The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said this week that it has created a new Office of Financial Institutions and Business Liaison.

The agency said Monday that the new office is intended to enhance collaboration and communication between the CFPB and trade associations, financial institutions and other businesses.

The CFPB also announced it has filled two senior management positions, including an assistant director to lead the new office.

“As the bureau moves forward with its important work, we continue to build a strong, talented team and to enhance our outreach to all stakeholders involved in improving markets for consumers and responsible businesses,” CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in the bureau's announcement.

NAFCU spokesperson Patty Briotta said her trade group appreciates the open line of communication the CFPB has provided thus far, and will utilize the newly created office to continue advocating for credit unions.

Dan Smith will serve as the first assistant director for the OFIBL. Smith comes to the CFPB having previously served as the director for industry and state relations at Freddie Mac.

Catherine Galicia will serve as the new assistant director for legislative affairs. Most recently, she served as senior counsel for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs under Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)

She helped draft the consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act as a counsel to then-Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)

Lisa Konwinski, who was previously the bureau's assistant director for legislative affairs, will now be serving as its deputy associate director for external affairs. Konwinski joined the bureau in 2011 after serving as deputy director of legislative affairs for President Obama.

Hubert “Skip” Humphrey will transition from his role as assistant director in the Office of Older Americans to remain with the Bureau as a senior liaison officer, where he will focus on expanding the office's relationships with state, local, public and private organizations.