Leaders of the NCUA and credit union trade organizationssaid Thursday they look forward to working with President BarackObama's pick for theNCUA Board, Mark McWatters, if he is confirmed.

The White House announced this week that the president intendedto nominate the Texas tax lawyer, law school dean and former memberof the TARP Oversight Committee to succeed Michael Fryzel as theGOP member of the three-person panel.

His nomination has not yet officially been sent to theSenate.

“It's a great honor to serve on the NCUA Board, and Icongratulate Mr. McWatters on his appointment,” said NCUA ChairmanDebbie Matz. “He has an impressive background. I look forward tomeeting him and, should he be confirmed, working with him toprotect the safety and soundness of America's federally insuredcredit unions and their 96 million members.”

Fryzel's term expired earlier this year.

“Mark McWatters will bring an outstanding background and awealth of knowledge to the NCUA Board,” Fryzel said. “Hisfamiliarity with the federal government process along with hislegal and financial expertise will enable him to be an effectiveregulator of the credit union industry. I wish him well as heproceeds through his nomination and confirmation process.”

Richard Metsger was confirmed for a spot on the board thisyear.

“Congratulations to Mr. McWatters on his nomination toserve on the NCUA Board,” Metsger said. “Protecting credit unionsand their members is an important responsibility, and the creditunion system is facing a future that holds both risk andopportunity. I wish him success through his nominationprocess.”

NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger called McWatters to congratulatehim on the nomination, the trade group said.

“NAFCU commends McWatters on his selection by President Obamafor the NCUA Board. We stand ready to work with McWatters should hebe confirmed,” Berger said. “We also look forward to continuing ourwork with the NCUA to ensure a positive regulatory environment forcredit unions.”

CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney told Credit Union Timeson Thursday that McWatters “brings a wealth of experience and welook forward to working with him in the future.”

McWatters currently is an assistant dean at the law school atSouthern Methodist University in Dallas and is a former adviser toU.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), chair of the House FinancialServices Committee.