Becker Eyeing Education After NAFCU Retirement

January 10, 2013 by Credit Union Times

NAFCU President/CEO Fred Becker, who announced his upcoming retirement this week, said he plans to leave the credit union industry for good later this year.

“There’s nothing worse than an ‘ex’ anything,” Becker said.

Instead, Becker said he may pursue a teaching gig at a community college. Becker’s interest in education isn’t new: he taught part time during his first career in the Navy, and also taught some business law classes for the University of Maryland. The outgoing leader wouldn’t reveal where he will settle in retirement, only that it will not be in Washington.

As he reflected upon his time at NAFCU, Becker said he’s most proud of how he beefed up NAFCU’s already strong education and regulatory affairs services, and further increased the trade association’s presence on Capitol Hill. That effort included the hiring of Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs Dan Berger, he said, who will take over as NAFCU’s president/CEO on Aug. 1.

Camden Fine, president/CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America, had glowing words for the departing NAFCU chief. Fine, who represents NAFCU’s direct competition on Capitol Hill, called Becker “one of the genuinely good guys I’ve worked with, and you can’t always say that about everybody in Washington.” He also added that Becker is a fierce competitor, but has integrity and is honorable.

Fine said he was surprised to hear about Becker’s retirement, but said the financial crisis and Dodd-Frank legislation “really took a lot out of everybody” working in financial services.