June 14, 2011 – James H. “Buddy” Gill has been named NCUA’s new senior strategic communications and external relations advisor to NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz, Effective July 5.
“We’re very excited to have Buddy join our professional team,” said Matz. “For nearly fifteen years, Buddy has worked directly with credit unions of all sizes, industry trade groups, federal and state lawmakers, policymakers, the media, and other industry stakeholders on credit union issues and will continue that work at NCUA. His keen strategic sense, communication abilities, and credit union legislative successes are well known and respected nationally. Buddy can hit the ground running at NCUA.”
Gill will work closely with Matz and NCUA’s Public and Congressional Affairs team to design strategic messages and execute communication initiatives. NCUA says he will be a liaison to the credit union community and other stake holders. He will advise Matz on how regulations are working at the credit union level and how NCUA can better help credit unions serve their members, the agency said.
Gill has served seven years as the chief advocacy officer and senior vice president of the Texas Credit Union League and has run his own strategic communications firm, with CUNA as a core client. He was a key strategist and public relations figure in the campaign to win passage of H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act of 1998.