NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz said she consulted with theagency's general counsel before appointing Board Member Rick Metsger to the vice chairman's office.

Matz appointed Metsger vice chairman Monday, the first time in theNCUA's history a vice chairman has not been determined by a boardvote.

NCUA regulation 790.2(b) (1) states a second member isdesignated by the board to be vice chairman, suggesting a vote isrequired.

However, the Federal Credit Union Act does not mention the vicechairman's office, and states the chairman can determine each boardmember's area of responsibility.

“I was told I had the authority to make the appointment. Iconsulted with our general counsel,” she said in an interview.

Matz also said the time was right to name Metsger vice chairman,because Mark McWatters will join the board soon.

“When I came in, Board Member Fryzel had been the chairman and Ijust did not feel it was appropriate for him to be the third memberand have a vice chair. It was be somewhat disrespectful so Ithought it would be better to wait until he left,” she said.

“I did not want it to be demeaning to him to have been chairmanand have someone else as the vice chair. It really was justout of respect for Board Member Fryzel,” she added.

Matz said the vice chairman title is mostly symbolic.

“If I were somehow incapacitated, he would assume my duties andresponsibilities,” she said. “He'll be a representative onNeighborWorks and other duties as assigned. Of course, I'll talk tohim and see if there's anything he would like to dig his teethinto,” she added.