Tawana James, who has held a variety of senior posts during more than 30 years at the NCUA, has been named to run the agency's Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.

James, who most recently headed the agency's Office of Small Business Initiatives, will run an office aimed at promoting equal opportunity at the agency, increasing minority and women contractors and preserving credit unions run by women and minorities. The office, which is scheduled to begin operating Jan. 21, was created by the financial overhaul bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this year.

"Tawana will bring to this position a wealth of experience and skills in dealing with challenging assignments," NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz said in a statement. "She has demonstrated over the years an ability to set up a new office and to provide valuable assistance to credit unions serving diverse communities."