Berger set to take over helm of credit union group

By Vicki Needham - 01/07/13 04:34 PM ET

The head of one of the nation's top credit-union advocates is set to retire this summer after 13 years leading the group.

Fred Becker, president and chief executive of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), will depart July 31 and will be replaced by Dan Berger, NAFCU's executive vice president of government affairs, the group announced on Monday.

"Over the past 13 years, Fred has completely transformed NAFCU into the aggressive high-powered advocacy group it is today, tirelessly advancing credit union issues with federal regulatory agencies, the White House and Congress,” said Mike Parsons, NAFCU's chairman and president and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, New Hartford, N.Y.

"Under Fred’s guidance, NAFCU has clearly become an exceptional full-fledged trade association in every sense of the word," he said.

After seven years with the group, Berger will lead the group through its next set of battles.

“Dan is the right choice at the right time," Becker said.

"He is a creative, strong leader respected for his integrity and can-do attitude. I’m confident he will lead NAFCU to further success and I know I am leaving the association in good hands.”

The group recently outlined its agenda for the year, which includes preserving the federal income tax exemption for credit unions, maintaining access to the secondary mortgage market, opposing price caps on credit card interchange and seeking changes such as clarity on the use of derivatives under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.

Berger joined NAFCU as senior vice president of government affairs in January 2006 and was promoted to executive vice president in July 2009.

"Fred has been an unparalleled leader for NAFCU and he set a strong and steady course leading us out of the financial crisis and built an exemplary team," Berger said.

"I look forward to building on Fred’s accomplishments and working closely with NAFCU’s board, members and staff to continue to promote and advance the industry."