<p>WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate approved JoAnn Johnson, former Iowa state senator, and Deborah Matz, former USDA official under the Clinton administration, by unanimous consent late on March 22. Johnson's term will run through August 2, 2007, while Matz's is scheduled to expire August 2, 2005. Former NCUA Chairman Norm D'Amours and Clinton recess appointee Geoff Bacino each served a year of Matz's term already. Both have been serving as recess appointees since the end of January. Former Board Member Yolanda Wheat was relieved of her duties in late December, which was also when Bacino's recess appointment expired. "I look forward to continuing our good, solid working relationship as we serve together on the NCUA Board," NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar said. Now that the other two positions are settled, NCUA could be receiving a new board member in the not-so-distant future. Dollar's appointment officially ends April 10, 2003, though NCUA Board members tend to serve beyond their official terms. The presidential nominees to the NCUA Board were also unanimously approved by the Senate Banking Committee just two days prior to the official decision. Johnson has been awaiting her official appointment since September 2001, when President George W. Bush announced his intent to nominate her. Just prior to being nominated to the NCUA Board, Johnson was serving as an Iowa State Senator since 1994. She was the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee and served as chair of the Ways and Means Committee from 1996 to 2000. She is a former teacher and farmer. An Iowa native, Johnson is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and the daughter-in-law of former NCUA executive Don Johnson. Matz, prior to joining NCUA, was serving as the executive officer of the Liaison Office for North America of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 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 knowledge of both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. She 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 with two children. [email protected]</p>