By his own admission, Dan Johnson wasn’t looking to become the CEO of Arise Community Credit Union (Arise), the first Black-led credit union in Minnesota based in North Minneapolis. At the time, he had a very good job working in senior management for an insurance company and was quite comfortable with where he was in life. Dan was shocked and flattered when an acquaintance asked him to apply for the position, but he let him know he wasn’t looking to move on from his current role. He’d already spent several years of his career working at a Wells Fargo branch in North Minneapolis and wasn’t interested in returning to the financial service sector. However, Dan agreed to at least think about it. It was a conversation with his mom that changed his mind. She reminded him of the back-breaking jobs his grandfathers worked in the hope that one day one of their descendants could have an opportunity like this. His mom made Dan realize the historical significance of the opportunity, and that it was about being a part of something bigger than himself, so he submitted his resumé.

The interview process was long and rigorous. But it helped Dan understand just how different it would be working for a nonprofit credit union from a for-profit bank and how important Arise would be to the communities it would serve, especially North Minneapolis. He recalled in one of his interviews giving a very corporate response to a question about his goals for Arise that didn’t land well, but he was given a chance to revise it. Eventually, he was offered the job, and took a leap of faith in accepting it.

Dan says his life journey has prepared and led him to becoming CEO of Arise. He loves North Minneapolis, having lived in it for over 30 years. Dan was known for excellent customer service while working at Wells Fargo. His professional and volunteer work helped him develop strong relationships in the community and a commitment to improving conditions for the most vulnerable and underserved residents.

Dan says one of the biggest surprises and best parts of working for Arise is the fellowship with other credit unions. Instead of being fierce competitors, they have been incredibly helpful by donating office furniture, supplies and providing other forms of assistance. Dan said he’s been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity, and is grateful to be a part of such a caring community.

Minnesota has the third worst racial wealth gap in the country. Banks and other financial institutions have a history of predatory lending and redlining toward Black customers and failing to provide them with quality service and products they deserve.   Dan understands that Arise will have to build trust by showing people it is a place where they will get exceptional service and high-quality and fairly-priced products.  Customers will benefit from Arise’s commitment to education and increasing financial literacy and fitness in service of building wealth. Dan wants people to know that their money will be safe and protected at Arise and that it is a place where they will get a “slow yes rather than a fast no.” Black people need to have ownership, and as a credit union, Arise will be owned by the account holders whether they have five dollars in their account or a million.

Dan is working hard to get everything in place so Arise can open its doors on West Broadway, one of the most vital corridors in North Minneapolis. As a servant leader, he is prepared to do whatever it takes even if that means taking out the trash. He wants to model for others that working at Arise isn’t just about doing what is expected, but it’s about being inspired and willing to go above and beyond to serve the customers and support Arise’s growth.

The name Arise reflects the community arising from the pain and trauma of marginalization and disinvestment. A lot of good things are happening in North Minneapolis, and Arise is a part of that. Dan looks forward to wealth being built, lives changed for the better and Arise being a valuable part of the community long after he is gone.

Learn More

Visit Arise Community Credit Union to learn more. Also, you can show your support by completing the Arise Community Credit Union Survey for Potential Customers.