Washington - Fred Becker, president and CEO of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) has indicated he will retire and Dan Berger, NAFCU executive vice president of government affairs, will take over as president and CEO on July 31, 2013, the NAFCU board of directors announced today.
“Over the past 13 years, Fred has completely transformed NAFCU into the aggressive high-powered advocacy group it is today, tirelessly advancing credit union issues with federal regulatory agencies, the White House and Congress,” said Mike Parsons, NAFCU chair and president and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, New Hartford, N.Y. “As our national leader, his skillful hands-on governance drove the association’s many successes as indicated by NAFCU’s increased membership and significantly enhanced financial footing. Under Fred’s guidance, NAFCU has clearly become an exceptional full-fledged trade association in every sense of the word.”
“Fred led us through the fight for corporate stabilization, the most significant crisis to face our industry in its history,” Parsons’ continued. “Through-out that difficult time period Fred’s singular and relentless member-driven focus, daily personal interaction and hands-on leadership were instrumental as the industry regained its financial footing.”
“A singular focus on NAFCU’s members and the credit union industry, coupled with a high-degree of energy, immediate accessibility and direct communication are his hallmarks,” Parsons added. “NAFCU and the credit union industry have been significantly enriched by Fred’s contributions and leadership. He will be greatly missed.”
“Dan’s leadership and vision make him the right choice to lead NAFCU in the future. He has solidified NAFCU’s strength and credibility on the Hill, with regulatory agencies, and with credit unions, and has enhanced NAFCU’s lobbying, political affairs, grassroots outreach and its highly regarded compliance assistance program since joining NAFCU,” said Parsons. “Dan brings great energy and experience to the role, and in successfully managing and leading people. He has earned the respect of policymakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as NAFCU members across the country.”
“We are in a period of rapid and great change for our industry. Dan is a proven leader who will be an enthusiastic champion for our industry in the years ahead,” said Parsons.
“Having been at NAFCU for over a decade, I’m extremely proud of the NAFCU staff and all we’ve accomplished for our great industry,” Becker said. “Dan is the right choice at the right time. He is a creative, strong leader respected for his integrity and can-do attitude. I’m confident he will lead NAFCU to further success and I know I am leaving the association in good hands.”
“I’m excited to take on this new role,” said Berger. “Credit unions are the lifeblood of our nation’s communities. Fred has been an unparalleled leader for NAFCU and he set a strong and steady course leading us out of the financial crisis and built an exemplary team. I look forward to building on Fred’s accomplishments and working closely with NAFCU’s board, members and staff to continue to promote and advance the industry. Everything we do and continue to do will be done through the filter of what is in the best interest of NAFCU members. Period."
Berger joined NAFCU as senior vice president of government affairs in January 2006 and was promoted to executive vice president in July 2009. During that time he has managed five divisions within NAFCU. He has over 20 years of government relations and political affairs experience, having served as vice president of government relations for America's Community Bankers and chief of staff for U.S. Representative Katherine Harris. For ten years, Berger has been listed as one of the most influential lobbyists in Washington by The Hill newspaper, chosen out of the 35,000 registered lobbyists on Capitol Hill. He has a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor's of science degree in economics from Florida State University.
About Us:
The National Association of Federal Credit Unions is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on federal issues affecting credit unions, representing its members before the federal government and the public.