Why Does NCUA Ask to Meet with Your Board without CU Staff Present?

In this special archive replay of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by his colleagues Steve Farrar and Todd Miller — both former senior leaders at NCUA — to discuss why regulators sometimes ask to meet directly with a credit union’s board of directors without management present.

They break down the nuances, including:

• When it’s routine vs. when it’s unusual.
• Why NCUA may ask to meet with a board chair separately.
• Situations where examiners want to hear directly from board members.
• The role of supervisory committees and board governance accountability.
• How boards should prepare — including when to ask for an agenda, whether to bring counsel, and why you should avoid making commitments in the room.

This candid discussion highlights the importance of communication, trust, and preparedness when navigating examiner requests.

Key Takeaways

• A request to meet with a board chair is often routine and about building trust.
• A request to meet with the full board without staff is rare — usually a signal of deeper concerns.
• Boards should listen carefully, avoid agreeing to actions on the spot, and consider legal counsel if appropriate.
• Examiners are trained in conflict resolution — open, respectful dialogue goes a long way.
• Recording or documenting meetings can protect both parties and ensure clarity.

Resources

• Learn more about how Credit Union Exam Solutions supports boards and executives: marktreichel.com

• Subscribe to With Flying Colors on your favorite podcast app for more insights on navigating NCUA exams.