WICHITA, Kan. – The Kansas Credit Union Association has hired the state's top regulator, Jerel Wright, to head up its governmental and public affairs department in Topeka. Wright, who had been Administrator of the Kansas Department of Credit Unions the last eight years and is a former KCUA staffer, left the regulator's job Sept. 23. "His four-year term was to expire Nov. 30 but he chose not to seek reappointment," said an aide to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Named as acting administrator is Jack Hohman, financial examiner. Marla Marsh, president/CEO of the KCUA, said Wright's appointment to her staff provides two political affairs reps in the association's Topeka office. Wright joins William Henry, who is director of government and regulatory affairs. Wright had previously been KCUA director of governmental affairs and a consultant having served the trade group from 1983-1994. "We feel fortunate to be able to have Jerel join our staff again," said Marsh. "His expertise and knowledge of our credit unions will make a significant impact on our overall government affairs strategy." In other KCUA staff changes, David Dick, vice president, resigned to take on the same title at Central Kansas CU in Hutchinson, and Jamie Varbel, head of marketing/communications and who for a time had been on maternity leave, has joined Boeing Wichita CU in its training department. Assuming communication duties is Ashley Friesen, a graduate of Kansas State University. Marsh said she expected to meet with Sebelius, the Democratic governor, last week to discuss a replacement for Wright. [email protected]