TULSA, Okla. -- Culminating what it said was a nationwide search, the Oklahoma Credit Union League went ahead Tuesday and named its long-time interim manager, Debra J. Morrow Ingram as its permanent president/CEO.

Morrow, who had been executive vice president, held the distinction as holding the interim job since June 2007 following the departure of Lisa Finley, a career staffer.

Morrow takes the Oklahoma League job at a time of transition for the trade group which last spring assumed a new "partnership" agreement with the Texas Credit Union League which is handling a number of key functions as part of a regional trend among state leagues.

"DJ performed well as the interim President/CEO these past 18 months under some very difficult circumstances," said a statement issued by Michael D. Kloiber, chairman. "The continuation of this leadership was deemed an important reason for the board's decision. We are now positioned to complete the move to our new office in the Oklahoma Credit Union House in Oklahoma City and the partnership agreement with the Texas Credit Union League. Under DJ's leadership, we look forward to a very successful transition."

Morrow , an attorney who joined the league in February 2006, said she looked forward to "the many opportunities ahead for the Oklahoma Credit Union League and its members and am committed to promoting continued growth and development of Oklahoma credit unions through innovative products and services, education and advocacy."