Joann Bergrud Announces Retirement After 28 Years of Service

North Star Community Credit Union announces the upcoming retirement of Joann Bergrud, Chief Operations Officer, effective December 31, 2026, following an extraordinary 28-year career dedicated to the credit union, its employees, members, and the communities it serves.

Joann began her career with North Star Community Credit Union on July 13, 1998, as a Member Services and Marketing Representative. Through decades of dedication, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the credit union philosophy of people helping people, she grew into one of the organization’s most respected and influential leaders, serving as Chief Operations Officer since 2017.

Throughout her career, Joann has played an instrumental role in shaping not only the direction of North Star Community Credit Union, but also the culture that defines the organization today. Her leadership style has consistently centered around empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and creating an environment where employees feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally.

Known throughout the organization as a mentor, advocate, and trusted leader, Joann has guided countless employees throughout their careers, helping develop future leaders and fostering a workplace culture rooted in teamwork, compassion, accountability, and service. Her ability to lead with both strength and heart has left a lasting impact on generations of North Star employees and the members they serve.

Joann has also been a passionate advocate for the credit union movement, consistently encouraging employee engagement and helping staff understand the importance of advocacy efforts that strengthen and protect the credit union industry. She believed deeply in ensuring every employee understood the impact their voice could have in shaping the future of the movement. 

Beyond her leadership within the organization, Joann has dedicated herself to strengthening her community through volunteerism, financial education, and service. Whether supporting local organizations, serving on North Star’s Donation Committee, contributing to financial literacy initiatives, or volunteering throughout the Maddock community, Joann has continually demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of others.

Her leadership and impact have been recognized both regionally and nationally throughout her career. Joann was honored as the Dakota Credit Union Association’s Professional of the Year, recognized nationally as a Credit Union Times Executive of the Year, and named one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Business. These achievements reflect not only her professional excellence, but the respect and admiration she has earned from colleagues, peers, and communities throughout the region.

“Joann’s impact on North Star Community Credit Union is impossible to measure,” said Bob Herrington, President/CEO of North Star Community Credit Union. “She has helped shape the culture, values, and direction of this organization for nearly three decades. Her leadership has influenced employees across every level of the credit union, and her commitment to people has made North Star Community Credit Union a stronger organization. Joann’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless individuals she has mentored and inspired throughout her career.”

Reflecting on her upcoming retirement, Joann shared, “It has been an incredible honor to spend the past 28 years serving our members and working alongside such an amazing team. The relationships built throughout the years are what I will cherish most. I am incredibly proud of what North Star has accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization that truly cares about its employees, members, and communities.”

North Star Community Credit Union extends its deepest gratitude to Joann Bergrud for her years of service, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the credit union movement. While she will be greatly missed, her impact on the organization and the people within it will continue to be felt for many years to come. Additional details regarding retirement celebrations and opportunities for members, employees, and the community to honor Joann’s career will be shared at a later date.

As North Star Community Credit Union prepares for this transition, the organization will begin the process of identifying its next operational leader to help carry forward the strong culture, values, and member-focused philosophy that Joann helped shape throughout her career. North Star is committed to finding a passionate and forward-thinking individual who will continue building upon the credit union’s legacy of service, leadership, and community impact. To support this important transition, North Star Community Credit Union is partnering with executive recruitment firm D. Hilton Associates. To submit a confidential application and learn more about positions represented by D. Hilton Associates, please visit www.dhilton.com and click on “Find a Career.” Individuals may also recommend candidates for consideration by contacting Sarah Hilton, Senior Vice President, at (800) 367-0433, extension 133, or sarah@dhilton.com.