Thanks for Your Dedication and Professionalism

As I put the finishing touches on some of my post-NCUA contacts in the weeks since my departure from the agency, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the outstanding staff at Credit Union Times for your professionalism in covering NCUA during my almost seven-year tenure there. Although it is natural that there will be occasions when an outstanding independent publication such as Credit Union Times chooses to cover issues that those of us in the official decision-making process might wish would not be covered or perhaps hope might be covered from a different angle, I must say that the high caliber of the staff at Credit Union Times made those situations rare and certainly more acceptable. You see, when one recognizes that folks are doing their jobs with a true commitment to their cause as do all of you at Credit Union Times when you report on this dynamic industry, it makes it easier to understand the difficult job you do because what you do is built on mutual respect and, again, professionalism. For this you are to be commended. My respect for Credit Union Times began at a quite high level when I went to NCUA in 1997 from my position as a credit union CEO who regularly turned to the publication for the industry news I truly needed in order to do my job better. However, after almost seven years at NCUA being interviewed and reported upon by Credit Union Times both in good times and in bad, I must say that my respect for the publication is even stronger today. Indeed, whether the news is encouraging or discouraging, the publication has a proven track record of giving a balanced portrayal of the facts by in-depth reporters, outstanding writers, professional staff and, yes, even a knowledgeable publisher who is willing to challenge us to remain true to the principles that built this great credit union movement, even as we demonstrate the vision necessary to move it to even greater heights for the benefit of the over 80 million Americans who are depending on their credit unions daily for the services which will make financial self-sufficiency a part of their and their family’s every day lives. So, as I depart and begin the process of looking back over my tenure at NCUA, thank you again for the professionalism over the years of covering our activities at NCUA. Although I shook my head at times wishing that a story or a photo had been more positive, I never shook my head concerned about the motives of the publication itself. Credit Union Times was always fair to me and committed to the credit union movement and, for that, I wish to thank you. Dennis Dollar Principal Partner Dollar Associates, LLC Alexandria, Va.