Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and ladies and gentlemen of the Committee for the prompt hearing and the opportunity to meet with you on behalf of my nomination to serve on the Board of the National Credit Union Administration.
As the chief executive officer of a credit union which can best be described as of small to moderate size (the Gulfport VA Federal Credit Union has approximately $31 million in assets, right on the nationwide average of just under $30 million) for the past six years, I have dealt with the day-to-day issues facing our nation's credit unions.
I have sat across the desk from the member of limited means who says "I can't send my daughter to college without this loan" or "my son will not have clothes for school unless my credit union can help me."
I have stood in the parking lot with that proud member who finally financed his first car or truck and says "I never thought I would own one on my own, now I can take that new job that my family really needs but its twenty miles away."
I have seen the regulatory process first hand, have experienced the depth of an NCUA examination, and am a committed adherent to the importance of safety and soundness considerations.
Of all of the member services we provide at our credit union, I tell my members daily that the most important member service we can provide is a strong, safe, sound and viable credit union.
I look forward to the opportunity to work as a member of the NCUA Board to use this perspective I have gained in the credit union trenches, while at the same time applying the public policy perspective that I gained through eight years as a state legislator.
Having served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for two four-year terms from 1976-1984, I have looked at issues from a public policy, regulatory and legislative point of view, as well. I understand that, not only credit union members have a stake in the safety and soundness of our nation's credit unions, but so do the American people.
I look forward to working with this committee and the Congress, as a member of the NCUA Board upon confirmation, to continue to ensure the safety and soundness of a growing credit union system for years to come.
Again, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I am honored to be before you today for this confirmation hearing and I would gladly answer any questions you might have of me.
Thank you very much.
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