PRESS RELEASE - Black Hills Federal Credit Union Announces the Launch of Black Hills Trust Company, South Dakota’s First CUSO Trust Company

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Rapid City, SD – April 28, 2026

Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) today announced the official launch of Black Hills Trust Company, LLC (BH Trust), the first Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) trust company in the state of South Dakota. This milestone expands BHFCU’s long‑standing mission of Improving Lives into a new era of fiduciary stewardship and legacy protection.

Built on decades of combined fiduciary experience, BH Trust provides trust administration, estate management, court-appointed fiduciary services such as serving as conservator, and agency and custodial services — all delivered by a South Dakota‑based team of credentialed professionals. The organization’s guiding purpose is clear: We are here to improve lives through lasting peace of mind solutions — rooted in stewardship, integrity, and compassionate fiduciary care.

A Mission Grounded in Stewardship, Integrity, and Local Accountability

BH Trust was created to meet the growing needs of individuals and families seeking clarity, confidence, and continuity in their estate and legacy planning. In keeping with BHFCU’s mission of Improving Lives, BH Trust was built to serve individuals and families at every stage of wealth, offering accessible and compassionate fiduciary support to anyone seeking trusted guidance. While BHFCU recognized the importance of offering dedicated fiduciary support to its members, BH Trust was intentionally structured to serve all families, members and non‑members alike, who are navigating life’s most meaningful financial transitions.

All core fiduciary functions, including trust administration, legal oversight, audit readiness, and compliance, are carried out under South Dakota governance and within South Dakota’s statutory framework. This ensures true local stewardship and alignment with state law, supported by the organization’s commitment to local roots, local leadership, and local accountability.

Leadership With Deep Fiduciary Expertise

BH Trust is led by Alexa Stulken, CTFA®, AFIM®, Chief Wealth & Trust Officer, who brings 26 years of professional experience and more than a decade of specialized fiduciary leadership. Alexa is known for principled oversight, clarity in complexity, and genuine care for the families she serves.

She is joined by Lori Burmeister, Wealth & Trust Officer, Kelsey Halderman, Wealth & Trust Relationship Administrator, and Cara Thoma, Wealth & Trust Operations Administrator, all experienced fiduciary professionals with extensive backgrounds in trust administration, documentation integrity, and client care.

A Partner to Families and Professional Advisors

BH Trust was intentionally designed to complement, not compete with, the work of attorneys, CPAs, and investment advisors. By collaborating closely with professional partners, BH Trust ensures estate plans are executed precisely as designed, with respect for professional boundaries and a commitment to seamless coordination.

Frank Bettmann, Chief Risk Officer & General Counsel, said: “Today marks an important milestone for our organization and the communities we serve. Black Hills Trust Company extends our mission of Improving Lives into fiduciary stewardship, honoring intent, protecting legacy, and supporting families for generations to come.”

Alexa Stulken, CTFA®, AFIM®, Chief Wealth & Trust Officer, added: “Whether you’re navigating the estate planning process, refining wealth directives, or exploring legacy options, we’re here to simplify the complex and offer lasting peace of mind, every step of the way.”

About Black Hills Trust Company

Black Hills Trust Company is South Dakota’s first CUSO trust company, created by Black Hills Federal Credit Union to help families protect what matters most. We provide trust administration, estate management, court‑appointed fiduciary services such as serving as conservator, and legacy stewardship with clarity, compassion, and integrity.

Our South Dakota‑based fiduciary team is dedicated to honoring intent, safeguarding legacy, and delivering lasting peace of mind. Every service we provide is rooted in stewardship, integrity, and compassionate fiduciary care — ensuring families receive the thoughtful, principled support they deserve.