The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the appointment of Karen L. Martinez as director of the Salt Lake Regional Office.

Ms. Martinez joined the SEC staff in 2002 as trial counsel in the Salt Lake office.  She became assistant director in 2010 and has since supervised the enforcement program in the office.  Ms. Martinez also has supervised some investigations in the SEC’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) specialized unit, which focuses on cases involving bribery of foreign officials. 

“Karen has repeatedly proven herself as a creative and talented enforcer of the securities laws,” said Andrew J. Ceresney, Co-Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.  “Under her leadership, the Salt Lake City office’s enforcement program has achieved numerous significant successes, and we are pleased that she will continue her SEC service in this new role.”

Ms. Martinez has supervised investigations that included the SEC’s first-ever deferred prosecution agreement as well as cases against a company that targeted deaf investors, a $220 million Ponzi scheme, and a father and son allegedly scheming to profit from the deaths of terminally ill individuals.  As trial counsel, Ms. Martinez successfully litigated cases involving insider trading, FCPA violations, and violations of Regulation S-P. 

In her new role, Ms. Martinez will oversee both enforcement and examinations in the Salt Lake office.

Andrew J. Bowden, Director of the SEC’s National Exam Program, said, “We are grateful to have someone as dedicated and experienced as Karen to lead the Salt Lake Regional Office.

Ms. Martinez said, “It is a real honor to be named regional director of the Salt Lake office.  I look forward to the challenges this new position will bring and continuing to work with all the talented professionals in the Salt Lake office.  During the past 10 years, the Salt Lake staff has filed numerous important cases, returned millions to the victims of securities fraud, and worked diligently every day to protect investors.”

Before joining the SEC staff, Ms. Martinez was in private practice.  She began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Christine M. Durham of the Utah Supreme Court.  Ms. Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, and she earned a master’s degree in Mathematics and her law degree from the University of Utah.