NCUA Media Release

Buckham Named Head of New NCUA Consumer Office

November 20, 2009, Alexandria, Va. – The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board yesterday named Kent Buckham as Director of the newly-created Office of Consumer Protection. In that role Buckham will lead the
30-person department, which beginning in January 2010 will serve as a focal point for NCUA’s efforts to enhance consumer protection, education and access to credit union service.

In making the announcement, Chairman Debbie Matz stated that “the Office of Consumer Protection is intended to be a high-visibility office that will be a top priority for 2010 and beyond. Kent is uniquely qualified given his track-record in setting up the very successful National Examination Team, and his outstanding management skills and stature in the agency."

 “I have total confidence in Kent Buckham’s abilities to lead this important effort. He is the right person at the right time, and NCUA’s work in this area will be enhanced by Kent’s knowledge and diligence,” commented Board Member Gigi Hyland.

Board Member Michael Fryzel noted “Kent’s performance as the head of the NET was especially noteworthy; he was a very able steward of that initiative during a difficult time, and demonstrated an ability to lead a new endeavor and meet significant objectives.”

Buckham joined NCUA in 1976, and has served in a variety of capacities in both the field and Central office. Since November 2008 he has been Director of the NET, a specialized unit that focused on large, complex credit unions that were encountering market difficulties.

The National Credit Union Administration is the independent federal agency that regulates charters and supervises federal credit unions. NCUA, with the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, also operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring the deposits of nearly 90 million account holders in all federal credit unions and the majority of state-chartered credit unions.

 

- NCUA -