Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer Charlie Thornton to Depart CFTC

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced on Thursday that its Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer N. Charles "Charlie" Thornton III will part ways with the agency for a new position in the private sector.

Mr. Thornton has held several leadership roles at the CFTC under two Chairmen. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer under Chairman Tarbert, Mr. Thornton worked in the position of Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA) under Chairman Giancarlo from 2017 to 2019, where he acted as the commission's lead liaison with Members of Congress and key executive branch agencies, while taking on the role of top advisor to Chairman Giancarlo on all legislative matters.

"Charlie has always had his finger on the pulse of Congress, industry, and the agency, making him an invaluable member of my team during my chairmanship," said Commissioner Tarbert. "He can work with anyone on anything and get the job done."

Before joining the CFTC, Mr. Thornton was Senior Professional Staff and Counsel to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, where his responsibilities were  Committee business related to derivatives markets and oversight of the CFTC.