I think you may have misread something. See this:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pf/pdf/pf_1.pdf The following are excerpts from that document.
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It was founded by Congress in 1913
The Federal Reserve System is considered to be an independent central bank because its decisions do not have to be ratified by the President or anyone else in the executive branch of government. The System is, however, subject to oversight by the U.S. Congress. The Federal Reserve must work within the framework of the overall objectives of economic and financial policy established by the government; therefore, the description of the System as "independent within the government" is more accurate.
It has a board of governors: The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is a federal government agency. The Board is composed of seven members, who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.