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Senior Leadership Team

Healthcare is built on trust, compassion, and service—values that also guide our work at AHCU. Our Senior Leadership Team is dedicated to helping the credit union remain a trusted financial partner for healthcare professionals, their families, and the organizations that strengthen our communities.

Meet the AHCU Senior Leadership Team

For more than 70 years, AHCU has been dedicated to serving the people who make healthcare happen. Our leadership team is committed to carrying that mission forward by keeping the financial needs of healthcare professionals, their families, and healthcare organizations at the center of every decision we make.

Drawing on experience across financial services, healthcare, operations, and technology, our leaders work together to provide trusted guidance, innovative solutions, and exceptional service to Minnesota’s healthcare community. Their shared commitment helps ensure AHCU remains a financial partner built specifically for the people who care for others.

AHCU logo
Joel Swanson

Joel A. Swanson II, APR, MACT 

President/CEO

Joel was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Healthcare Credit Union (AHCU) in August of 2025, leading the mission-driven financial institution dedicated to supporting the banking needs of healthcare workers across the Twin Cities’ nationally recognized healthcare ecosystem.

Joel brings more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of financial services, healthcare, and purpose-driven organizations. His career includes senior leadership roles with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), UnitedHealth Group; and the healthcare and financial services clients of Risdall Marketing Group. In these, he successfully built sustainable growth, strategic clarity and stakeholder trust for organizations that exist to serve people in moments that matter most.

At AHCU, Joel is committed to expanding financial wellness for healthcare professionals and their families, while ensuring the credit union remains a trusted partner for Minnesota’s premier healthcare organizations, such as Allina Health, Blue Cross, Children’s Minnesota, and more. In addition, Joel serves on the board of the TriUnity Foundation, supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer and other terminal illnesses.

AHCU’s mission is personal for Joel, as he and his wife have four sons – each works in or supports healthcare.

Julie Cash Vice President, HR and Operations

Julie Cash

Vice President, HR and Operations

Julie serves as Vice President of HR and Operations for AHCU. She is now in her 35th year of dedicated service to the organization and its predecessor institutions. Throughout her career, Julie has played a vital role in supporting AHCU’s people, culture, compliance, and operational excellence, helping the credit union evolve through mergers, technology transformations, product innovations and volatile marketplace cycles – while maintaining its commitment to exceptional member service.

As AHCU’s human resources leader, Julie manages all aspects of the employee experience—from recruiting and onboarding to benefits administration, policy development, training, and employee relations. She also serves as the credit union’s compliance leader, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and helping safeguard the organization’s continued success through reviews, training, audits, Board relations and more.

Beyond HR and compliance, Julie oversees a wide range of operational responsibilities, including facility management. Her broad expertise and hands-on leadership make her a key resource across the organization, helping coordinate initiatives that strengthen efficiency, support employees, and enhance the member experience. She’s often the first call for staff and members.

Julie continues to shape AHCU’s service culture and operational effectiveness. Her commitment to both employees and members reflects the values that have defined her remarkable 35-year career and continue to drive AHCU forward.

Chee Lee, Vice President, Finance

Chee Lee

Vice President, Finance

Chee serves as Vice President of Finance for Associated Healthcare Credit Union (AHCU), where he is a member of the senior leadership team responsible for guiding the organization’s financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term sustainability. In addition to leading Finance and Accounting, Chee oversees Card Services and key operational functions that support AHCU’s mission of helping healthcare professionals achieve financial well-being.

He joined AHCU in 2017. With extensive experience in financial management and organizational leadership, Chee provides strategic oversight of budgeting, forecasting, investment management, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. He serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Asset Liability Management Committee, helping guide decisions that balance financial strength, member value, and sustainable growth.

Chee is passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening operational discipline, and leveraging data and technology to improve decision-making and organizational effectiveness. Through a focus on accountability, continuous improvement, and member impact, he helps ensure AHCU remains a strong, innovative financial partner for Minnesota’s healthcare community.

Chris Bjoargaard

Christopher (Chris) Bjorgaard

Executive Director, IT and Data Analytics

Chris joined AHCU in May 2026 as Executive Director of IT and Data Analytics for Associated Healthcare Credit Union. He leads the credit union’s efforts to enhance digital banking, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and deliver exceptional member experiences across online and mobile channels. He is responsible for advancing AHCU’s IT and digital strategy, analytics capabilities, technology partnerships, and member-facing digital services.

He brings nearly 30 years of technology and technology leadership experience in financial services, including enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, operations, vendor management, and digital transformation. Prior to joining AHCU, he spent nearly three decades with Wells Fargo and its predecessor organizations, where he led large-scale technology initiatives, cybersecurity programs, and operational modernization efforts supporting highly regulated financial environments.

At AHCU, Chris works closely with leaders across the organization to transform data into actionable insights, improve digital engagement, and identify innovative solutions that make banking easier and more accessible for members. Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic mindset, he is committed to leveraging technology in ways that strengthen member relationships, improve operational efficiency, and support AHCU’s mission of creating financial wellness for healthcare professionals and their families.