Dupaco President & CEO Joe Hearn named CUES Outstanding Chief Executive

Dubuque, Iowa—Dupaco Credit Union President and CEO Joe Hearn has been named Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) Outstanding Chief Executive, one of the industry’s highest individual honors. The award recognizes a CEO who demonstrates visionary leadership, organizational transformation, strong advocacy for the credit union movement and an unwavering commitment to members, employees and community impact.  

CUES selects its Outstanding Chief Executive based on a leader’s ability to strengthen their organization, champion people development, drive sustainable innovation and meaningfully improve member financial well-being. Hearn’s recognition reflects the significant progress Dupaco has made under his leadership and his influence throughout the broader credit union system. 

“Joe leads with unparalleled expertise and a big heart,” said Ellen Goodmann Miller, Dupaco Credit Union Board Chair. “Under his direction, Dupaco has become a beacon of opportunity, equity and community building across Iowa and beyond.”  

Hearn has led the financial cooperative since 2012.  During this time, the credit union experienced sustained growth, with membership increasing from 68,000 to more than 179,000, assets expanding from $1.06 billion to $3.5 billion, and Dupaco’s service area broadening from 28 to 118 counties—a reflection of both strategic expansion and growing member trust. 

Hearn’s community‑focused vision has also created a meaningful and lasting impact. In 2025, Dupaco employees contributed 6,136 volunteer hours, many utilizing the credit union’s volunteer time‑off benefit to support organizations important to them. He also championed the rehabilitation of the Dupaco Voices Building, transforming a once‑deteriorated historic structure into a modern operations center that now serves as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. 

Under Hearn’s leadership, Dupaco continues to invest deeply in its people and members. In 2025, the credit union delivered 226 employee training sessions totaling more than 16,000 hours, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.  Dupaco’s emphasis on expert monitoring, member education and advanced technology helped prevent more than $10.5 million in potential member fraud losses in 2025 alone—demonstrating Hearn’s commitment to safeguarding member financial well‑being.  

“Joe’s superpower is empowering people—he creates a place where employees thrive, where members are truly seen, and where purpose drives every decision,” added Goodmann Miller. “It is truly an honor to celebrate this well‑deserved recognition.”  

Hearn is a nationally respected industry leader and a Certified Chief Executive through CUES. He has chaired both the Iowa Credit Union League and CUES, and in 2019 was inducted into the CUES Hall of Fame for lifetime service to the credit union movement. 

The CUES Outstanding Chief Executive Award was presented to Hearn at the CUES Symposium on February 2, 2026. 

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About Dupaco Community Credit Union  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

About CUES 

For over 60 years, CUES has advanced the credit union movement by developing exceptional purpose-driven leaders who meet the unique needs of their organizations and the communities they serve. CUES partners with credit unions to elevate the leaders of today and tomorrow through exclusive networking and event opportunities, programs that facilitate personal and professional development, and unmatched digital and in-person learning experiences. Visit CUES.org to learn how CUES plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of credit unions.

MMSD to Host Free Vaccination Clinic Saturday Following Confirmed Measles Case in Madison

MADISON, Wis.—In response to a confirmed case of measles in Madison, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), in partnership with Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) and local health care providers, will host a free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination clinic this Saturday to support the health and safety of the community.

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of measles within MMSD schools.

The free vaccination clinic will be held at Holtzman Learning Center (333 Holtzman Rd., Madison, WI 53713) on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is open to individuals ages 5 and older. To help ensure adequate staffing and vaccine availability, families are encouraged to make appointments through PHMDC’s website. 

In addition to MMR, vaccines for influenza; tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap & DTaP); meningococcal disease; human papillomavirus (HPV); hepatitis A; hepatitis B; polio; and varicella (chickenpox) will also be available.

“As a school district, our priority is to keep students, staff and families healthy and informed,” said Sarah Breon, MMSD director of health services. “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of measles and other diseases, and this clinic is an important step in making that protection accessible to our community.”

The district has established protocols in place should a confirmed case occur at a school, consistent with guidance from Public Health Madison & Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. These protocols include exclusion from school for up to 21 days for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, verification of immunity for those who are vaccinated and direct communication with any exposed staff and families.

