CHICAGO–Former NCUA Chairman Michael E. Fryzel, who served on the NCUA board from 2008-14, including as chair, issued a statement praising former NCUA Chairman and Board Member Todd Harper after Harper was fired by the Trump administration.

“Todd Harper is a dedicated public servant who has spent years working for the federal government and the people of our country,” said Fryzel in his statement. “His knowledge of credit unions is unmatched. He worked with Congressman (Paul) Kanjorski on legislation vital to credit unions; he knows and understands every aspect of the Credit Union Act and the rules and regulations that govern the industry and, above all, he has advocated for safety and soundness to protect credit unions and their members.

“Todd served with distinction as a key staff member for former NCUA Chairperson Debbie Matz. He was the first NCUA staff member to serve as a member of the board, having been appointed to that position by President Trump in 2019. In 2021, President Biden designated him as chairman. Whoever advised the president to take action to remove Todd from the board was wrong to do so. Chairman Harper showed his ability to work in a bipartisan way when he was the only Democrat on the board and again when he was in the majority. His hard work and dedication will be missed.”

Where Are Congressional Champions?

Meanwhile, former NCUA Board Member and Chairman Rick Metsger said in a statement to the CU Daily, “Independent regulation of cooperative credit is teetering on the ledge. Where are all those staunch credit union supporters in Congress now?”