Kimberly Rodgers Selected as Academic Scholar in Office of Economic Analysis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2003-130

Washington, D.C., October 2, 2003 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Economic Analysis today announced the appointment of Kimberly J. Rodgers as a visiting academic scholar for a one-year term. Professor Rodgers is currently a faculty member in the finance department of the Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University.

Rodgers, 31, earned her B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in 1994 and earned her Ph.D. in Finance from Purdue University in August 2000. Her academic research examines information production by non-bank intermediaries, the influence of capital structure and operating performance on reorganization in Chapter 11, and the role of investment banks in tender offers. She is also interested in issues related to corporate governance and ownership structure. She has presented her research at the annual meetings of the American Finance Association, the European Finance Association, and the Financial Management Association and has papers under review at the Journal of Financial and Quantitative and Analysis.

While at the Commission, Dr. Rodgers will provide empirical analysis to help the Commission understand the economic effects of its regulatory policy relating to credit ratings, the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization designation, and other areas as dictated by SEC priorities. As part of her duties, she will also conduct independent research in areas concerning corporate governance and bankruptcy.