Martha Peterson, Counselor to Former Chairman Donaldson, to Leave the Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2005-104

Washington, D.C., July 21, 2005 - The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that Martha Peterson, Counselor to former Chairman William H. Donaldson, is leaving the Commission to become Executive Vice President of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, a non-profit organization for investment company independent directors dedicated to improving mutual fund governance by promoting the development of concerned and well-informed independent directors.

Acting Chairman Cynthia A. Glassman said, "Martha provided invaluable service to the Commission in her liaison role among the Chairman's office, the Commissioners' offices and Division staff in connection with several rulemakings. Her experience in the Division of Investment Management, coupled with her legal insight and her steady judgment, have been an asset to the Commission during this challenging period. We thank Martha for her substantial contribution to the Commission, and wish her well in her new position."

As Counselor to the Chairman, Peterson advised Donaldson on rulemaking and other initiatives before the Commission. She originally joined the Commission in 1987, serving in the Office of General Counsel and as Counsel to Chairman David Ruder. She returned to the Commission in 1998, serving in the Division of Investment Management prior to joining Donaldson's staff.

Peterson received her J.D. from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated magna cum laude and was elected to the Order of the Coif. She received her B.A. degree from Harvard University, where she graduated cum laude and was a recipient of the Harvard College and Elizabeth Carrie Aggasiz scholarships.

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2005-104.htm