August 4, 2025
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has named Noel Knickelbien and Kendall Geving as the new Royal Credit Union Young Professional Credit Union Activists (YP CU Activists). Royal launched the YP CU Activist program in 2019 to strengthen the credit union movement and elevate the voice of young professionals in advocacy efforts.
Knickelbien and Geving will serve from August 2025 through July 2026, representing Royal at key advocacy events in Washington, D.C., St. Paul, MN, and Madison, WI. Geving will participate in Royal’s advocacy efforts in Minnesota, while Knickelbien will represent the organization in Wisconsin. Together, they will work to share the credit union difference with policymakers.
Royal's President/CEO, Brandon Riechers, is a champion for YPs and the creator of the program. “Royal Credit Union is proud to invest in young professionals and ensure they have a seat at the table during these important conversations,” said Riechers. “This program continues to demonstrate that lawmakers value hearing from young professionals and appreciate the diverse experiences and perspectives they bring. Kendall and Noel will represent our Members well, sharing their stories and serving as strong voices for YPs across Minnesota and Wisconsin.”
Geving, a Digital Account and Deposit Coordinator, is looking forward to representing Royal’s values and supporting the credit union movement. “This role aligns with my desire to learn, stay involved, and make positive contributions both inside and outside of Royal.”
Knickelbien, a Mortgage Servicing Specialist, wants to make a difference in people’s lives every day. “Serving as the Royal YP CU Activist would allow me to combine two passions: doing advocacy work and sharing the positive impact we have on our members’ lives.”
Each month, Geving and Knickelbien will work with a mentor to expand their knowledge of credit union issues as they prepare to attend key advocacy conferences. They will also participate in lawmaker visits to Royal and community events.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
