SEC Names New Chairperson and Board Members to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced recently the appointments of Erica Y. Williams as Chairperson and Christina Ho, Kara M. Stein, and Anthony (Tony) C. Thompson as Board members of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 established the PCAOB, with the aim to oversee the audits of public companies and registered broker-dealers through registration, standard-setting, inspection, and disciplinary programs, and supervised by the SEC. Under the Act, the Commission selects members and the Chairperson of the Board.

“With these additions to the Board, the PCAOB will have the leadership to meet the mission given to it by Congress. Erica, Christina, Kara, and Tony have demonstrated deep commitment to public service. They will represent the interests of investors and the public at the PCAOB. I would like to thank Duane DesParte for his valuable service as acting chairperson during the last several months, and I am pleased that he will stay on as a key member of the Board,” said SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.

Duane DesParte will continue his service as a Board member and will remain Acting Chairperson until Ms. Williams is sworn in.

Previously, Fazzaco reported that SEC has promoted its long-time employee Ahmed Abonamah​ to Director of its Office of Credit Ratings, where Abonamah has served as Acting Director since October 2020.