| by First Nebraska Author , General | In Newsletters
Announcing the Retirement of Ann Loftis, President/CEO of First Nebraska Credit Union
Message from Julie Beers, Chairperson of the Board
After 32 years of dedicated service, Ann Loftis will retire from First Nebraska Credit Union on February 17, 2025. Ann has played an instrumental role in shaping the credit union’s success, serving in senior management since 2001 and stepping into the role of President/CEO in 2016.
Under Ann’s leadership, First Nebraska Credit Union has experienced significant growth. During her tenure, assets have increased from $115 million to $183 million, loans have grown from $69 million to $122 million, membership has expanded from 13,700 to 17,000 and our capital has increased from $19 million to $25.5 million.
Ann’s vision and dedication have led to the expansion of our Field of Membership to include eight communities in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas, as well as underserved areas in Grand Island. She played a pivotal role in adding indirect lending services and launching the addition of Financial Fitness Association, further expanding our membership base across Nebraska and Iowa. Ann also oversaw the successful merger of several credit unions, a core system conversion, our name change to reflect a more inclusive mission, the construction of two new branches (including expansion into Elkhorn), and the introduction of innovative technologies like ITMs to enhance member service.
Ann’s steadfast leadership has always been grounded in her commitment to the credit union’s goals and the well-being of our members, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and working closely with the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee since 2001.
In addition to her work at First Nebraska, Ann has been a passionate advocate for the credit union movement, serving on the NCUL Advocacy Committee, supporting key initiatives such as CULAC/PAC, and contributing to the Children’s Miracle Network. Her commitment to excellence and service has made a lasting impact not only on our organization but also on the broader financial community.
Ann’s exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication have helped First Nebraska become one of the strongest and best-managed credit unions in the state. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our members, and the entire First Nebraska Credit Union family, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ann for her years of extraordinary service. We wish her and her husband all the best in their future endeavors, with hopes for good health, success, and happiness in the years to come.
Dale Kovar Promoted to President/CEO
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Dale Kovar to President/CEO of First Nebraska Credit Union, effective January 1, 2025. From the moment Dale began his career with the credit union, it was clear he had the potential to be a future leader. Over the past several years, we have carefully engaged in succession planning to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. After extensive consideration, we are confident that Dale is the ideal person to guide First Nebraska into its next chapter of growth and success.
Succession planning at First Nebraska is about more than simply identifying future leaders—it’s about fostering a culture of talent development, empowerment, and continuous learning. This approach ensures the long-term strength and stability of our credit union. Since 2016, Ann Loftis has worked closely with Dale, mentoring and preparing him for this leadership role. Through their collaboration, Dale has demonstrated the key attributes necessary to lead First Nebraska into the future.
Dale is a visionary leader with exceptional financial expertise, enabling him to not only set a clear path forward for our credit union but also manage financial risks effectively. His dedication to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” remains central to his leadership style, and we are confident that under his direction, First Nebraska will achieve even greater accomplishments in the years to come. Please join us in congratulating Dale on his promotion to President/CEO. We are excited to see what the future holds for First Nebraska under his leadership!
A Message from Ann Loftis: Welcoming Dale Kovar as CEO
As I reflect on the past 32 years at First Nebraska Credit Union, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible journey. It has been a true privilege to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals, and together, we have accomplished so much. Watching the growth and success of our credit union over the years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.
As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my life, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you—our members, our employees, and our volunteers. Your trust, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our shared goals have been key to our success. While I will undoubtedly miss the daily challenges and interactions that come with leading First Nebraska Credit Union, I leave with full confidence in the strength of our team and the continued success of the credit union under new leadership.
Throughout my time as CEO, it has been our shared mission to provide the highest quality financial services to you, our members. Your trust and active participation have made so many of our accomplishments possible, and I am deeply grateful for the support you’ve shown over the years.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Dale Kovar as the next President/CEO of First Nebraska Credit Union, effective January 1, 2025. Dale has been a key part of our team since 2016, and I have had the honor of working closely with him as he prepared for this role. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, along with 30 years of banking and financial expertise. Dale’s leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence have been evident throughout his tenure here. His expertise in accounting, ALM management, and investment strategies has elevated our credit union’s performance across all areas. Dale is not only highly skilled but also a true professional who leads with integrity, respect, and a deep commitment to the credit union philosophy.
I am confident that under Dale’s leadership, First Nebraska Credit Union will continue to thrive and grow. His vision, coupled with the dedication of our talented staff and volunteers, will ensure that the credit union remains strong and vibrant for years to come.
