WASHINGTON - NCUA Board Member Gigi Hyland said today that ideally the relationship between her agency and credit unions should be characterized by "constructive conflict," that will help the movement thrive in the years ahead.

Hyland told attendees at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference that in many instances it is good for the agency "to get out of your way to let you serve your members" but in other instances the agency has to take strong steps to ensure that credit unions remain safe and sound.

She noted that while she supports lifting the cap on member business loans the agency must be vigilant to ensure that credit unions are handling such programs in a responsible manner.

Hyland said to ensure the future health of the credit union movement, CEOs must collaborate closely with their staff and fellow CEOs to find ways to improve how credit unions serve and educate their members. She urged volunteers to ensure that the makeup of credit union boards is more reflective of their field of membership and that the board is not a rubber stamp for management.

She said it is "time for the credit union movement to move" and "have a vision backed up by strong action."