will lead a trade association serving 62 credit unions with more than 562,000 members across North Dakota and South Dakota, and assets exceeding $11.6 billion.
“I’m honored to join the Dakota Credit Union Association and represent such a strong, mission-driven network,” Keller said. “I look forward to building on DakCU’s foundation, listening to our members and advancing solutions that help credit unions thrive in their communities.”
Keller is expected to make his first official appearance as CEO at the DakCU Annual Meeting and Summit, taking place May 12-14 in Box Elder, SD.
For member credit unions in California and Nevada, the leagues have assured their needs remain a priority through this transition. Support and membership assistance will continue without interruption.
