NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- NCUA Vice Chairman Rodney Hood said today he is optimistic about the future of the credit union system, but urged people in the movement to make themselves stronger by focusing on offering great products and financial education.

During his address to NAFCU's 42nd Annual Conference and Exhibition, he also reiterated his support for sound risk management and praised credit unions for making loans when other lenders are not.

Hood, whose conference appearance will probably be his last at a credit union event before he leaves the board when NCUA Chairman Nominee Deborah Matz is confirmed, thanked NAFCU for its help in persuading Congress to pass the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund.

But while he praised that measure he warned against excessive regulation.

He said he was able to make more educated decisions on regulations by speaking to credit union professionals and volunteers. "I appreciate the role you play in helping me learn about what you do," he said.