William J Donovan

Bill Donovan focuses his practice on representing financial institutions before all branches of government. Prior to joining Venable, Mr. Donovan was general counsel of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, where he shaped much vital legislation involving credit unions and other providers of consumer financial services. As NAFCU's general counsel, he was also responsible for coordinating its activities before federal regulatory agencies and managing litigation involving the organization. Mr. Donovan has been a leading proponent for the legislative interests of financial institutions and trade associations on Capitol Hill since 1976, when he began his career representing thrift institutions at the U.S. League of Savings Associations (now America's Community Bankers). He has worked extensively with the Senate Banking Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Financial Services Committee and its predecessor, the House Banking Committee, and the House Ways & Means Committee, as well as with individual members, to help guide the formulation of public policy impacting financial institutions. Mr. Donovan has extensive experience in serving as an effective advocate before all three branches of government. He has assisted credit unions in assessing chartering options available to them, developing appropriate business plans to accomplish identified goals, and implementing their plans. Donovan had an intimate involvement in drafting the Credit Union Membership Access Act of 1998 whose statutory provisions make such alternative chartering options possible. Additionally, Mr. Donovan has experience in dealing with a variety of banking issues and has worked with Congress in crafting provisions contained in virtually every major piece of legislation impacting the delivery of consumer financial services enacted into law over the course of the past 25 years. Mr. Donovan frequently speaks at conferences, seminars and workshops providing an insider's view on matters pending before Congress. He has also participated in a number of credit union board planning retreats to assist in assessing strategic opportunities including expanded/alternative chartering options.