NCUA’s Harper Takes Leave of Absence

NCUA Chairman Todd Harper announced he’s taking a temporary leave of absence, beginning Monday, to undergo and then recover from back surgery. According to a statement from the NCUA, Harper updated the agency’s staff about his temporary leave on Monday.

“Many of you have likely heard me say on several occasions that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others,” Harper said in his statement to employees.

Harper continued, “So, I am heeding my own advice. Starting this week, I will be taking some time away from my duties to undergo and recover from back surgery. I expect to return to my full duties in July.

“In the weeks ahead, I know that you — the NCUA team — will not miss a beat! You will continue executing the agency’s mission to protect credit union members and their deposits, safeguard the Share Insurance Fund from losses, and ensure credit unions fulfill their responsibilities for safety and soundness, consumer financial protection, and other laws.

“Once I return to my full duties, I look forward to continuing to work with you to build a stronger, increasingly resilient, and more equitable credit union system that works for all.

“Thank you for your support and understanding. Your body is your temple. Treat it with care and be proactive in addressing your own physical and mental health needs.

“As always, be safe, be well, be kind. And, be sure to look after yourself, so you, too, can look after one another.”

The next NCUA Board meeting is scheduled for May 22. The NCUA confirmed that Harper will not be attending the May Board meeting and that Vice Chairman Kyle Hauptman “shall preside over the meeting” per NCUA rules and regulations, part 791.4.

According to the rule, “The Chairman is the presiding officer, and in the Chairman’s absence, the designated Vice Chairman shall preside. The presiding officer shall make procedural rulings. Any Board member may appeal a ruling made by the presiding officer. The appeal of a procedural ruling by the presiding officer shall be immediately considered by the Board, and a majority decision by the Board shall decide the procedural ruling.”

No agenda has been published for the May 22 Board meeting.

Harper has served on the NCUA Board since April 8, 2019. President Joe Biden selected Harper to become chair on Jan. 20, 2021 and has since been re-nominated by Biden and confirmed by the Senate for a term that expires on April 10, 2027.