Bacino, 39, is a native of Rockford, Ill. and a graduate of Indiana University holding a B.A. in political science. Bacino is married and has three daughters. Family with a busy NCUA travel scheme was difficult Bacino said, and he very much appreciated his wife's understanding.

He estimated taking 50 to 60 trips in 2001 and flying about 60,000 to 70,000 miles. He recalled flying to Portland, Oregon and back the same day to get home to his family. However, Bacino did not complain about the travel. One of the best parts of the job, he said, was to get out and meet the people most directly affected by NCUA's regulations.

"I'm not as good a politician as I thought, but I'm a better person than I thought," Bacino said of the experience. He commented that serving on the NCUA Board was "everything I thought it would be and more." Coming into the agency, Bacino said he wanted to maintain a professional, respectful level at the agency, which he said he felt he did. He added that that professionalism and respect was reciprocated among the board and staff, another thing he said at the beginning of his term had been absent from the agency. In a somewhat surprise move at the last board meeting of his term, Bacino placed the repeal of the Community Action Plan (CAP), which would have required community chartered credit unions to provide the agency with a map of how it planned to serve its entire community, on the board agenda. "I felt it was the right decision and the best decision," he explained. While this could have turned into political wrangling, Bacino simply pointed out that disagreements happen and how you handle it determines the attitude and sense of the board, as well as the entire agency. CAP was repealed at the December board meeting, prior to its December 31 effective date, by a vote of two to one, with former NCUA Board Member Yolanda Wheat objecting.

Bacino only wishes that his time on the board had been longer. He noted that the administration and other key officials have had ample time and opportunity to appoint him and that he did not expect another recess or full appointment at this time. "I don't think people in that position don't know of my interest," Bacino said. He added that he certainly would not turn down the opportunity to serve on the NCUA Board again should it arise.

For the time being though, Bacino is working to reestablish his lobbying and consulting firm, Bacino and Associates, just a stone's throw from the NCUA's Alexandria headquarters. He said that he is unsure what shape the organization will take this time but that he began getting matters in order immediately. Bacino said that it is disappointing not to be able to finish things he and the NCUA Board started at the agency, but he is confident he did a good job while he was there.

Though no longer an NCUA Board member, Bacino hopes that his idea for an advisory council to the agency, made up of members of the credit union community, will progress. He said that he would be happy to share with any board member who decided to continue with the idea any preliminary work that has been done.

"This is an idea that has a lot of advantages to a lot of people," he commented. Bacino noted that the agency and credit unions could learn from the experience.

Not only a sports fan, but also of government in the sunshine, Bacino applauded NCUA's first-ever open budget forum held in November. "If it is continued, it is an excellent opportunity for credit unions to have a chance to make their opinions known," he said. [email protected]