Gerald Laporte Selected as Chief of the Office of Small Business Policy, Division of Corporation Finance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2002-149

Washington, D.C., October 15, 2002 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Corporation Finance today announced the selection of Gerald J. Laporte as Chief of the Division's Office of Small Business Policy. Laporte has practiced securities law in Washington, D.C. for over 20 years, including, most recently, at Hogan & Hartson. He worked at the SEC from 1982 to 1987, serving as special counsel in the Office of the General Counsel, and as counsel to Commissioner Joseph A. Grundfest. In 1997-1998, he served as Chairman of the Corporation, Finance and Securities Law Section of the District of Columbia Bar.

Laporte holds a J.D., awarded with honors, from the George Washington University Law School, an M.A. in political science from Georgetown University, and degrees from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and Sacred Heart Seminary College, Detroit. He was managing editor of the George Washington University Law Review, and served as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge John H. Pratt in Washington, D.C.

Laporte will assume his position as Chief of the Office of Small Business Policy on Oct. 28. The office's responsibilities include small business advocacy for the SEC and rulemaking in areas that affect small businesses. Office members also advise the SEC staff and the public about the interpretation of forms and rules that govern capital raising and reporting by small businesses.

"Small business is an important area of regulatory activity for the SEC and for the Division," said Division of Corporation Finance Director Alan Beller. "Gerry will be invaluable in building on our strong and long-standing relationships with the small business community and in continuing our involvement and interest in this important area. His experience with public and private financing of small companies will be a noteworthy addition to our small business program."