MADISON, Wis. – As part of its plan to streamline day-to-day operations and focus on international trade association and development efforts, the World Council of Credit Unions has appointed Dr. Brian Branch to vice president and chief operating officer, effective January 1. Branch was previously vice president of WOCCU. Working together with Lucy Ito, vice president special projects, they were responsible for WOCCU's development mission. Ito continues in that position. Branch will report directly to WOCCU president/CEO Arthur Arnold and will be responsible for the day-to-day, operational management of WOCCU. WOCCU has also formed a Corporate Management Team to support Branch in his new function for the implementation of the 2004 work plan. Branch will chair the CMT, and Mary Chapman, vice president & CFO Corporate Services will serve as vice chair. Branch will also chair the existing Senior Management Team (SMT) which includes himself, Chapman, and Ito.