Mary Jo White is former Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This post is based on her recent keynote address at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law’s 44th Annual Securities Regulation Institute. The complete publication, including footnotes, is featured on Practical Law.
It is an honor to speak with you again in honor of Alan B. Levenson, not only a legendary Director of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance and distinguished private practitioner, but also a founder of both this Institute and the annual “SEC Speaks” conference. It is a special honor today that Alan’s daughter Julie Levenson is with us to share her wonderful memories of her father. In these days of politics and partisanship, Alan Levenson stands out as the model public servant, reminding us all of what government service is about. Each day I was at the Commission, I witnessed the dedication and sacrifice that true commitment to public service requires. I am pleased to report that the SEC today remains a strong, independent agency doing a critical job in the finest tradition of Alan Levenson.