DUBUQUE, Iowa—Dupaco Credit Union President and CEO Joe Hearn has been named Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) Outstanding Chief Executive, one of the industry’s highest individual honors.
CUES said 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.
According to CUES, it 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, CUES added.
Unparalleled Expertise’
“Joe leads with unparalleled expertise and a big heart,” Dupaco Board Chair Ellen Goodmann Miller said in a statement. “Under his direction, Dupaco has become a beacon of opportunity, equity and community building across Iowa and beyond.”
Hearn has led Dupaco Community CU 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, CUES said.
“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,” CUES stated. “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.”
Investing in People
CUES further noted that 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, the organization added.
The ‘Superpower’
“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.”
CUES said 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.
