June 18, 2024

Bluestone Federal Credit Union has announced that its current vice president will become its next president.

Alayna Johnson will succeed Jeff Jorgensen as president Jan. 1, 2025.

“I am both honored and humbled to be able to serve the employees, board of directors and the membership of Bluestone in this new capacity,” Johnson said in a statement.

“The unwavering commitment from Jeff over these past 34 years is something Bluestone will be forever grateful for. The care and commitment he has for our credit union is evident in many ways and will leave an incredible mark on this institution’s history. His vast knowledge of ‘everything’ credit union is undeniable, and as this transition unfolds, Jeff will remain impactful through teaching myself and others.”

Johnson joined Bluestone FCU in March 2005 as a loan officer and was promoted to vice president of lending in 2010. In 2016, her position transitioned into the role as single vice president. Johnson has played crucial roles in many firsts for Bluestone such as the rollout of new interactive teller machines, the launch of digital forms for membership and loan documents, as well as conversions of debit and credit card processors.

“As I watch Alayna move to the forefront of our credit union, I am committed to supporting her turn to lead Bluestone forward,” Jorgensen said.

“From the day I hired her, I knew she brought a special skill set that could fit well here. She has demonstrated that skill set across many different areas of responsibilities in our organization, and now she will be able to exhibit it at the highest level of leading our financial cooperative. I have complete confidence in her!”

Bluestone Federal Credit Union has more than $186 million in assets and 45 employees in Sioux Falls. Its more than 11,000 members span 43 counties across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in those counties.

“After a thorough succession-planning process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of Bluestone Federal Credit Union,” board chair Paul Buriak said.

“Alayna has a track record of strong leadership, a very keen understanding of our culture and a plan to propel us into the future successfully. This, combined with her deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure, makes Alayna uniquely qualified to lead Bluestone. She’s a great fit with each of the four ‘critical leadership qualities’ we evaluated as part of our selection process: strategic agility, business acumen, vision and mission-driven orientation. We’re delighted that she’s accepted the position.”