After 16 years of dedicated service, Julie Brude, trust services assistant and membership clerk, is retiring from the Dakota Conference office. Since joining the team in April 2009, Brude has been a steady and dependable presence—serving under multiple directors, supporting critical operations, and becoming a friendly voice for members across the Dakotas.
Brude was first hired to assist in the Trust Department and briefly supported the Treasury Department before transitioning full-time into trust work. Though new to legal processes at the time, she quickly adapted, handling everything from preparing documents to maintaining records and managing correspondence with attorneys.
“It was a good learning experience,” Brude said, reflecting on how she grew into the complex responsibilities of the department.
She also played a key role in the transition of leadership within Trust Services, supporting directors Charlie O’Hare, Judy Weir, and, most recently, maintaining operations during a vacancy in leadership. Over the years, she helped manage the Trust Acceptance Committee, maintained vault files, and served as a North Dakota notary public.
Beyond her trust duties, Brude stepped into multiple roles—answering phones, handling mail, and becoming a go-to person for many of the office’s behind-the-scenes tasks. Her love of organization and detail also made her a natural fit when she began helping with membership records.
“I’ve really enjoyed the membership work—keeping things up to date, organizing information, and helping connect members and clerks,” she shared.
A graduate of Sheyenne River Academy, Brude returned to the Dakotas after decades of work in Illinois and Ohio. Her move to the Conference Office was sparked by a call from a former classmate, then-president Elder Neil Biloff. It became a new chapter filled with meaningful connections.
“The best part has been meeting people—members I remembered from years ago and so many new ones. Campmeeting was always a highlight for me,” she said.
Brude has worked through five constituency sessions, including the pivotal 2009 session when delegates voted to move the Conference Office to Bismarck. She also helped pack and settle the new building, taking personal care to organize and maintain shared spaces.
Her next chapter will take her to Collegedale, Tennessee, where she hopes to enjoy family, friends and perhaps even volunteer at nearby ministries.
While she looks forward to warmer weather and fewer windy days, Brude says she will miss the people most.
“I will miss working with our members and pastors, and all the friendships I’ve made here,” she said.
Julie Brude may be leaving the building, but she’s not leaving the hearts of those she served.
Note: Since this article was written , Brude has agreed to continue serving remotely part-time as membership clerk for a while.
