<p>WASHINGTON-President George W. Bush announced recently his intent to nominate Deborah Matz of Virginia, to the NCUA Board, replacing Geoff Bacino, for the remainder of a six-year term expiring August 2, 2005. Former Chairman Norm D'Amours and former President Bill Clinton recess appointee, Bacino, used up one year each of the full six-year term. Matz currently serves as the executive officer of the Liaison Office for North America of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the largest autonomous agency in the UN. From 1997 to 2001, she held the office of deputy assistant secretary for administration at the Department of Agriculture. Matz has over 20 years of pubic service experience and an extensive knowledge of both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Matz is extensively published on issues concerning state and local government finance, economic development, and housing and infrastructure financing. Matz holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.S. from George Washington University. She is married to Marshall Matz and resides in McLean, Va. with their two children, Hayley and Peter, "I have met Deborah and am impressed with her vast array of government experience and public service, which I know will be beneficial to NCUA and the credit unions we regulate and insure," NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar said. Matz said she preferred not to make any statements until she is confirmed. Bush has already nominated Iowa State Senator JoAnn Johnson to fill the seat vacated by Yolanda Wheat. Dollar said that the NCUA staff has been in contact with both Johnson and Matz, briefing them on the issues should they receive recess appointments prior to the January board meeting. Dollar recalled that he was confirmed on a Friday, in Virginia by Monday, and attended the board meeting Wednesday when he was appointed. In the meantime, Chairman Dollar is the sole NCUA Board member, which could make for an abbreviated board meeting January 17. "It's kind of lonely up here on the seventh floor with those other two offices empty," Dollar commented. However, he said that he was relatively certain those seats would be filled in time for the March board meeting at the latest, and more likely in January or February. He noted that part of the reason for a long agenda in December was in anticipation of the possibility of this situation. "[The administration] recognizes that it's an important appointment that needs to be made, but they also realize that there is no emergency situation," Dollar said. He indicated that the January agenda-expected to include three community charter conversions, a state member business loan rule, and a corporate credit union field of membership issue-did not contain anything that could not be postponed. Dollar emphasized that he does have authority to make decisions in emergency situations, such as an event like September 11. If he remains the sole board member, Dollar said he will "likely not take any substantive policy action" not because he cannot, but because he feels it would not be appropriate. He does plan to re-institute a briefing to the board on the status of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). He pointed out that this briefing used to be held monthly, but that the Norm D'Amours' administration halted the practice. Dollar plans to hold the briefings quarterly. The chairman did extend the hope that NCUA would be able to begin the New Year with the full complement of board members. [email protected]</p>