April Tompkins
April Tompkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Explorers Credit Union in Yankton, South Dakota. With more than two decades of experience in the credit union and financial services industry, she began her career in 2005 as a part-time teller while attending college and steadily advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Her journey reflects a strong foundation in hands-on experience, which later shaped her approach to executive leadership and organizational development.
Since becoming CEO in 2019, April has focused on expanding the credit union’s impact through community engagement, industry advocacy, and strategic leadership. She plays an active role in both internal operations and external representation, including leading teams, improving organizational processes, and speaking at industry conferences. One of her notable achievements includes guiding the rebranding of Services Center Federal Credit Union to Explorers Credit Union, reflecting a renewed vision and identity for the organization.
Beyond her executive role, April is an author, MBA candidate at the University of South Dakota, and a passionate advocate for women in leadership. She shares insights on leadership, growth mindset, and personal development through her writing and public platforms, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. As a mother and leader, she often highlights the balance between professional ambition and personal life, encouraging others to lead with both strength and heart.
• NMLA (NAFCU Management Leadership Accreditation)
• University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business - B.A.
• Nominated for Outstanding CEO Award for Credit Unions
• Community Impact Award for North and South Dakota (2024)
• Multiple Marketing Awards for Explorers Credit Union
• CULA (Credit Union CEO Women Association)
• Site-Four, LLC
• Dakcu Foundation
• CU*Answers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the journey and steady growth I’ve experienced throughout my career. I started as a part-time teller while in college and advanced through multiple roles over 21 years in the industry, eventually becoming CEO in 2019, a position I have held for the past seven years. I am proud of being nominated for an Outstanding CEO award in the credit union sector and of leading the successful rebranding of our organization from Services Center Federal Credit Union to Explorers Credit Union, a collaborative effort I value greatly. My career has evolved alongside my personal growth, and I find fulfillment in the variety, responsibility, and continuous learning each day brings.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a successful career in a field you love while still making space for your creativity and personal passions. That perspective has stayed with me as I’ve grown professionally, and it has encouraged me to pursue meaningful goals beyond my primary role. I’ve embraced that balance by continuing to nurture my creative side through writing, and I am currently working on my second book while also completing my MBA, with graduation anticipated in August 2026.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to believe in your voice and your potential, even if you start out feeling insecure or unsure. Early in my journey, I was shy and uncertain, but I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and sharing your story. I began creating videos on TikTok about confidence and my personal experiences, not expecting much from it, but I was encouraged when my daughters and others shared how impactful it was. That experience reminded me that there is space for every voice, and your story can inspire and uplift others in ways you may not immediately see.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing a full-time leadership role, motherhood, my MBA studies, and writing my second book. It requires strong time management and discipline, but I also see it as an opportunity to grow and stay focused on what matters most. This experience allows me to demonstrate that it’s possible to pursue career success while still nurturing family and personal passions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me in both my work and personal life is the ability to help and positively impact others. I take great pride in my first book, Her Breaking Point, a psychological thriller about a female credit union CEO that explores leadership, intuition, and the emotional complexities of being a woman in leadership. I also use platforms like TikTok to mentor and inspire young women, sharing messages about confidence and personal growth. Writing gives me a creative space that is uniquely my own, while my work in the credit union aligns with our core value of “people helping people,” which is reflected in our community and social impact efforts. It is deeply fulfilling when others reach out to share how my work has encouraged or supported them.