Linda Chatman Thomsen

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Linda Chatman Thomsen is the Director of the Division of Enforcement for the United States government Securities and Exchange Commission 2005 - present . Since arriving at the SEC in 1995, she has worked under four SEC Chairmans: Arthur Levitt, Harvey Pitt, William Donaldson, and Christopher Cox. William Donaldson named her Director of the Division of Enforcement on May 12, 2005. [1]. Linda Thomsen is known for her role in the suits by the SEC against Enron and Martha Stewart (contrary to popular belief, the SEC can only sue, not arrest, although the Justice Department and the FBI may work in concert with the SEC, if necessary). She succeeded Stephen M. Cutler.

Before joining the staff of the Commission, Thomsen was in private practice at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell in Washington, D.C., and New York, and also served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. In November 2004, Linda Thomsen was identified by writers and editors of the Wall Street Journal as one of fifty “Women to Watch”[2]. Linda Thomsen is also marked by her adept historical and literary references, as well as humorous self-deprecations; in one speech, she orates: "I should begin of course where I always do — with a disclaimer. My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission or any other member of the staff. That's the official disclaimer. I have an additional, more personal disclaimer. My views are affected by my view" [3]. In Smith's Alumnae Quarterly[4] Mrs. Thomsen is portrayed as a enforcer who will not give into pressure to ease back on enforcement regulations. “[The SEC] has a mission I am proud to be part of,” she told her alma mater.

She received her A.B. from Smith College and her law degree from Harvard University.


[edit] References

  1. ^ "Linda Chatman Thomsen Named Director of the Division of Enforcement", Securities and Exchange Commission, May 12, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-12-18. 
  2. ^ "Ladies Who Launch", Nichelle Stevens, 2005-10-31. Retrieved on 2008-03-19. 
  3. ^ "Options Backdating: The Enforcement Perspective", Securities and Exchange Commission, Oct 30, 2006. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  4. ^ "She Won't Back Down", Smith Alumnae Quarterly, Oct 30, 2006. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.