ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA announced last week that Examination and Insurance Deputy Director Tawana James will serve as the director of the new Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives as of Dec. 12. Anthony LaCreta, director of the Office of Credit Union Development, will fill her spot as the deputy director of examination and insurance. "This is an important first step in establishing NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives," explained NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz. "Over the next three months, this new office will bring together a dynamic team of management officials and trainers who will provide needed assistance and training to small credit union leaders and examiners. This is crucial to the survival of small credit unions, which are at the forefront in serving people of modest means and helping to preserve the tax exemption for all credit unions." Additionally, Inspector General Herb Yolles, also president of the Central Liquidity Facility, will become the associate Region II director of operations. "I am extremely pleased that Tawana, Anthony and Herb will fill these important positions and continue to maintain NCUA's mission of safety and soundness for America's credit unions," NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson said. "NCUA's management team is among the finest in the federal government. The vast array of executive experience is making a positive difference and continues to enhance the agency." Skiles added, "Experienced management is needed as the agency negotiates and implements new labor relations policies, addresses developing safety and soundness issues and increases its focus on small credit unions. I believe these reassignments will strengthen our agency's senior management team as we set out to address new operational concerns and build the small credit union initiative program." As OSCUI director, James will be responsible for promoting the organization and growth of credit unions that provide financial services to low-income and underserved communities and for administering the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program. The OSCUI is being expanded to include the 15 economic development specialists that work directly with small and low-income credit unions. James began her NCUA career in 1980 as a temporary accounting technician and has worked in several positions in Region II (including regional director), as deputy executive director, and in the office of Examination and Insurance. LaCreta will be responsible for the divisions of supervision and risk management and function as a key advisor to the director in his new position. He has served at NCUA since 1978 and has served as director of the Office of Credit Union Development in January 2001. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Widener University and served in the Peace Corps prior to NCUA. As Region II ARDO, Yolles will supervise the region's divisions of Supervision, Insurance, Administration and Special Actions. Yolles joined NCUA as a staff accountant in 1978. Prior to that, he served as an auditor for four years with the U.S. Army Audit Agency. Yolles was named Inspector General in October 2002. [email protected]