Dupaco Community Credit Union’s President and CEO, Joe Hearn, has received the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) Outstanding Chief Executive Award, a prestigious honor recognizing leadership and commitment to the credit union movement. The award acknowledges Hearn’s visionary leadership, dedication to organizational transformation, advocacy for credit unions, and unwavering focus on members, employees, and community impact.
Ellen Goodmann Miller, Dupaco Credit Union board chair, lauded Hearn’s leadership, stating, “Joe leads with unparalleled expertise and a big heart. Under his direction, Dupaco has become a beacon of opportunity, equity and community building across Iowa and beyond.”
Hearn assumed the role of CEO in , and during his tenure, Dupaco has experienced substantial growth. Membership has more than doubled, increasing from ’s 68,000 members to over 179,000 currently. Simultaneously, the credit union’s asset base has grown significantly, expanding from $1.06 billion to $3.5 billion. This growth reflects both strategic expansion initiatives and a strengthening of member trust in the institution.
The expansion isn’t limited to financial metrics. Dupaco’s service area has broadened considerably under Hearn’s leadership, growing from 28 counties to 118. This expansion demonstrates a deliberate strategy to reach a wider audience and provide financial services to more communities across Iowa and potentially beyond.
Hearn’s career with Dupaco began in , initially as director of marketing. He progressed through the ranks, holding the position of executive vice president before transitioning to chief operating officer in . This internal progression highlights a deep understanding of the credit union’s operations and a commitment to its long-term success.
Beyond his role at Dupaco, Hearn has demonstrated significant involvement in the broader credit union landscape. He has served on the board of directors of the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES), including a term as chair. He also held leadership positions with the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), serving as both a board member and chair. His contributions extend to Affiliates Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of ICUL, where he previously served on the board of directors.
Hearn’s national involvement includes participation in the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) State Credit Union Subcommittee and the CUNA Plan to Win Task Force. He was inducted into the CUNA Marketing Council Hall of Fame in , recognizing his contributions to credit union marketing strategies. He also served as a board member and chair of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation and was an American Advertising Federation 9th District Silver Medal Award recipient in .
Locally, Hearn’s community involvement is extensive. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and the Steeple Square Board of Directors. He is also actively involved with Resurrection Parish and Holy Family, and serves on the board of the Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation.
Hearn’s academic credentials further underscore his commitment to professional development. He holds the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation from CUES, earned through completion of CEO Institute programs at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned undergraduate degrees in marketing and management from Loras College and an MBA from the University of Dubuque.
The CUES Outstanding Chief Executive Award is particularly noteworthy within the credit union industry. It signifies not only financial performance but also a commitment to the cooperative principles that underpin the credit union movement – a focus on member service, community development, and ethical financial practices. Dupaco’s growth under Hearn’s leadership suggests a successful implementation of these principles, positioning the credit union for continued success in a competitive financial landscape.
The award also comes at a time when credit unions are facing increasing competition from both traditional banks and emerging fintech companies. Hearn’s leadership in navigating these challenges and fostering growth within Dupaco is likely to be closely watched by other credit unions seeking to adapt and thrive in the evolving financial sector.
