SEC Chief Financial Officer Margaret Carpenter to Retire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2006-215

Washington, D.C., Dec. 21, 2006 - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that chief financial officer Margaret J. Carpenter is retiring in January 2007 after more than 32 years in federal government service. As Associate Executive Director (Finance) in the SEC's Office of Financial Management, she has been the Commission's top financial officer since coming to the Commission in 1997.

Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Carpenter directed the preparation of the SEC's first-ever audited financial statements, for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, all of which received unqualified opinions from the Commission's auditor, the Government Accountability Office (GAO). She also played a vital role in strengthening the agency's internal controls and eliminating, as reported by the GAO last month, any material weaknesses.

Chairman Cox stated, "Margie worked at the Commission during a time of unprecedented growth at the SEC, and she worked ably and tirelessly to strengthen the management of the agency's finances during this challenging time. We at the SEC are deeply thankful for her efforts. On a personal level, we will truly miss her energy and enthusiasm. She has been a good and trusted friend to America's investors, and we wish her the very best."

Ms. Carpenter said, "I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with the superb professionals at the SEC. The mission of the agency is as important as ever, and I was proud to make my accomplishments at the SEC the capstone of my federal career."

Prior to her service at the SEC, Ms. Carpenter held a number of senior budget and management positions at the Department of Interior for 13 years and began her federal career at the Office of Management and Budget. She earned an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in economics from Smith College.

Ms. Carpenter will be succeeded by Kristine M. Chadwick, CPA, as the agency's new Associate Executive Director (Finance) in the Office of Financial Management.

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006/2006-215.htm