(Dec. 4, 2020) John Ducrest, long-time (since 2004) Louisiana commissioner of financial institutions in the state’s Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), has retired, effective Dec. 2.  Among many other contributions to NASCUS, Ducrest drove critical enhancements to NASCUS’ Accreditation Program and most recently served as Chairman of the NASCUS Performance Standards Committee. Christine Kirkland has been named acting commissioner of the OFI … Meanwhile, in Kansas, Vickie Hurt has assumed her duties (as of Nov. 28) of acting administrator of the Kansas credit union administrator; the state’s Senate is expected to take up her confirmation as permanent administrator in the 2021 legislative session. She is also a former credit union CEO and board member of the Kansas Credit Union Association. Hurt replaces Jerel Wright in the position, who retired Nov. 28 following 14 years of service (1997-2005 and 2014-20).

(Nov. 13, 2020) Vickie Hurt would lead the Kansas Department of Credit Unions under a nomination announced this week by Gov. Laura Kelly (D) to replace retiring Administrator Jerel Wright. He has announced he plans to retire effective Nov. 28. Hurt’s nomination is subject to approval by the Kansas senate; a hearing has been set for next week (Tuesday) before the Confirmations Oversight Committee. Wright is ending his second stint as KDCU administrator, which began in September 2014; he previously served in the position from 1997-2005 … Meanwhile, in Alaska, Chief Examiner Tracy Reno has been named interim director of the Division of Banking and Securities to succeed Director Patrice Walsh, who retired in late October … And, after 21 years, Doug Lacy-Roberts has announced his retirement from the division of credit unions at the Washington Department of Financial Institutions where he most recently served as program manager, chief of specialty examinations and enforcement. Prior to his career at DFI, he was an FDIC examiner for 7 years. Best wishes from NASCUS to all three retiring employees.