Incoming Cooperative CU Association CEO elects to stay at NCUA

Sarah Vega, chief of staff to National Credit Union Administration Chairman Mark McWatters, has walked back her decision to take the helm at the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the league announced today.

CCUA announced earlier this month that Vega would take the place of former CEO Paul Gentile, who left the league to serve as CEO of $1.9 billion-asset Merck Employees FCU in Rahway, N.J.

In a press release, CCUA representatives said Vega “feels that there is unfinished business at the agency and wants to continue in her role in the completion of the work that the chairman has begun.”

NCUA representatives said Vega has resumed her duties at the regulator, effective immediately. As a result of her decision, CCUA’s board of directors is set to immediately begin its search for a new president and CEO.

Vega first joined the NCUA in 2008 as chief of staff to then-Chairman Michael E. Fryzel, then serving as senior policy advisor to Fryzel and to McWatters before being again named chief of staff in 2017.

The Cooperative Credit Union Association serves CUs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Delaware.