Dr. Harris has extensive knowledge of market microstructure and regulatory issues. Previously he has held faculty appointments at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, and at the University of Delaware, the University of Notre Dame, and Ohio State University. He is currently a professor and the Gary D. Cohn Goldman Sachs Chair in Finance at Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, DC, and he has recently served as Chief Economist at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In addtion, he has further prior experience as Visiting Academic at the Nasdaq Stock Market and at the SEC.

“Dr. Harris’ extensive research on securities and commodities issues and experience in government, academia, and the private sector make him a great fit to lead DERA’s team of dedicated economists,” SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said. DERA makes use of a variety of disciplines in helping the Commission approach complex economic issues and analyses. The Division also promotes collaborative efforts throughout the SEC and assists the Commission in identifying and responding to risks and trends. In regard to Harris’ appointment, Clayton added, “I am confident that DERA will continue to provide the SEC’s staff and the Commission with the valuable economic analysis, research, and support they need.”

In addition to the announcement concerning Dr. Harris, the SEC also announced that Dalia Blass will now be the Director of the Division of Investment Management. This division works to protect investors and manage the oversight and regulation of the nation’s investment management industry. Ms. Blass is returning to the SEC after previously serving in a number of leadership roles in the Division of Investment Management, most recently as Assistant Chief
Counsel. At Ropes & Gray LLP, she advised on a broad range of investment fund, private equity, and regulatory matters. She has also practiced law at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and with Shearman & Sterling LLP. Her educational background includes a JD from Columbia University School of Law, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and Executive Editor of the Journal of Transnational Law. She also attended American University, where she received her BA.

Her tenure at the SEC, which spanned more than a decade, included receiving the SEC’s Manual F. Cohen Award, which recognizes outstanding legal ability and performance. “Dalia’s years of service here at the SEC and extensive experience in the private sector will make her a valuable asset to the agency and the Division of Investment Management,” Clayton said of Ms. Blass’ appointment. “The investment management industry is constantly evolving, yet its integrity is vital to our markets and Main Street investors. I know Dalia and the dedicated team in the Investment Management Division recognize this and will continue to work every day to fulfill the SEC’s mission.”

Sources

SEC Names Jeffrey Harris as Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (sec.gov)
SEC Names Dalia Blass as Director of the Division of Investment Management (sec.gov)