In 2011, Waldon won the agency’s Philip A. Loomis, Jr. Award, which recognises outstanding legal scholarship, analysis and drafting on difficult legal and policy questions, along with a high standard of professional integrity. He holds an economics degree from Virginia Tech and a law degree from the University of Texas.
Nawaz brings his own long track record at the division, having worked as a staff attorney, Assistant Regional Director, and Chief of the Complex Financial Instruments Unit during his earlier stint at the agency.
Wider shake-up
The change adds to a run of turnover atop the SEC’s enforcement operation and its five-member commission over the past several months.
Ryan’s resignation in March triggered Waldon’s first stint as acting director, before Woodcock, formerly of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, was installed as permanent director from May 4, taking charge of a division of more than 1,000 staff.
The reshuffle in enforcement leadership has coincided with separate turmoil among the SEC’s commissioners.