NCUA's Ombudsman
NCUA's Ombudsman investigates complaints and recommends solutions. These complaints must relate to regulatory issues that cannot be resolved at the operational (regional) level.
The Ombudsman assists in resolving problems by helping the complainant to define options and by recommending actions to the parties involved, but the Ombudsman cannot at any time decide on matters in dispute or advocate the position of the complainant, NCUA or other parties.
The Ombudsman does not handle any matter:
- subject to formal review as set forth in NCUA Regulations or IRPSs;
- involving an enforcement action where a notice of charges has been filed;
- in litigation;
- involving a conservatorship or liquidation; or
- within the Inspector General's jurisdiction.
All information and materials obtained as a result of a complainant's interview and any confidential records gathered during an investigation will be used only for purposes of the investigation and will not be disclosed outside of the Ombudsman's Office.
The Ombudsman will make recommendations to appropriate agency officials for systemic changes to deal with recurring problems revealed through investigations. The Ombudsman reports to the NCUA Board and is independent from operational programs.
Director of the Consumer Compliance and Outreach - Moisette I. "Tonya" Sweat
Tonya Sweat is the Director of Consumer Compliance and Outreach in the Office of the Consumer Protection. As the Director of Consumer Compliance and Outreach, Tonya provides leadership and direction to staff responsible for developing, monitoring, evaluating, and maintaining NCUA’s consumer protection program. She is a key advisor to the Director of the Office of Consumer Protection and NCUA staff on matters involving consumer protection and compliance policy, program, and rulemaking. She serves as the agency’s representative within the Federal government on consumer protection and compliance issues. Tonya is also the NCUA Ombudsman and investigates external complaints related to regulatory issues.
Tonya began her career with NCUA in 2005, as a Staff Attorney in the Operations Division of the Office of General Counsel. Her responsibilities included providing interpretations of the Federal Credit Union Act and NCUA Rules and Regulations; advising the Board and NCUA staff on general legal matters; and drafting regulations designed to ensure the safety and soundness of credit unions. Before joining the legal staff at NCUA, Tonya served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps for seven years.
Tonya is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in 1994. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997. She is licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina and the District of Columbia and is a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court.