State of the Credit Union with Voyage CEO Jeff Schmidt
Reflecting on growth, community impact, and what’s ahead—Voyage President and CEO, Jeff Schmidt, joins host Tiffany Mutchler on the Tips for Change podcast annual State of the Credit Union episode. Together, they recap Voyage’s standout achievements from 2025 and look ahead to an exciting year of innovation and continued community focus in 2026.
A Year of Steady Growth and Connection
After several years of mergers and expansion, 2025 gave Voyage the opportunity to regroup, strengthen its foundation, and reconnect with members. From growing loan and asset portfolios by more than 10% to nine internal staff promotions, Voyage celebrated a year centered on people, both members and employees.
Jeff shares how branches like Vermillion have continued to flourish, with refreshed spaces and deeper community ties. Through engagement platforms and a renewed focus on member service, Voyage has continued to build a workplace culture rooted in support and connection.
Facing Challenges, Finding Solutions
High interest rates and a competitive market made 2025 a challenging year across the financial industry. Yet, Voyage continued to focus on helping members navigate these pressures, especially first-time homebuyers facing affordability barriers. The credit union’s efforts to join programs like South Dakota Housing and FHA loans reflect a commitment to making homeownership more accessible in 2026.
Innovation That Puts Members First
Voyage introduced several key technology upgrades in 2025, including a new loan origination system that streamlines the digital lending experience and new AI-based tools that look beyond credit scores to better serve members. Jeff and Tiffany also discuss Greenlight, a free financial education app for families that helps kids learn budgeting and smart money habits in a hands-on way.
Community at the Core
Community involvement remains central to Voyage’s mission. With more than 200 hours of staff volunteer time logged this year and partnerships with organizations like Feeding South Dakota and Special Olympics, Jeff highlights how the team continues to live out the “we are the community” mindset.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Voyage looks toward 2026, priorities include continued staff development, exploring new applications of AI, expanding home loan options, and deepening community impact. With a strong foundation and 20,000 members across 25 counties, the credit union remains focused on delivering personal, people-first service.
Episode Mentions:
About Jeff Schmidt
Jeff Schmidt is a highly accomplished professional with over 25 years of career experience in the financial services industry. As the CEO of Voyage Federal Credit Union, he has led the organization to remarkable growth. Jeff's visionary leadership and strategic acumen have made him a leader in the industry, driving innovation and positioning the credit union for success.
With a degree in Accounting and an MBA from the University of South Dakota, Jeff has a strong educational foundation. In addition to his role as CEO, he serves as a valued board member for Glacial Lakes Energy, an esteemed ethanol company in the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, Jeff's passion for education is evident through his former roles as an adjunct professor in banking and economics, where he shared his knowledge and insights with aspiring professionals in the field.
Under Jeff's leadership, Voyage Federal Credit Union has experienced exponential growth, expanding its services and providing exceptional financial solutions to its members. His strategic vision and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes have been instrumental in the credit union's success. Jeff's dedication to empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals has created lasting value for the community.
As a visionary leader, Jeff continues to inspire and shape the future of the financial services industry. His leadership, significant contributions, and dedication to excellence have earned him recognition and respect. Through his role as CEO and board member, he drives economic growth, fosters collaboration, and makes a positive impact on individuals, businesses, and the community.
Jeff Schmidt's exemplary track record, combined with his deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence, positions him as an influential figure in the financial services sector.
