Due to record growth and the need to enhance service to their member-owners, SPIRE Credit Union has promoted three SPIRE employees into executive leadership positions.  SPIRE just completed the two strongest earnings years in its history, and has doubled in asset size since 2010. 

Danielle Pfeifer is SPIRE’s new Vice President of Relationship and Service Experience.  Danielle has been with SPIRE for five years—all of them in leadership positions in the branches.  She will ensure that all 18 branches operate consistently and continually offer Minnesota’s best service experience for SPIRE members. “Working for SPIRE is not only rewarding, but fun.  I enjoy working with our branch employees and helping the credit union grow,” says Pfeifer, “I’m looking forward to the opportunities that this new role will bring.”  When not at SPIRE, Danielle likes traveling, cooking and spending time with her two sons and husband.

Daniel Rathfelder is the Vice President of Product and Online Services.  Daniel is a four-year SPIRE employee.  He started as a Branch Manager (Minneapolis) before bringing his analytical ways to the lending area and recently has been leading the Deposit, Account, and Card Services areas.  Daniel takes responsibility for building momentum and ensuring that SPIRE’s deposit products are Minnesota’s best while the behind-the-scenes operations of the credit union are efficient and effective.  “To continue to be a leader, you always come to work not for you, but the members and the employees that work for you,” said Rathfelder, adding a simple, “#highfive!”  Daniel loves do-it-yourself projects around the house, wakeboarding on the lakes with his family, and is currently training for his first Ironman.

Lisa Lehman is now the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development.  Lisa has worked for SPIRE for 21 years, including 16 years in Marketing.  She has been involved with many significant projects over the years, including SPIRE’s name change/brand development.  Lisa will assure that SPIRE’s brand recognition continues to be among the top five in Minnesota.  “My job is to tell the SPIRE story and how we help improve lives every day,” says Lehman, “I’m lucky, because it is really easy to do when you have a great team and work for a company you believe in.”  In her spare time, Lisa enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and hanging out with her husband of twenty years and two children.
 
“We are very fortunate to have Danielle, Daniel and Lisa on our Executive Team,” says Dan Stoltz, SPIRE President/CEO, “Their collective expertise, experience, and dedication to the credit union industry will guide us well into the future.”