Dacotah Bank announces Schaefer to join team

Dacotah Bank is pleased to welcome Kristina Schaefer as Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Director of Government Relations. With over two decades of legal and risk management experience in the financial services industry, Schaefer brings extensive leadership, industry expertise, and a deep commitment to public service to her new role. Schaefer most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer at First Bank & Trust, where she led key areas including legal, compliance, audit, enterprise risk, human resources, and third-party oversight. She began her career there in 2007, rising through several legal leadership roles, including General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer. A native of Miller, South Dakota, Schaefer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from South Dakota State University (summa cum laude) and her Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law (cum laude). She has received multiple honors for her leadership, including the ABA Emerging Leader Award (2022), South Dakota Women in Law Attorney of the Year (2019), and recognition as one of the Top 50 Corporate Counsel nationwide by the OnCon Icon Awards (2022). She is also a past TEDx Sioux Falls speaker and a 2022 recipient of the EmBe Tribute to Women Award in Banking & Finance. Professionally, Schaefer serves in leadership roles with the American Bankers Association, including Chair of the ABA Bank PAC, past Chair of the DEI Advisory Council, and a member of the Government Relations Council. She is active in South Dakota Bankers Association, previously holding various committee and Board roles, including serving as Chair. She is also active with the State Bar of South Dakota and has served on the CFPB’s Community Bank Advisory Council. In addition to her professional contributions, Schaefer is a dedicated community leader. She mentors with the LSS School-Based Mentoring Program and coaches for Girls on the Run. She currently serves on the board of SuFuDu, served many years on the board of the Helpline Center board, and supports legal education as a practice preceptor for the University of South Dakota School of Law. Schaefer lives in Sioux Falls with her two children, where she enjoys watching Minnesota Twins baseball, reading, and participating in various running adventures with her friends. View all events