FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         2001-124


     SEC CHAIRMAN HARVEY PITT ANNOUNCES THE SELECTION OF
      MICHAEL W. ROBINSON AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS


      Washington, DC, October 26, 2001 – Securities and
Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey L. Pitt today announced
the selection of Michael W. Robinson as Director of the
Office of Public Affairs, Policy Evaluation, and Research.
Mr. Robinson 37, will serve as the SEC’s principal
spokesperson and raise public awareness of the Commission’s
mission and actions.

      Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Robinson was Vice
President of Corporate Communications at the Arlington, Va.-
based investment firm of Friedman Billings Ramsey.
Previously, he was a spokesman for Mobil Corporation, and
the National Association of Securities Dealers.  Mr.
Robinson also served at the Department of Justice and the
White House from 1989-1991.

     Chairman Pitt said, “We are delighted that Michael has
joined the SEC.  His experience in the securities industry,
coupled with his ability to understand complicated issues
and create clear explanations, will be a tremendous asset to
us.”

     Mr. Robinson received his B.A. degree from the S.I.
Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Maxwell
School of Citizenship at Syracuse University.



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