FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               2001-50


Marisa Lago, Director of the Office of International Affairs,
                        To Leave SEC
                              
     Washington, D.C., May 17, 2001 -- Acting Chairman Laura
S. Unger today announced that Marisa Lago, the Director of
the SEC's Office of International Affairs, would be leaving
the SEC in early June.  Ms. Lago will be joining Citigroup,
where she will become the Director of Global Workforce
Development.

     Acting Chairman Unger said, "The SEC has been fortunate
to have had Marisa guiding its international program for the
past four years.  In this era of globalization and rapid
market development, we have benefited from Marisa's  talents
as a forceful leader, skilled strategist, and effective
diplomat.  While we wish her all the best as she takes up
new challenges, we will miss having her wise counsel here at
the SEC."

     Ms. Lago said, "It has been both an honor and a pleasure 
to serve as Director of the SEC's Office of International 
Affairs.  Confronting the realities of an ever-changing and
increasingly integrated international landscape is one of the 
most exciting challenges facing the Commission.   I have 
enjoyed my time at the SEC and especially the wonderful 
colleagues - both here and abroad - - with whom I have worked.
I will miss them greatly."

     Acting Chairman Unger also announced today that Felice
B. Friedman, currently the Deputy Director of the Office of
International Affairs, will serve as Acting Director.  The
Office of International Affairs has primary responsibility
for the SEC's international program. The Office oversees the
negotiation and implementation of information-sharing
arrangements with other countries, and develops international 
initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of Commission 
activities.




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