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January 12, 2026
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Explorers Credit Union’s DeeDee Wilking Appointed to Dakota Credit Union Association Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC)
AUGUST 6, 2025 | explorers credit Union
We are proud to share that DeeDee Wilking, Member Experience Manager and BSA Officer at Explorers Credit Union, has been nominated to serve on the Dakota Credit Union Association’s South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee—a vital role focused on political and regulatory advocacy for the credit union movement.
DeeDee’s nomination was recently highlighted in The Memo by the Dakota Credit Union Association, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her recognized at the state level.
“It’s a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the credit union movement,” said April Tompkins, CEO of Explorers Credit Union. “DeeDee’s passion for advocacy and powerful blend of legal education make her an outstanding choice for this role. Her voice will no doubt bring valuable insight and energy to the committee, and we’re proud to have her representing us at the state level.”
DeeDee began her journey at Explorers in August as the Member Experience Manager. In just a few short months after joining Explorers, DeeDee added BSA Officer to her title after studying for and passing the Bank Secrecy Act examination. Prior to her shift into the credit union industry, DeeDee’s career revolved around the agriculture industry, where she and her team developed national marketing, advertising and event plans with some of the top seed and agriculture companies in the U.S.
DeeDee is a graduate of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in Vermillion, SD and holds BAs from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. She is an America’s Credit Unions Compliance Council member and was selected for this year’s Compliance Mentorship Program.
DeeDee looks forward to her volunteer work with the Dakota Credit Union Association’s South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee focused on political and regulatory advocacy and growing awareness of the credit union difference.
Please join us in congratulating DeeDee on this outstanding achievement! Her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication are an inspiration to us all—and we are lucky to have her as part of the Explorers Credit Union team.
What is the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC)?
Think of the GAC as the voice of credit unions in the halls of government. This influential committee brings together credit union leaders from across North and South Dakota to advocate for everyday people like you—the members.
Their mission?
To make sure lawmakers understand and support the unique role credit unions play in helping families, small businesses, and communities thrive.
They support credit union-friendly candidates. They track and influence laws that impact your money. They build relationships with elected officials. They raise awareness about how credit unions make a difference.
From organizing impactful events in Washington, D.C. and Pierre, to protecting the not-for-profit, member-owned status of credit unions, the GAC ensures that your voice is heard where it matters most.
