Ronald Crawford Named SEC's First Chief Counsel For Diversity Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2009-158

Washington, D.C., July 13, 2009 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Ronald L. Crawford will become the agency's first Chief Counsel for Diversity and Policy Initiatives to further bolster the SEC's commitment to diversity in the workplace.

The new position in the agency's Office of Human Resources reflects the SEC's ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and broadly diverse workforce with different backgrounds, experiences, and views.

Mr. Crawford is currently the Senior Associate Regional Director in the SEC's Atlanta Regional Office. He will begin his new position next month, and will advocate diversity in recruitment, training, leadership and employee relations. Mr. Crawford also will work collaboratively with the SEC's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity to develop strategic plans and coalitions to advance the SEC's diversity and inclusion efforts.

"As we look toward the future, a diverse and engaged staff will be our greatest asset and a critical component of our success," said Jeffrey Risinger, Associate Executive Director of the Office of Human Resources. "Ron's extensive experience in the Division of Enforcement and his numerous contributions to the agency's diversity programs make him ideally suited for this challenging new role."

Mr. Crawford added, "At this critical juncture in the agency's history, creating a more inclusive environment will give the SEC a competitive advantage as it seeks to attract and retain the highest caliber staff of professionals. I look forward to this challenge of further enhancing diversity at the SEC."

Mr. Crawford, who began working at the SEC in 1980 as a staff attorney in the Division of Enforcement, has worked in three regional offices and has had supervisory responsibilities for enforcement and examination programs. Since joining the SEC, Mr. Crawford has supervised and played an important role in the resolution of numerous high-profile enforcement cases.

Mr. Crawford taught corporate law as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business from 1985 to 1987. He also was a member of the faculty at St. John's University, where he was an assistant academic dean and the director and founder of the Institute of Ethnic and Urban Affairs.

Mr. Crawford received his J.D. from Columbia University's School of Law in 1980, a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Bridgeport, an M.A. in mathematics education from Colgate University, and a M.Ed. and Ed.D. in educational administration from Columbia University's Teachers College, where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow.

The SEC integrates diversity principles into every aspect of the agency's operations and workplace culture. According to the agency's FY 2008 EEO Status Report, nearly half of the SEC's employees are female, approximately one-third belong to a minority group, and nearly 5 percent have a self-identified disability. Last year, the SEC became the first government agency to receive the Distinguished in Diversity Award from GAYLAW, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Attorneys of Washington.

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