by Jim Toes

This past Monday, we began inviting Hill Staff to the program portions of STA’s Annual Market Structure Conference. Their response has been so positive we thought we would take a moment to recognize these individuals and thank them for their service to our industry.

Today, there are just over 100 staffers in Washington DC who serve as legislative directors, counsel or economists for those Congressional members who sit on various financial services committees. Their work often goes unnoticed and their names are seldom spoken. But that does mean they are not playing a critical role. Quite the contrary, their work is meaningful and they are good at it. Look no further than their two most recent alumni; SEC Commissioner Kara Stein, who among other things served as Staff Director for the Senate Banking Subcommittee, and SEC Commissioner Michael Piwowar was the Chief Economist for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

Today, there are just over 100 staffers in Washington DC who serve as legislative directors, counsel or economists for those Congressional members who sit on various financial services committees. Their work often goes unnoticed and their names are seldom spoken. But that does mean they are not playing a critical role. Quite the contrary, their work is meaningful and they are good at it.

Both of these individuals spent years of service as Staffers before moving into their Commissioner roles. The STA was privileged to know both of these Commissioners in their earlier years as staffers and engaged them on many issues. Their energy, aptitude and work ethic are very comparable to what we see among our own ranks. The staffers now serving in those positions are equally as talented and we encourage you seek them out.

We will not list their names in this letter, but if you want a chance to meet them, along with scores of their peers then come to our Conference. They will be there; listening, learning and observing us. Be mindful of this and go out of your way to talk them and exchange business cards. You will not regret it.