SEC Names Director of Exam Division

By Melanie Waddell

News May 24, 2022 at 01:55 PM

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The Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday that Richard Best has been named director of the Division of Examinations, effective immediately.

He has been acting director since March 23.

"Our examinations program — acting as eyes and ears on the ground for the Commission — is critical for our capital markets to function well and keep the public's trust," said SEC Chairman Gary Gensler in a statement. "Rich's experience leading three different SEC offices gives him perspective and relationships across the agency that will be invaluable to the Division."

Daniel Kahl, acting director of the division, said in March that he was departing the agency and Best, director of the SEC's New York regional office, took his spot.

Lara Shalov Mehraban now serves as acting director of the New York regional office.

Best previously was director of the Atlanta and Salt Lake City regional offices.

Prior to joining the SEC in 2015, Best held supervisory, litigation and investigative positions at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

He also spent approximately 10 years as a prosecutor in the Office of the Bronx County, New York, district attorney, where he handled and supervised high-profile public integrity and organized crime prosecutions, among other matters, the SEC said.

Best received a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, College of Old Westbury, and a law degree from Howard University School of Law.

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