ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson recently announced the reorganization of her appointed staff at the agency, most of who were originally appointed by former Chairman Dennis Dollar. "As we move forward, I have asked my staff to have a keen focus on the various aspects within their purview. They each have a wealth of experience which will continue to serve the NCUA and America's credit unions well," Johnson said. "Also, as our focus is to maintain a wise use of agency resources, this reorganization will enhance NCUA's efficiency and effectiveness." Johnson's former Executive Assistant Holly Herman will now serve as senior advisor and chief of staff to the chairman. As such, she will serve as chief policy advisor on the promulgation of rules and regulatory matters and manage Johnson's personal staff. Prior to joining NCUA in February, Herman was the CEO of Kraft Foods Federal Credit Union. Former Public and Congressional Affairs Director Cliff Northup will be focused entirely on the government side as director of congressional and governmental affairs. He will continue to serve as the principal advisor on governmental affairs to the chairman and liaison to the U.S. Congress. He will also further NCUA goals and policies with the executive branch, departments, agencies and other organizations. Nicholas Owens has been named special assistant to the chairman and director of external affairs. He will continue as the senior communications advisor and provide strategic direction for NCUA's public affairs. He will also coordinate the Access Across America initiative and maintain those intergovernmental partnerships. Prior to serving on Johnson's staff, Owens was special assistant to the former Chairman Dollar. Gail Noren, former special assistant for legislative affairs, was named associate director of external affairs. She will help coordinate the agency's external affairs operations, as well as Access Across America's financial education initiatives. In another personnel move, NCUA Deputy Executive Director Mike McKenna has been named the Deputy General Counsel effective Dec. 1, 2004. "Mike has been an outstanding leader and attorney, who has provided solid leadership on many important issues to credit unions," NCUA Executive Director J. Leonard Skiles said. In the interim, NCUA Special Counsel to the General Counsel Hattie Ulan will serve as deputy general counsel beginning July 6. "Both Hattie and Mike have a vast array of experience and are valued members of our legal team," NCUA General Counsel Robert M. Fenner added. "I am extremely pleased to have Mike McKenna rejoin the Office of General Counsel in this capacity." The current Deputy General Counsel James Engel retired effective July 2. McKenna has worked at NCUA for 15 years and as deputy executive director since May 2003. Prior to that he served in various roles in the Office of General Counsel, including senior staff attorney. He has chaired the Field of Membership Task Force since January 2002 and has served as executive assistant to a number of board members, including NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz and former NCUA Board Member Geoff Bacino. Before NCUA, McKenna was a prosecutor in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps. [email protected]