When she started college, Michala Kueffler planned to be a nurse.  She studied all through college and even anticipated earning her graduate degree in the health care profession, but life sometimes takes another course.

Growing up in Grenora, Michala’s father worked for Dakota West for almost a quarter of a century and when the opportunity arose for her to follow in his footsteps three years ago, she really wanted to change direction.  “I really wanted it,” she recalled of her chance to start as a part-time Member Service Representative.  Today she serves our western-most community and its members full time.

Besides living and working in the same community, Michala enjoys the opportunity to really get to know everyone she helps, seeing the same faces and spending each day in a friendly atmosphere that welcomes her, and where she welcomes others.  “Our members like to be able to talk to someone they know,” and Michala is definitely that someone.  “That is something that is lost at bigger banks.”

On weekends, she helps her family raise cattle and when she can, she gets out to ride the horses.  Michala recognizes that her change in careers is kind of the way life went, and for the members of Dakota West, we’re so glad it did.

Stop into one of our branches today and discover why our communities matter to us and meet someone you can talk to about your financial needs, too.