Sean McKessy is rejoining the SEC to run its new Whistleblower Office in the Division of Enforcement.  He previously had served as Senior Counsel in Enforcement, from 1997 to 2000.  The new SEC program is charged with working with whistleblowers, handling their tips and complaints, and helping the SEC determine the awards for individuals who provide the agency with information that leads to successful enforcement actions.

Prior to rejoining the SEC, Mr. McKessy served as corporate secretary for both Altria Group, Inc., and AOL Inc., and as securities counsel for Caterpillar, Inc.  In these roles, Mr. McKessy developed and supervised internal compliance and reporting programs related to the federal securities laws, served as corporate compliance officer, and coordinated the reporting of potential violations to boards of directors.

The Dodd-Frank Reform Act requires the SEC to pay rewards to individuals who voluntarily provide the Commission with original information that leads to successful SEC enforcement actions and certain related actions.  The Commission is in the process of developing rules that will guide the whistleblower program.   [SEC PR 11-47, 2/18]