Release: 5161-06

For Release: February 21, 2006

CFTC Chairman Announces New Staff Appointments

Washington, DC—Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Reuben Jeffery III announced today several new staff appointments.

Jacqueline Hamra Mesa has been appointed Director, Office of International Affairs (OIA). Ms. Mesa began her tenure at the CFTC in 1998 in the Division of Enforcement (DOE) as a trial attorney and later worked in the DOE office of Chief Counsel providing legal advice on international issues. Most recently, Ms. Mesa has been serving as Legal Counsel to Commissioner Walter Lukken, advising him on legal, regulatory, and policy issues affecting the CFTC, with specific emphasis on enforcement, adjudicatory opinions and global markets issues. In her new role as OIA Director, she will serve as the principal international policy advisor to the Office of the Chairman. She will also represent the Commission on various international bodies

Richard Shilts will take over as Director, Division of Market Oversight (DMO). Mr. Shilts has served the Commission in various capacities since 1974 and has served as Acting Director, DMO, since July 2004. The Division handles the designation of new markets, the review of new futures and option products, the monitoring for and detection of market manipulation, and the protection of customers from market abuses.

Charley Cooper, who has served as the Chairman's Chief of Staff since August 16, 2005, will assume the additional responsibility of serving as the CFTC's Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, Mr. Cooper will oversee the daily operations of the Commission, which employs over 500 people in four offices across the country. Mr. Cooper has served as the Chairman's Chief of Staff since August 16, 2005.

In announcing these appointments, Chairman Jeffery said, "I have observed personally the tremendous contributions of these individuals to the Commission's efforts to protect the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive trading practices and to foster open, competitive, and financially sound futures and options markets. The Commission is extremely fortunate to have these talented and uniquely qualified individuals agree to serve the CFTC in their respective capacities."

Media Contacts
Alan Sobba
202-418-5080

R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: March 18, 2007