ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA has named Miguel A. Polanco as its director for the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.
In the role, the agency said Polanco will report to NCUA Chairman Todd M. Harper and oversee the agency’s requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to develop and promote standards for workforce diversity, supplier diversity, and equal employment opportunity and assess the diversity policies and practices throughout the credit union industry.
Prior to being named OMWI director, Polanco served as the NCUA deputy director for the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion. Before serving in that capacity, the agency said Polanco had managed the agency’s supplier diversity program since August 2011. In 2010, he worked for the Small Business Administration under the 8(a) program overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 participating small businesses.
Polanco has also served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, in addition to working in corporate finance with General Motors and in investment banking at Citibank Puerto Rico after his military service.
‘Critically Important’
“Diversity within our workforce, with our suppliers, and within the financial institutions under our supervision is critically important to me,” said Harper. “I am very grateful for everything that OMWI does to cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging both at the NCUA and within the credit union system. I know Miguel’s determination, vision, and outstanding leadership will serve us well. I also want to thank Millie Avalos for keeping the team’s vital work on track while serving as acting OMWI Director for the last five months.”
Added Polanco, “I am deeply honored to have earned the trust of the NCUA board members and senior executives to be the next OMWI director. I look forward to advancing the agency’s strong diversity, equity, and inclusion foundation that the OMWI staff built under my predecessor Monica Davy and fostering a sense of belonging across our employee ranks.”
Polanco is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, as well as the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Other Board Comments
- “It’s a pleasure to congratulate Miguel on his new role,” said NCUA Vice Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman. “He has been an integral part of OMWI and its accomplishments. His background will help OMWI build on that success. I’d also like to thank Millie Avalos for stepping up as Director in the interim.”
- “I congratulate Miguel on his selection as OWMI Director,” NCUA Board Member Rodney E. Hood said. “His passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion combined with his military credentials and education at West Point gives him a leadership platform to make a difference in this role.”