SEC Senior Staff Departures as Gensler Exits
In recent weeks, several senior members of the Securities and Exchange Commission staff have announced their intention to depart the agency. Previously announced departures include Chair Gary Gensler and Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga who both left in mid-January. Additional departures include:
- Director of the Office of International Affairs: YJ Fischer
- Director of the Division of Corporation Finance: Erik Gerding
- Director of the Division of Trading and Markets: Haoxiang Zhu
- Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement: Sanjay Wadhwa
- Director of Public Affairs: Scott Schneider
- General Counsel: Megan Barbero
- Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis: Jessica Wachter
- Chief Accountant: Paul Munter
- Chief of Staff: Amanda Fischer
- Policy Director: Corey Klemmer
Natasha Vij Greiner remains the current Director of the Division of Investment Management after former Director William Birdthistle stepped down in March 2024. Keith Cassidy serves as Acting Director of the Division of Examinations as former Director Richard Best left the agency in August 2024.
With SEC Chair nominee Paul Atkins likely to face a confirmation hearing in the coming weeks, it is unclear when he will enter the building and who will take over as head of the operating divisions. It is anticipated that Atkins will choose more conservatively aligned individuals with industry experience rather than the academically focused directors Chair Gensler brought onboard.
Click here to view a list of the current directors and acting-directors at the SEC.
Click here to read the Commissioner Peirce, Crenshaw, and Uyeda’s statement on the departure of Chair Gensler.
Click here to read Chair Gensler’s note to SEC staff.
Click here to read Commissioner Lizárraga’s farewell statement.