ALEXANDRIA, Va.-January 19 was the first day for former CUNA staffers John McKechnie and Gary Kohn in their new roles at the NCUA. McKechnie is serving as the director of public and congressional affairs, replacing Cliff Northup who will serve as the director of congressional and intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Mint beginning Feb. 1. He spent 19 years with CUNA, most recently as senior vice president of governmental affairs. Before joining CUNA, McKechnie served as a legislative and press assistant for Representative Stan Parris (R-Va.). He is a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland. "As the NCUA has a myriad of important issues – both as a regulator and before Congress – John McKechnie will be a tremendous asset in advancing an agenda important to the safety and soundness of America's credit unions," NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson said. "I appreciate John's willingness to serve and his commitment to public service at an integral point in time for the credit union system." "I am honored and excited by this opportunity. The environment for credit unions in Congress presents a challenge and opportunity, and I look forward to working to further the public policy goals of the NCUA in that context," McKechnie commented. Kohn, who served at CUNA for more than 12 years, has been named NCUA Board Member Gigi Hyland's senior policy advisor. He had previously served as CUNA's vice president of legislative affairs and senior legislative counsel. He also worked as a lobbyist for the former Independent Bankers Association of America and the Investment Company Institute before that. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and a member of the District of Columbia Bar. "His insight, knowledge of credit union issues and lobbying experience on Capitol Hill will play a great role in furthering NCUA's agenda," Hyland said. "I believe that Gary's wealth of experience will benefit the agency and the nation's credit unions for years to come." "I am very pleased to be joining the NCUA and look forward to working with Board Member Hyland," Kohn said. "The next several years will be a critical time for the system and I am hopeful that I can contribute to ensuring a vibrant future for credit unions." Both posts are Schedule C political appointments. -

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