In 1987, Cherie Freed began her career at the NCUA as an examiner in Phoenix. After nearly four decades of serving the credit union industry and advancing to new roles at the federal agency, the NCUA announced Friday that Freed has retired as regional director of the NCUA’s Western Region.
With the retirement, effective Aug. 24, NCUA Board Chairman Todd Harper shared his thoughts on Freed’s lengthy and successful NCUA career.
“Cherie’s dedication to public service and the NCUA has been nothing short of exemplary,” Harper said. “She excelled at building internal and external coalitions, she was passionate about meeting organizational goals and customer expectations, and she produced results at the highest level. Cherie has exhibited sustained excellence throughout her career, inspired others, and made innumerable contributions to the NCUA. On behalf of the entire NCUA Board, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Cherie and wish her well in future endeavors.”
According to the NCUA, after serving as an examiner, Freed took the position as a problem case officer in 1991 and later became a corporate examiner. Freed then became associate regional director for the Western Region before being selected as regional director in 2016.
During this transition period with Freed’s retirement, John Kutchey, who is regional director for NCUA’s Eastern Region, will oversee the Western Region until a new regional director is hired. Also, Associate Regional Director Mike Ryan will shift his duties to become acting regional director for the Eastern Region, according to the NCUA.