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Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox announced today that Jonathan W. Burks will join the Commission as Director of the newly designated Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Previously the Office of Legislative Affairs, the agency's staff liaison with Congress has been renamed to reflect its responsibilities in dealing with matters involving other federal agencies as well as state governments. The renaming marks a return to the unit's roots: until 2002, it had been called the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. Burks is well equipped to deal with the broad responsibilities he will assume as head of the Office, having served in top positions in the White House, the Department of Treasury, and on Capitol Hill. He is currently chief of staff for the 185-person Office of International Affairs at the Department of Treasury, serving simultaneously as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs. Previously, he served as Acting Executive Secretary of the Department of Treasury.
In 2005 Mr. Burks was Policy Advisor on the transition team to assist with the creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. From 2001 to 2005, he held various senior staff positions in the White House, including Special Assistant to the President for Policy.
During the 1990s, Mr. Burks served as a Policy Analyst for the House Policy Committee under then-Chairman Cox.
"Jon's experience in both the legislative and executive branches, as well as his demonstrated management ability, will well serve the long tradition of outstanding relations between the SEC and the Congress," Chairman Cox said. "His thorough knowledge and understanding of financial markets, and in particular the cutting-edge international issues facing the Commission, will be an asset not only to this agency but to all of the congressional members and staff whom his office will serve. During his service at the Treasury, he has amply demonstrated his dedication to maintaining the integrity and strength of U.S. markets in an era of unprecedented global competition."
"A vibrant dialogue among the Commission, the Congress, and other governmental agencies at all levels is critical to the success of the SEC's mission of investor protection, market integrity, and capital formation," Mr. Burks said. "The agency has a long and proud history of outstanding relations with the Congress, and I look forward to building on that solid foundation. I particularly look forward to working with the Office's dedicated and talented team of professionals."
Mr. Burks holds a bachelor's degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He will join the staff of the Commission on March 5, 2007.
