The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) today announced the hiring of Michael Decker as a Managing Director. Decker will share the position of Co-Head of the Municipal Securities Division with Leslie Norwood. Michael rejoins SIFMA from the Regional Bond Dealers Association (RBDA), and will be based in D.C. He and Leslie will report to Randy Snook, Executive Vice President of SIFMA.
“Municipal securities are vital to the economy, and play a critical role in our industry, particularly for our smaller and regional member firms,” said Tim Ryan, SIFMA President and CEO. “Especially during this time of unprecedented municipal market uncertainty, Michael’s knowledge, experience and relationships will be an additive resource to an already-strong team. Together, Michael and Leslie, will be a formidable pair, and will provide SIFMA and its members an even stronger voice on one of our core, strategic issues.”
“Leslie has shown to be an exceptional leader on municipal securities issues and I am excited to return to SIFMA and join her in ensuring a healthy and vibrant market for financing America’s infrastructure,” said Decker. .“SIFMA is a strong platform for advancing the interests of municipal dealers and the municipal market.”
“Together, Michael and I will expand the capacity of SIFMA to focus on the needs of regional and national firms regarding municipal securities,” said Norwood. “Our partnership will ensure that SIFMA remains the industry’s leading advocate on this matter.”
“SIFMA’s well-established, multi-disciplinary muni team spans state and federal government affairs and legal and regulatory experts,” added Scott DeFife, Senior Managing Director of Government Affairs. “Michael’s unique skills will further bolster our ability to serve this crucial segment of our membership.”
As Co-Chief Executive Officer of the RBDA since March 2008, Michael was responsible for representing the interests of the RBDA’s members before federal legislative and regulatory bodies. Prior, Michael served in the Research and Public Policy area for SIFMA, overseeing SIFMA’s research activities, including the analysis of industry and market trends. He also managed public policy development and analysis. Michael worked at SIFMA and its predecessor, the Bond Market Association, since 1990. Before that, he was a financial consultant to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Michael graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986 with a B.A. in political science and chemistry. In 1989, he earned a Master of Public Management degree with a concentration in public finance from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.