Top IAA Lobbyist to Retire

Neil Simon, the Investment Adviser Association’s vice president of government relations, is retiring at the end of this year, after 17 years with the group.

“I am fortunate to have been able to represent a truly exceptional organization on Capitol Hill,” Simon said Wednesday in a statement. “I am confident that the IAA will continue its effective advocacy on behalf of the advisory community.”

Karen Barr, IAA’s president CEO, added that Simon “has been a tremendous advocate for fiduciary investment advisers, advancing fiduciary principles and investor protection. We will miss Neil’s sound advice and counsel, as well as his droll wit, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Effective Oct. 1, Gail Bernstein will stay in her current role as IAA’s general counsel and take on the additional role of head of public policy, overseeing both regulatory and legislative advocacy.

Also on Oct. 1, William Nelson, IAA associate general counsel, will also serve as director of public policy, responsible for legislative advocacy.

Simon played a key role in expanding the IAA’s government relations program as well as playing a significant part in ensuring that the Securities and Exchange Commission remains the primary regulator for investment advisors, IAA relayed.

Bernstein and Nelson “are well-positioned to continue to promote the IAA’s policy objectives on Capitol Hill,” said Alison Baur, deputy general counsel at Franklin Templeton and chair of the IAA Board of Governors. “The IAA is an extraordinary advocate for our industry ensuring appropriate regulation and investor protection.”