KARA N. BROCKMEYER NAMED CHIEFOF FCPA UNIT FORCUSED ON ANTI-BRIBERY PARTS OF FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS

The following is an excerpt from the SEC website: "Washington, D.C., Sept. 27, 2011 — The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement announced today that Kara Novaco Brockmeyer has been named Chief of its national specialized Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit that focuses on violations of the anti-bribery provisions of the federal securities laws. Ms. Brockmeyer has been serving as an Assistant Director in the Enforcement Division and supervising a number of complex investigations involving violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials to obtain government contracts and other business. Ms. Brockmeyer spearheaded the SEC’s investigation of Halliburton Co., KBR Inc., Technip S.A., and ENI S.p.A. for FCPA violations resulting from a decades-long bribery scheme in Nigeria. The SEC’s actions in this matter together with the Department of Justice resulted in the recovery of $1.2 billion of ill-gotten gains and criminal penalties. In addition to her significant FCPA experience, Ms. Brockmeyer has served as the co-head of the Division’s Cross Border Working Group, a proactive risk-based initiative focusing on U.S. companies with substantial foreign operations. Ms. Brockmeyer’s efforts on the Cross Border Working Group have resulted in several recent significant enforcement actions, including the Commission’s first stop orders for post-effective registration statements due to the resignation of the companies’ independent auditor. “Kara’s creativity and perseverance is reflected in her outstanding efforts and results over the years in fulfilling the Commission’s mission of investor protection,” said Robert Khuzami, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “Enforcement of the FCPA remains a high priority for the Division, and adding Kara’s talent to the exceptional ability and dedication of the members of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit will further enhance our anti-corruption program.” Ms. Brockmeyer said, “I am looking forward to the privilege of leading the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit and its dedicated and talented staff.” Ms. Brockmeyer is filling the position previously held by Cheryl Scarboro, who left the agency in June after serving as the first chief of the unit. Ms. Brockmeyer joined the SEC in 2000 following several years in private practice. She started supervising investigations in 2002 and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2005. In addition to FCPA investigations, Ms. Brockmeyer has substantial experience supervising matters involving financial fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, and violations by regulated entities. Ms. Brockmeyer received her law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and her undergraduate degree cum laude from Williams College."