Commissioner Lizárraga Statement on His Planned Departure from the Commission

I notified President Joe Biden of my intent to step down as SEC Commissioner, effective January 17, 2025.

For the better part of this year, my wife, Kelly, has confronted serious illness with admirable courage and a strong spirit. We are grateful for the support of colleagues, friends and family and are hopeful for her speedy and full recovery in the ensuing months.

In reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead, we have decided that it is in the best interests of our family to close this chapter in my 34-year public service journey.

Until my departure in January, I will remain fully engaged in the Commission's ongoing work and activities.

I don't yet know what comes next, but I do know that it has been a great honor to serve as SEC Commissioner.

My thanks to President Biden for nominating me and to the U.S. Senate for confirming me unanimously.

My thanks to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for supporting my nomination and confirmation, and for the privilege of serving as her senior adviser for nearly 15 years.

There was no better preparation for the role of SEC Commissioner than the many lessons in effective leadership gleaned from those extraordinary 15 years.

My thanks to Chair Gary Gensler for welcoming me at the Commission. His leadership at the helm of the agency and his pursuit of excellence have been nothing short of exceptional.

My thanks to my fellow Commissioners – Hester Peirce, Caroline Crenshaw, and Mark Uyeda – for working so collaboratively with me. It has been an honor to serve alongside them.

I am proud of all that we have accomplished and for doing my part, with the support of the agency's staff, in advancing Chair Gensler's agenda and in fulfilling the SEC's mission.

The work of the SEC is vital to the health of our capital markets, to the investing public, and to the future of our country.

U.S. capital markets are the deepest, fairest, most transparent and most liquid in the world. The SEC's robust implementation of the federal securities laws makes it possible for the innovative spirit, ingenuity and entrepreneurship of our country to thrive in our capital markets.

To my talented team of counsels – Laura D’Allaird, Parisa Haghshenas, Brandon Hill, Diem-Mi Lu, and Kathryn Steinberg – my deepest gratitude. I pushed them to the limit to meet the highest possible standards of excellence in all of our work. By all measures, they delivered. Thank you! I will always be grateful.