Eric J. Spitler Named Counselor to the Chairman and Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2009-181

Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2009 — Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary L. Schapiro announced today that Eric J. Spitler has been named Counselor to the Chairman and Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the SEC.

Mr. Spitler most recently served as Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As Director, he advised the Chairman, Board of Directors and senior management on policy and legislative matters.

"Eric will be an extremely valuable addition to the agency as we continue down the path of financial regulatory reform," said Chairman Schapiro. "Eric has extensive experience working with Congress on federal regulatory matters and a true appreciation for how our laws impact Americans."

Mr. Spitler served with the FDIC during some of its most challenging periods, including the banking crisis in the early 1990s and the recent financial crisis. During his tenure, he advised the FDIC on landmark banking legislation, including legislation to establish and improve the risk-based deposit insurance assessment system, merge the bank and thrift insurance funds, and improve failed bank resolution authority.

Mr. Spitler served in numerous roles during his 18 years at the FDIC, including Special Assistant to the Chairman, Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, and Legislative Attorney and Advisor. Previously, Mr. Spitler served as Legislative Director to U.S. Representative Elizabeth J. (Liz) Patterson of South Carolina. Earlier, he was an Associate at Neely & Player in Atlanta, GA, and Legislative Assistant to U.S. Representative Elliott H. Levitas of Georgia.

Mr. Spitler received his J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1985. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in political science from Furman University in 1981 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.