Florence Harmon Named Deputy Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2006-186

Washington, D.C., Nov. 7, 2006 - The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today the selection of Florence E. Harmon to serve as the agency's Deputy Secretary.

Ms. Harmon, 47, is currently Senior Special Counsel in the Division of Market Regulation. She has served in that capacity since August 2001, and is responsible for supervising staff in reviewing and analyzing complex self-regulatory organization (SRO) rule filings, including listing standards for derivative products and other non-conventional investments. Ms. Harmon is also responsible for developing rules on SRO processes and procedures to support Commission action. Ms. Harmon joined the SEC in 1997.

SEC Secretary Nancy M. Morris said, "Florence has a well-deserved reputation within both the Commission and the securities industry for her legal acumen, keen judgment, and ability to work effectively with others. Our mission to protect investors, maintain fair markets and facilitate capital formation will benefit greatly from her considerable experience and expertise, particularly in matters involving self-regulatory organization rulemaking."

"I am honored to have this opportunity to join the talented individuals in the Office of the Secretary and hope to help continue the Office's tradition of excellence that has benefited investors throughout the agency's history," said Ms. Harmon.

Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Harmon was a partner in the law firm of Fowler White Boggs Bank P.A. in Tampa, Fla., where she represented brokerage firms, financial institutions, corporations, and their associated persons in securities litigation. Ms. Harmon also served as law clerk to the Hon. Jack T. Camp of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Harmon holds a J.D. (with honors) from the University of Georgia, a M.Ed. from Georgia State University, a Masters in English from the University of Virginia, and a B.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) from Emory University. She is a member of the Florida Bar.

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006/2006-186.htm