Black Hills Federal Credit Union has launched Black Hills Trust Company, a new CUSO focused on trust and estate services that the credit union said is the first of its kind in South Dakota.
Black Hills Trust Company will offer services including trust administration, estate management and court-appointed fiduciary roles such as conservatorship.
The trust company's team includes Alexa Stulken, who was hired by the credit union in January 2025 as chief wealth and trust consultant to develop and author the charter application with the South Dakota Division of Banking, as well as to architect the trust company's fiduciary and operational infrastructure from inception. Her role has also included leading vendor evaluations, due diligence and partnership negotiations, as well as developing service models, staffing strategies and financial planning frameworks.
Cara Thoma was hired in February 2025, Lori Burmeister was hired in April 2025 and Kelsey Halderman was hired this month as wealth and trust relationship administrator.
Black Hills Trust was created to meet growing demand for estate and legacy planning services. The trust is designed to serve individuals and families at all stages of wealth and to complement, not compete with, attorneys, CPAs and investment advisers.
"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," Stulken said.
The trust company's services are carried out under South Dakota law, including trust administration, legal oversight, audit readiness and compliance.
"Black Hills Trust Company extends our mission of Improving Lives into fiduciary stewardship, honoring intent, protecting legacy and supporting families for generations to come," Frank Bettmann, chief risk officer and general counsel, said.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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