Jonathan Burks, Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, to Complete SEC Service and Pursue Graduate Studies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2008-152

Washington, D.C., July 29, 2008 — The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that Jonathan W. Burks, Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, will leave the SEC on Aug. 1, 2008, to pursue graduate studies. Mr. Burks, who holds a bachelor's degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, has enrolled in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

"The members and staff of the Commission will greatly miss Jon's expertise, sound advice, and careful judgment," said SEC Chairman Christopher Cox. "He leaves behind many friends and colleagues at the SEC and on the Hill, and throughout the federal and state governments with whom he has worked. We are all indebted to Jon for his professionalism and commitment to America's investors."

Mr. Burks said, "It has been a privilege to play a role in the important work of this agency. And it has been an honor to work with a staff that is so talented and so dedicated to our critical mission — protecting investors and sustaining confidence in the markets."

Mr. Burks's responsibilities at the SEC included maintaining a vibrant dialogue with Congress and other governmental agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Prior to joining the SEC staff in early 2007, Mr. Burks served in a number of top positions in the White House, the Department of the Treasury, and on Capitol Hill. He served as chief of staff for the 185-person Office of International Affairs at the Department of the Treasury and as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs. He also served as a Policy Advisor during 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 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2008/2008-152.htm