Kaelixte Wagner Named to 40 Under 40 List

Kaelixte joined BHFCU nearly two years ago and quickly distinguished herself as a connector. In her role, she has worked to strengthen communication across the organization, improving information flow for more than 400 employees and supporting clearer collaboration across departments. But for Kaelixte, the work has always been about something bigger.
 

"I love being the bridge that connects people, ideas, and purpose," she shared. "Whether simplifying complex information or developing strategies that strengthen collaboration, I take pride in making communication clear, meaningful, and engaging."

That commitment to clarity and connection extends beyond her day job. Kaelixte volunteers with the North Teen Center, where she mentors students. She’s an active member of Toastmasters and the Young Professionals Group, a Credit Union Development Educator, and volunteers with Feeding South Dakota. These wide-ranging activities are rooted in a consistent belief: that genuine leadership shows up quietly, consistently, and in service to others.

That belief also shaped how Kaelixte approached the 40 Under 40 nomination itself. She initially questioned whether work centered on communication and relationship-building was visible enough to warrant recognition.
  

"What grounded me was a mindset shift, choosing ownership over doubt," she reflected. "Once I reframed the application as a reflection of collective impact rather than individual achievement, the hesitation softened."

Being selected, she says, feels less like a personal milestone. Instead, it’s a shared nod to the colleagues, mentors, and community members who have invested in her growth. Chief among those is her manager, Holly Jones, whose leadership Kaelixte credits as a defining influence on her own approach.
 

"Rapid City offers the ideal balance of opportunity and adventure. It’s a place where I can grow professionally while enjoying the outdoors, supporting conservation efforts, and connecting with people who care deeply about making a meaningful impact," she said.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, sourdough baker, and avid adventurer, Kaelixte brings the same discipline and curiosity to her personal life. Looking ahead, Kaelixte envisions her role evolving toward transformational communication, aiming to shape organizational culture, support employee well-being, and amplify diverse voices.

Please join us in congratulating Kaelixte on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication to our mission and the community is exactly the kind of leadership worth celebrating.