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Minnesota Credit Union advocates inducted into CU House Hall of Leaders

ST. PAUL, MN (March 3, 2022) — Two Minnesotans were among the individuals inducted into the 2022 Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington D.C. this week. Inductees exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy and have demonstrated a commitment to inspiring others in the credit union movement.

Karen Fleming
Karen Fleming has served as CEO of HBI Employees Credit Union since June 2004. During her tenure, she has held many leadership roles in the credit union industry in Minnesota. Fleming served on the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) Board of Directors since 2008, including two years as Chair.

A strong champion of small credit unions, she served on MnCUN’s state-chartered credit union subcommittee, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Credit Union Advisory Committee and has been a long-standing member of the CU Partners group, which helps provide resources and a network for small credit unions in the state.

Karen is a never-ending champion for credit unions and often asks anyone she meets if they are a member. Running a credit union with a staff of two does not deter her from committing the time to being a champion for credit unions.

Dave Larson

Dave Larson is President and CEO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to this, Larson served as Senior Vice President of Affinity Plus for nine years.

As CEO, Larson led the turnaround effort to strengthen and rebuild the credit union. In 2019, Larson was honored as a Minnesota Credit Union “Outstanding Professional of the Year.” Under his leadership, Affinity Plus was named a “Top 150 Workplace” and designated “Best Credit Union in Minnesota” by Forbes three years in a row.

Larson genuinely cares for the employees, the credit union’s members, and the communities that Affinity Plus serves. Larson is the 2022 Chair for the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Minnesota. Larson started Plus it Forward Day which under his leadership has since transitioned into CU FORWARD Day, involving more than 60 credit unions in the state giving back to their communities.

“Karen and Dave have dedicated their careers towards credit unions and their members,” said MnCUN President & CEO Mark Cummins. “Their substantial involvement in the industry has benefited credit unions here in Minnesota and the movement overall. I thank them for their service and congratulate them on the honor of being inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.”

Developed in 2008, the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders recognizes credit union professionals and volunteers whose commitment to service has inspired others in the credit union movement. The names of honorees are prominently displayed in Credit Union House to remind visitors of those who have volunteered their time to perpetuate the credit union movement and who remain committed to the values and mission on which credit unions were founded.

: (Left to Right) MnCUN President & CEO Mark Cummins, HBI Employees CEO Karen Fleming, and Affinity Plus CEO & President Dave Larson at the Credit Union House in Washington, D.C.

About Minnesota Credit Union Network

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth, and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. With over $40 billion in assets, Minnesota credit unions are local, trusted financial cooperatives that serve 2.2 million members at 405 branch locations around the state. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve. For more information, visit mncun.org.