As I step aside, I do so with the full assurance that the future of First Nebraska Credit Union is in excellent hands. I want to thank you all once again for the opportunity to serve you and to be a part of this remarkable community. It has been an honor to meet so many of you and to help meet your financial needs over the years.
With sincere gratitude, Ann Loftis President/CEO (Retiring), First Nebraska Credit Union
I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of President/CEO at First Nebraska Credit Union. My commitment to the success of our credit union, our employees, and most importantly, you—our members—remains my top priority. I am dedicated to upholding the core values that have brought us to where we are today and ensuring that they continue to guide us into the future.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Ann Loftis, whose leadership and influence have left a lasting impact not only on me but on the entire organization. Ann’s ability to inspire others reflects our shared philosophy of “People Helping People,” a belief that lies at the heart of everything we do. As Albert Schweitzer wisely said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” This spirit of service is what defines us as a credit union.
I am eager to continue serving you, our valued members, and look forward to working alongside our talented team to ensure that First Nebraska Credit Union continues to thrive for many years to come. Thank you for your trust and support—I look forward to what we will accomplish together!
Sincerely, Dale Kovar Incoming President/CEO, First Nebraska Credit Union
There has been a surge in impersonation scams. Scammers may text or call to get important information, so they can commit fraud. The phone number may even appear to be from First Nebraska, but scammers can spoof a number, so please be extra careful! Contact us (402-492-9100) if you think you are being scammed or if you think someone has your private information (Social Security number, account number, login credentials or passwords).
These tips will help keep you safe from fraud:
1. Never give out your full Account Number, full Social Security Number, Login or Password over the phone! When the credit union calls you, we will never ask for the full card number or full social security number; we already have this information. When our fraud center calls to verify a fraudulent charge, they may ask for a partial card number or last four digits of the individuals SSN, but never for a full card number, PIN, or 3-digit security code on the back of your card, and never for your login credentials for your online banking.
2. Do not reply to texts until you check to see if it is legitimate. If you should receive a call and/or a text message from the Credit Union phone number, and you are suspicious or concerned by information being asked of you, please hang up and call our phone number directly to confirm the call: (402) 492-9100.
3. If a text or phone call includes a link or a phone number, DO NOT USE that information. Instead, go online and type in First Nebraska Credit Union (or firstnebraska.org).
4. If you ever suspect that you’ve been scammed or your identity has been compromised, act immediately.
Contact us (402-492-9100) if you think you are being scammed or if you think someone has your private information (Social Security number, account number, login credentials or passwords).
Shred Event Raises $521 for Children’s Nebraska
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Shred Event and Donation Drive for Children’s Nebraska and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in September! We were able to raise $521 to donate to the hospital in Omaha!
Backpack Drive for School Supplies
In July, staff, members and FNCU donated school supplies and a check for $250 for The Salvation Army and KETV Back to School drive. Because of the Salvation Army Drive, more than 1,440 families in the Omaha area received backpacks filled with school supplies, just in time for school!
Digital Wallet
Use your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch to make payments!
Add your FNCU Debit Card and/or Credit Card to your digital wallet (an app that allows you to make financial transactions).
How do I get started? On your mobile device, find “Wallet” and follow the prompts to add your current FNCU Debit and/or Credit Card. Visit firstnebraska.org/digital-wallets to learn more.
How do I use it? 1. When making a purchase, open your digital wallet app and choose your FNCU card for payment. 2. Confirm your identity with a PIN, fingerprint or face scan. Then tap to pay at a participating business. 3. Receive payment confirmation.
Digital wallet is safe and secure. Your card number is not stored on your device or used during the transaction. Instead, a unique code, called a token, is used. Should a compromise occur, the card number is not affected.
NOTE: Digital wallet not available for FNCU gift cards, or ATM cards/transactions.
What our members are saying
“Always very polite and helpful people working at FNCU. I have been a member for decades and the customer service and services of the credit union have always been very good.” – Steve G.
Closed for the Holidays
Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day Monday, Oct. 14
You are leaving First Nebraska Credit Union's website. Links that may be accessed through this site are for the convenience of informational purposes only. Any products and services accessed through this link are not provided or guaranteed by First Nebraska Credit Union. The site you are about to visit may have a privacy policy that is different from the privacy policy of First Nebraska Credit Union. Please review their privacy policy. First Nebraska Credit Union does not endorse the content contained on these sites, nor the organizations publishing the sites and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content.