“MMSD works closely with public health partners to respond quickly and thoughtfully when health concerns arise,” Breon said. “Our goal is to limit disruption to learning while taking the steps necessary to protect everyone in our buildings.”

Families with health-related questions are encouraged to contact their school nurse or MMSD Health Services. Staff members with personal health questions should contact their health care provider.

More information about the vaccination clinic, immunization requirements and measles prevention is available through PHMDC and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Children’s Theater of Madison seeking Director of Communications

CTM is looking for a Director of Communications to join our Strategic Advancement team and lead our storytelling across the organization. This role stewards CTM’s voice, oversees public relations, marketing communications messaging, and fundraising and grant communications, manages key projects from planning through execution. The Director of Communications shapes how we share our mission, programs, and impact with our community.

For the full job description, including salary and benefits, and how to apply, visit https://ctmtheater.org/get-involved/work-with-us/

Oak Bank Proudly Supports GiGi’s Playhouse Madison “Believe in Our Build” Campaign

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to support GiGi’s Playhouse Madison and its “Believe in Our Build” campaign. It’s an exciting community-driven effort to create a new, expanded, and fully inclusive home in Fitchburg, right in the heart of the community Oak Bank serves.

The “Believe in Our Build” campaign is bringing GiGi’s Playhouse Madison to a new location on Botanical Drive in Fitchburg. With the new home, the organization will expand its ability to offer free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals and families impacted by Down syndrome. The new space will include classrooms, a gym, learning labs, a kitchen, and welcoming gathering spaces designed to foster confidence, independence, and achievement.

“Oak Bank believes strongly in investing in projects close to home that make a lasting difference,” said Terry Taylor, President & CEO of Oak Bank. “GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is building more than a facility — they are building opportunity, inclusion, and belonging for families in Fitchburg and surrounding communities.”

Oak Bank’s support of GiGi’s Playhouse Madison reflects its broader commitment to community-focused initiatives further underscoring the bank’s dedication to enhancing quality of life and care for individuals and families across the region.

“We believe in what GiGi’s Playhouse is building — not just in brick and mortar, but in the lives of individuals and families who will benefit for years to come,” added Bob Gorsuch, Executive Chairman & Founder of Oak Bank. “We’re especially excited to see GiGi’s Playhouse put down roots in Fitchburg — our home, too.”

As a local community bank, Oak Bank remains committed to meaningful partnerships that create long-term positive impact, ensuring that the places where people live, work, and grow continue to thrive.

About Oak Bank

Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for almost 26 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

About GiGi’s Playhouse Madison

GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is a free educational and therapeutic resource center for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the wider community. Through its one-on-one programming — including math, literacy, speech, and career development — the Playhouse serves as a powerful source of support, belonging, and growth. The new “forever home” will allow GiGi’s to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and build a lasting foundation for generations to come. gigisplayhouse.org/Madison

M3 Announces Expansion into the Minneapolis–St. Paul Market 

MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MN – M3 proudly announces its expansion into the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, marking its 10^th office location and the natural next step in the firm’s strategic growth plan. A top independent and privately held insurance broker in America, M3 is committed to providing in-depth market knowledge and world-class resources to clients with a local, national, and/or international presence.  

M3 has been doing business in the Twin Cities market for years, serving clients across specialized industries, including senior living & social services, food & agribusiness, and manufacturing & distribution. The firm offers a full spectrum of solutions to businesses, nonprofits, and individuals including property & casualty, employee benefits, personal lines, financial services, surety, pharmacy solutions, and HR services. 

“Minnesota and the broader Twin Cities market have long been a part of our marketplace presence,” said Mike Victorson, CEO at M3. “By establishing a stronger physical footprint here, we’re better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and deliver tailored solutions backed by our specialized industry expertise.” 

The new office is located at 5980 Golden Hills Drive Minneapolis, MN 55416. 

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About M3

M3 Insurance is a top private and independent insurance broker and risk management firm in the nation. Recognized as a leader in the products it represents and the industries it serves, M3’s people act as an extension of each client’s team, providing world-class resources to help manage risk, secure insurance solutions, and deliver comprehensive employee benefits. With a strong commitment to community, M3 works to build better places to live and work.