Susan Ferris Wyderko Designated as Acting Director of the Division of Investment Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2006-8

Washington, D.C., Jan. 12, 2006 — Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox today announced the selection of Susan Ferris Wyderko as the Acting Director of the Commission’s Division of Investment Management, which oversees mutual funds and investment advisers.

A 20-year veteran of the SEC, Ms. Wyderko has served as the Director of the Office of Investor Education and Assistance since March 2000. In that position she is principally responsible for the Commission’s outreach to individual investors, ensuring that their problems and concerns are known throughout the Commission and considered when the agency takes action.

Chairman Cox said, “Susan’s dedication to the interests of individual investors is unmatched, which is especially vital considering more than half of American households own mutual funds. I am delighted that she has agreed to serve as Acting Director during this interim period.”

Ms. Wyderko has held several senior positions within the agency, including Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs and Acting Director of Public Affairs. She previously served as a Counsel to Chairman Arthur Levitt and as an Assistant General Counsel at the Commission with responsibility for filing Commission briefs with the Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court. From 1993 to 1995 she was an Assistant Chief Litigation Counsel for the Division of Enforcement at the Commission. She earlier headed the Commission's Rule 2(e) program of disciplinary proceedings against professionals who practice before the Commission. Before coming to the Commission she was an associate with the Washington, D.C., law firm of Miller & Chevalier, Chartered.

Ms. Wyderko is a graduate of Wellesley College and Cornell Law School.

Geraldine Walsh, Deputy Director of the Office of Investor Education and Assistance, will serve as Acting Director of the Office while Ms. Wyderko is assigned to the Investment Management Division.

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006-8.htm