SEC Appoints Interim Acting Co-Directors for Division of Examinations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the appointment of Natasha Vij Greiner and Keith E. Cassidy as interim Acting Co-Directors of the Division of Examinations. The appointments are effective immediately, as Division Director Richard Best is on extended medical leave from the agency.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler expressed his concern and support for Richard Best during his medical leave, stating, "My thoughts are with Rich as he's away from the agency on medical leave." Gensler also praised the newly appointed interim Co-Directors, describing them as "strong leaders who have earned the respect of their colleagues throughout the agency."

Natasha Vij Greiner has been serving as the Deputy Director of the Division of Examinations. She also holds the position of National Associate Director of the Investment Adviser/Investment Company (IA/IC) examination program, which includes the Private Funds Unit. Additionally, Greiner serves as the Associate Director of the Home Office IA/IC examination program. With more than 21 years of experience at the SEC, she started her career as a broker-dealer examiner in the Division and has held various roles across the agency. Her experience includes serving as Acting Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel in the Division of Trading and Markets, where she provided legal and policy advice on rules impacting market participants and securities markets. Greiner also spent nearly a decade in the Division of Enforcement, including the Asset Management Unit, where she investigated potential violations of federal securities laws and handled litigations in federal district court and administrative proceedings. She holds a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and a B.S. degree from James Madison University, where she graduated cum laude.

Keith E. Cassidy, who is also appointed as interim Acting Co-Director, serves as the Deputy Director of the Division of Examinations. He is additionally the National Associate Director of the Division's Technology Controls Program (TCP), responsible for examinations of Regulation SCI entities, overseeing the SEC's CyberWatch program and the Cybersecurity Program Office. Cassidy is an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, holding the position of Executive Officer of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and earning accolades, including a Bronze Star. Previously, he served as the Director of the Commission's Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affair, as well as Chief of Staff and Counsel at the Department of Justice's Office of Legislative Affairs. His experience also includes serving as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate. Cassidy obtained his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, an LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation with distinction from Georgetown Law Center, and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Natasha Vij Greiner and Keith E. Cassidy will continue to serve in their current leadership roles within the Division of Examinations. As interim Acting Co-Directors, they will play vital roles in the agency's oversight of examinations to ensure compliance with securities regulations, promote investor protection, and maintain market integrity. Their experience and leadership will contribute to the SEC's mission of protecting investors and fostering fair and transparent financial markets.