SUITLAND, Md. -
Matz served on the NCUA board from early 2002 until Sept. 30, 2005. During her term, she launched a series of popular conferences knows as Partnering and Leadership Successes, or PALS. The PALS conferences took place across the United States and brought a focus on membership growth.
Just 13 months into her new career, Matz told the Credit Union Journal how things are the same-and different-since leaving her government position for an executive position at a CU.
Credit Union Journal: Please tell us in general about your present job at Andrews FCU.
Matz: Since April 2006, I have been the EVP/COO of Andrews FCU (AFCU). Six officers who are responsible for lending, direct sales and service, marketing, stateside operations, overseas operations and member education report to me. AFCU is a $720-million credit union, with some 82,000 members-the majority of whom are military or retired military-and branches in four countries. I was especially attracted to AFCU because it is a strong, robust credit union with a distinguished board of directors and a commitment to serving people of modest means.
CUJ: What has your transition from NCUA board member to working as an employee at a credit union been like? Do people treat you differently compared to others in management because of what you used to do?
Matz: It has been a very interesting transition. I came to AFCU with a thorough knowledge of credit union laws, regulations, and politics. However, I've had to learn - very quickly - the inner workings of the credit union. For example, what it really takes to make a loan in terms of staff, training, systems, policies and procedures; how to deliver member value while ensuring a strong bottom line; balancing fees with low cost products; developing effective approaches to serving low income and military members and the like. I do not feel that I'm treated differently because of my NCUA background. I occasionally find myself at the receiving end of good-natured teasing - particularly if an NCUA reg stands between something we'd like to do but cannot.
CUJ: What do you bring to the table at the credit union as a former NCUA board member?
Matz: My unique background, which includes an in-depth knowledge of credit union regulatory policies and extensive contacts, makes it possible for me to share with AFCU best practices from all over the U.S. As a former NCUA board member, I have many friends and acquaintances throughout the credit union community who continue to be very supportive and are always willing to share their knowledge and advice. My position at AFCU has allowed me to utilize my background in a very practical manner; working with the talented AFCU staff to benefit our 82,000 members every day. For instance, in the year since I've been at AFCU, we have streamlined our lending process, dramatically reduced our loan turnaround time and have seen our loan volume increase by 18%. In addition to a network of credit union colleagues and knowledge of credit union regulations and policies, from my NCUA experience I gained a broad perspective on best practices and a vision of excellence for which to strive.
CUJ: What have you learned from working at Andrews FCU that would have been helpful to know during your tenure at NCUA?
Matz: At NCUA I always encouraged credit unions to reach out to new members, which I still believe is vitally important to a credit union's continued viability. However, I have a new appreciation of the importance of and challenges posed in retaining existing members. Keeping members who move or pay off their loans requires having in place a wide array of attractive products, convenient locations, state-of -the art tools and top quality staff. I didn't previously realize how much time and effort is expended to achieve this goal. Nor did I fully appreciate just how competitive the financial arena is in terms of attracting new members. I've learned that net membership growth requires a multi-faceted approach that embraces every aspect of the credit union's operations.
CUJ: Would you do anything differently now that you've worked at a credit union?
Matz: When I was at NCUA, I spent a great deal of time on the road going to credit union meetings and meeting with credit union officials. I always said this was the best part of the job. If I had it to do over again, I would spend more time attempting to understand what it is like running a credit union on a day-to-day basis rather than focusing exclusively on policy issues, because the two are so interwoven.
CUJ: What lessons have you learned at Andrews FCU that you would like to share with the current NCUA board?
Matz: I think the current board is doing a great job. I was pleased to see that NCUA issued a legal opinion in the Wings-Continental dispute and would urge their continued vigilance to prevent hostile takeovers as well as "mercenary mergers" which are not in the best interest of the members. I also think economic summits, town meetings and other credit union forums are extremely useful and I am pleased to see the current board members consider these meetings a priority.
CUJ: Will you go back into government service at some point?
Matz: I am really enjoying working for a credit union and hope to stay in the credit union community for a long time to come. After 26 years of government service, I don't envision going back again. But, I've learned to never say never...so we'll see.
