The Credit Union Association of the Dakotas recently inducted three credit union professionals into the CUAD's Hall of Fame.

The inductees are Marvel Ebenhahn, president/CEO of the $168 million Community Credit Union in New Rockford, N.D.; Patty Pretzer, former marketing vice president for the $328 million Town & Country Credit Union in Minot, N.D, and Dick Schmidt, a board director at the $130 million Service First Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Ebenhahn has dedicated 60 years of her life to the credit union movement, promoting its principles while working most of her professional career for Community CU.  She was hired as the credit union's first president/CEO, a position she still holds today, the league said.

Pretzer retired in March of 2012 after 26 years with the Town & Country CU.  As the marketing VP, she coordinated advertising, promotions, community relations, special events, and member services. She was an active member of the Credit Unions United Chapter in Minot, serving on the board for numerous years and was also a strong advocate for youth financial literacy.

Schmidt has been committed to the credit union movement in South Dakota for the past 40 years.  He has championed the underserved, the league said, and urged credit union management and board to look beyond the credit scores of under-served members and focus more on their character and collateral. 

He is a frequent volunteer at community events, using his own money and vehicle to provide opportunities for people to have access to the credit unions., the CUAD said, and he has also been active in legislative efforts locally and in Washington DC.

The ceremony was held during the awards banquet at the CUAD's annual meeting last month in Grand Forks, N.D.