North Star Community Credit Union Named Finalist for Two National Awards

North Star Community Credit Union is proud to share that we’ve been named a finalist for two national awards from Credit Union Times, a leading publication for news and insights in the credit union industry.

Each year, Credit Union Times hosts the Luminaries Awards, a program that celebrates innovation, leadership, and positive impact across the credit union movement. This award celebrates top industry professionals, credit unions and world-class service organizations that are changing the cooperative financial services industry for the better. Shining a spotlight on the individuals and organizations that have significantly enhanced the not-for-profit financial cooperative landscape, the award recognizes those that have raised the bar within the credit union sphere, by driving positive change and inspiring others to follow suit.

The 2025 Luminaries were selected by a panel of esteemed judges based on how well they stated and achieved goals with regard to the nomination category; how impactful their work has been; how dedicated the nominee has been to furthering modernization and humanization in the credit union business; and how committed the nominee has been to high ethical standards, service and excellence.

“The CU Times newsroom believes in the credit union industry and the people and organizations that support the financial cooperative spirit, and that’s just one reason we do these awards,” says CU Times Editor-in-Chief, Michael Ogden. “We adore the creative ways these individuals and credit union-serving groups approach solving the financial issues for the members, and in turn, create a better world in communities across our country. It’s always an honor to recognize so many people doing so many wonderful and inclusive things to help push our industry higher.”

This year, North Star Community Credit Union has been recognized in two categories:

• Executive Leadership – Credit Union C-Suite
  Our very own Joann Bergrud, Chief Operations Officer, has been named a Top 10 Finalist nationwide for her exceptional leadership and influence. With over 25 years of service, Joann has continually guided North Star Community Credit Union through periods of growth, transformation, and innovation—all while remaining grounded in the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Joann’s leadership is defined by clarity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to doing what’s right for both members and staff. Whether navigating large-scale system upgrades, developing digital strategies, or driving organizational change, she brings a steady hand and a clear sense of purpose to every initiative she touches. Joann is known for her ability to anticipate member needs, create space for collaboration, and lead with heart. Her vision has helped North Star Community Credit Union evolve into a modern, responsive credit union without ever losing sight of its community roots. She inspires trust, promotes excellence, and leads by example—earning the respect and admiration of her peers, her team, and the communities she serves.
• Excellence in Marketing – Credit Union ($1B & Below)
  North Star Community Credit Union has also been selected as a Top 10 Finalist nationwide for our marketing efforts. This recognition highlights the creativity, strategy, and member-focused approach behind the way we share our story. From community campaigns to innovative digital outreach, our marketing team works to connect with members in meaningful ways and showcase the value of belonging to a credit union.

Winners in each category will be announced at the Luminaries Awards Gala on November 6 in Orlando, Florida, where Joann and Marketing Manager, Kylee Lemieux will proudly represent North Star Community Credit Union.

While the winners will be revealed later this fall, simply being named a finalist is already a tremendous honor. These nominations reflect the dedication of our entire organization—from leadership to staff—who work every day to serve our members and strengthen the communities we call home. North Star Community Credit Union’s story has always been about more than financial services. It’s about people helping people, creating opportunities, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. This recognition is a testament to how far we’ve come together and the bright future ahead.

Please join us in celebrating this proud achievement for Joann, our Marketing Team, and all of North Star Community Credit Union. Together, we’re proving that a local credit union can shine on a national stage.