MENOMONIE – Recently retired WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Lora Helixon Benrud represents the values of UW-Stout in her strength of character, philanthropy, willingness to serve and commitment to the university and WESTconsin’s communities. Benrud recently received the UW-Stout Distinguished Alumni Award.
Benrud attended Mount Senario College in Ladysmith and earned her business administration degree in 1984. She moved back to her hometown of Menomonie after graduation and has been a part of WESTconsin’s growing organization ever since.
At the time, WESTconsin had 54 employees, six offices and $54 million in assets. Recognized by Forbes as the No. 1 credit union in Wisconsin in 2024 and listed by Forbes as one of 300 of America’s Best Small Employers in 2023, WESTconsin now has about 430 employees at 15 offices and nearly $2 billion in assets.
“Both of these studies are a testament to WESTconsin’s focus on creating an engaging and caring workplace that attracts, hires and retains respectful, kind and accountable employees who focus on helping our members and communities achieve financial wellness,” said Benrud, adding that throughout her career, WESTconsin has focused on the financial wellness for its employees, members and communities.
“In addition to implementing many products and services over the years, I am most proud of being part of the credit union industry that focuses on people helping people,” said Benrud. “We promote and encourage financial health for students at all levels and for adults because it can have such a positive impact on people’s lives.”
An M.S. management technology alum, Benrud believes her UW-Stout education helped her make an impact in her career and in the community.
“Growing up in Menomonie, I have always seen the positive impact Stout has had on our community,” said Benrud, who brought her belief in philanthropy and service to her position as CEO, where she encouraged employees to be involved in charitable activities that improve the communities they serve.
For three years, she has contributed her time and talent as a UW-Stout Foundation board member, serving on the Audit and Risk Management and the Budget and Investment committees.
She has served on the boards of the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County Economic Development Corporation, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, Western Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, Wisconsin Credit Union League and is a long-standing member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Dunn County.
Benrud served as CEO for 10 years, chief financial officer for 15, vice president of human resources and member services for six and in other various positions. She retired in September after a 40-year career. She plans to stay active in the Menomonie community and make more memories with friends and family, her husband, Brian, and their four children and nine grandchildren.
Benrud took her first class at UW-Stout – Organizational Leadership – while working at WESTconsin. “I hadn’t intended on taking more courses but enjoyed this one so much I researched program options at Stout. The master’s in management technology was more focused toward the manufacturing industry at the time, but I chose general leadership elective courses that would help me in any industry,” said Benrud, who supports Blue Devil Athletics and student research.
To young students and graduates, she said, “Throughout your career, be kind and continue to look for opportunities to meet new people and learn new things. Look for a career that makes you proud and happy.”
