The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board has asked General Counsel Ernesto Lanza to also serve as Deputy Executive Director.  Mr. Lanza, will continue to serve as the MSRB’s General Counsel, and also focus on major municipal market issues - including long-term trends and potential initiatives aimed at improving investor and issuer protection and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the municipal capital markets. 

Mr. Lanza joined the MSRB in 1997, and in 2008 became General Counsel.  He played a key role in the development and launch of the MSRB’s Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) system, which has fundamentally changed disclosure and transparency in the municipal market. 

MSRB also brought on Ritta McLaughlin, a municipal finance professional, as Director of Market Leadership.  She's been working with the MSRB on its market leadership initiatives. In her role, Ms. McLaughlin is tasked with developing and leading the MSRB’s market leadership initiatives, including addressing market-related issues that promote a fair and efficient municipal market. 

She has broad experience in the municipal finance market, including investment banking, debt management and debt restructuring.  Ms. McLaughlin previously served as associate treasurer for the District of Columbia, and earlier worked for JPMorgan, Bear Stearns and Fitch Ratings. 

“The talents of these two highly experienced individuals will help guide the MSRB in fundamental areas.  Ernie’s deep technical knowledge and broad understanding of the market, and Ritta’s market experience and extensive relationships will provide strategic leadership to stay on top of market trends, anticipate future needs and identify where the MSRB can have a positive impact.”  - - MSRB Executive Director Lynnette Kelly Hotchkiss.     [MSRB, 4/11]