The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions hasnamed one of its former executives, Cathie Mahon, as its new CEO.

The CEO position opened up in May after longtime CEO Cliff Rosenthal left that position to take a job with theConsumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“Cathie is a very talented, committed professional who bringsthe experience needed to build on the solid foundation that we havebuilt together at the Federation” said Lynda Milton, board chair ofthe Federation.

“She brings with her excitement and commitment for the communitydevelopment credit unions we serve, and has fresh ideas on how wecan continue to build on the great history and accomplishments ofthis organization,” Milton said.

“I am thrilled to be taking on this leadership role with thenational Federation,” Mahon said. “I have seen first-hand thebenefits of connecting people to safe and affordable products andservices from working with my previous organization. Credit unionsprovide real alternatives to predatory lenders and fringe serviceproviders. I look forward to working with the Federation to expandon the successes we have seen in communities across thecountry.”

The Federation said Mahon previously served as the deputycommissioner for Financial Empowerment with the New York CityDepartment for Consumer Affairs and that while in that position sheestablished a network of Financial Empowerment Centers providingfree one-on-one financial counseling to New Yorkers in need.

The Federation also detailed her launching SAVE USA, an effortwhich helped thousands of New Yorkers find safe and affordablebanking products and which sparked similar efforts around thecountry.

Mahon, a former policy and program director for the Federationfrom 1995 through 2001, will assume the role of CEO effective Oct.1, the Federation said.