Rick Metsger, the former statesenator from Oregon who once served on a credit union board, wasconfirmed late Thursday by the full U.S. Senate to a seat on theNCUA Board.

The only step left before he fills the third seat on theregulator's board of directors, which has been empty since GigiHyland resigned last October, is his swearing in.

“Rick Metsger's confirmation to the NCUA Board is a positivedevelopment for credit unions and their nearly 95 million members,”NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz said in a statement.

“His personal commitment to public service, his breadth ofpolicymaking experience and his unique perspective on financialservices issues are welcome additions to the NCUA Board. I welcomeRick to the NCUA board and look forward to working with him,” Matzsaid.

President Barack Obama nominated Metsger on May 15 and he was approved by the Senate Banking Committee on July 18 followingan uneventful hearing June 27.

“The National Credit Union Association (sic) plays an importantrole in promoting the strength and success of the credit unionindustry, and Richard Metsger will no doubt be a valuable member ofthe board. Mr. Metsger is well-qualified for the role, and I lookforward to working with him and the rest of the NCUA Board,” SenateBanking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson said Thursday in arelease.

The Senate also confirmed Jason Furman to be a member andchairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Mary Jo White to afull term on the Securities and Exchange Commission and Kara Steinand Michael Piwowar, also members of the Securities and ExchangeCommission. With the exception of White, the others sat on the sameSenate hearing panel with Metsger.

However Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), who was also part of thathearing and is nominated to head the Federal Housing FinanceAgency, did not receive a Senate confirmation vote Thursday withthe others.

“We look forward to working with Mr. Metsger as he starts histenure on the board, knowing that he can rely on his experience asa credit union board member in dealing with the challenges thatcredit unions face today,” said CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney.

NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger released a statement saying,“NAFCU congratulates Mr. Metsger on his confirmation to the NCUABoard, and we look forward to working with him, the NCUA Board andstaff to ensure a positive regulatory environment for creditunions.”

Matz and Metsger are Democrats. Board Member Michael Fryzel is aRepublican.