Patrick La Pine, president/CEO of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, said he is looking forward to working with Florida's new commissioner of the Office of Financial Regulation, Drew Breakspear.

Breakspear, who has worked in the financial industry for more than 40 years, is expected to start his new job Nov. 5. Florida's OFR in Tallahassee provides regulatory oversight of the state's financial services providers.

During the Florida cabinet meeting where Breakspear was appointed as the new commissioner, LSCU staff had an opportunity to speak with him, said La Pine.

“After he takes office, we plan on setting up a meeting to give him a full briefing about credit unions in Florida as well as the league,” said La Pine. “During the vetting process, we were assured that the new commissioner would take a balanced and fair approach to regulations of credit unions, banks and insurance companies.  We look forward to working with Mr. Breakspear.”

LSCU serves 288 credit unions in Florida and Alabama.

Breakspear replaces Linda Charity, a veteran banking regulator who has been working as interim commissioner after former OFR Commissioner Tom Grady resigned in March, according to media reports.

Breakspear of Naples, Fla., most recently served as executive vice president and general auditor at State Street Corp., joining the company in 1995. Previously, Breakspear worked as senior vice president at First Nationwide Bank in San Francisco. He also has international banking experience specializing in auditing, risk management and finance.

 “My goal is to continue promoting a stronger, healthier financial industry, combating fraud, and showcasing the exceptional work at this agency,” Breakspear said.