Donald M. Hoerl Named Regional Director Of SEC's Denver Regional Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2008-282

Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, 2008 — Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox today named Donald M. Hoerl as the Regional Director of the SEC's Denver Regional Office. The Denver office conducts examination and enforcement activities in Colorado, North Dakota, Kansas, South Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Currently serving as Acting Regional Director, Mr. Hoerl is also the Associate Regional Director for Enforcement in the Denver Regional Office, a post he has held since 1997. Mr. Hoerl succeeds George Curtis, the previous head of the Denver office, who was appointed to a Deputy Director position in the SEC's Division of Enforcement in Washington, D.C.

Chairman Cox said, "Don has been a champion of investors throughout his distinguished career with the Commission. In his previous role in charge of the SEC's enforcement program in the Denver Regional Office, and more recently as Acting Director of that office, Don has initiated a number of important cases that have made our markets safer for investors. America's investors are fortunate to have a person of such high caliber and talent in this position of leadership at the SEC."

SEC Director of Enforcement Linda Chatman Thomsen stated, "Don brings to this job a long record of accomplishment. Since his first days at the Commission, he has carried out his responsibilities with care, intelligence and effectiveness. Don is a very talented attorney who has played a critical role in the Commission's investigation and litigation of numerous complex enforcement matters. I am sure that the Denver Regional Office will continue to flourish with Don at the helm."

Lori Richards, Director of the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, added, "Don has demonstrated an appreciation for the importance of the regional office's examination staff and the contribution they make to the overall effectiveness of the Denver office. I know he will be an asset to the Commission's oversight of securities firms in the region."

Mr. Hoerl said, "I am honored that Chairman Cox has named me as Regional Director of the Denver Regional Office. I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead its dedicated and talented staff in meeting the many challenges facing the Commission and the investing public in these difficult times."

Mr. Hoerl began his career with the Commission in 1982 as a Trial Counsel in the Denver Regional Office. He has also served as the head of the SEC's Philadelphia office for four years, and as the District Administrator of the Commission's Salt Lake office for six years. Before joining the SEC, Mr. Hoerl was an Assistant United States Attorney in Denver for more than five years. He received his B.A. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his J.D. degree from the University of Colorado School of Law.