ARLINGTON, Va. – I look back on 2004 as a year that brought great changes to NASCUS and see the year ahead as one filled with the promise of seizing opportunity from challenge. I became NASCUS President/CEO in January and will mark my first full year on the job as the New Year breaks, so it bears a special significance for me. Having the full faith of both the NASCUS Board and the Credit Union Council Board enabled me to confidently make staffing decisions and strengthen policies and procedures internally. As the sole voice of the state-chartered credit union system, NASCUS faces considerable, though not insurmountable obstacles. While our mission never changes – to enhance state credit union supervision and advocate for a safe and sound credit union system – our strategic goals are founded on what we perceive is best for the dual chartering option. Going forward, we will continue to champion access to capital, strengthen state regulatory agencies, seek to minimize federal preemption and obtain fair representation for state-chartered credit unions. Mary Martha Fortney NASCUS President/CEO Arlington, Va.