The latest from Steven L. Dahlstrom

Feb 7, 2019 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Is a merger the only way out?

During a recent discussion with Kirk Kordeleski and Charles Rodriquez (Best Innovation Group) and Belinda Caillouet (Looking Glass Consulting), the topic of credit union mergers came up. Each of us ...

Nov 7, 2018 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Tales from the trail

This year’s strategic planning season has come to an end. I’m constantly reminded of the hard work and dedication of credit unions throughout the land. Without exception, they’...

Aug 10, 2018 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Are you ready for some football?

Ah fall, the start of football season! Throughout the country, teams are gearing up for the coming schedule. Everyone is undefeated and hoping to claim the championship. They are developing ...

May 1, 2018 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Strategic advantage – how do we compete?

As a consultant, I have the privilege of hearing about the strategic plans of a diverse set of credit unions. I’ve noticed a few common themes: We have the ...

Jan 30, 2018 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

What to do if you encounter a bear

I grew up in Montana. Bears are a reality if you venture out into the woods. Don’t be surprised if you happen upon a bear’s kitchen or living ...

Dec 12, 2017 - by Steven L. Dahlstrom, S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Why most strategic plans fail

I’ve seen a lot of strategic plans, but very few of them are successful. First, most are not worth the paper they are printed on. They consist primarily of ...

Steven L. Dahlstrom

Consultant
S.L. Dahlstrom Consulting

Web: stevedahlstrom.com

Steven L. Dahlstrom’s credit union career began in 1978 at Missoula Federal Credit Union (Montana) where, having just graduated from college, he was thrust into the manager’s position within the first three months and helped the struggling credit union overcome a difficult time.

In 1980, he moved to Spokane, Washington, and accepted a position as senior vice president at Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU), a position he held until 1991, when he was named CEO. He retired from STCU in December, 2010.

Since that time, he has conducted business as S. L. Dahlstrom Consulting, a practice specializing in Strategic Planning, Executive Coaching, and Business Development. He is also a Consultant for CU Breakthrough, the consulting arm of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions. Recently he also became an associate of Strategic Link, Inc. (SLI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest Credit Union Association.

Under Dahlstrom’s leadership, STCU grew in assets from $20 million in 1980 to nearly $1.5 billion, making it the largest credit union in Eastern Washington. Organized in 1934, STCU served 92,000 members in 2010.

Mr. Dahlstrom has been heavily involved in the credit union movement. He chaired Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC), the Educational Credit Union Council (ECUC), and was a member of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) board of directors.

During his time as CEO, Mr. Dahlstrom served his community as chair of the Eastern Washington University Foundation, the Spokane Workforce Development Council, vice-chair of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and a board member of Greater Spokane Incorporated.

During his career, he was recognized by the Washington Credit Union League, Distinguished Credit Union Professional Award, and the Chairman’s Award for Political Involvement. In 2005, the Society of Human Resource Management named STCU “One (7th) of the 25 Best Medium Companies to Work for in America.”

He is a graduate of the University of Montana, and received his MBA from Eastern Washington University.