Release: 5371-07

For Release: August 8, 2007

Jill E. Sommers and Bart Chilton Sworn in as CFTC Commissioners

Washington, D.C. – Jill E. Sommers and Bart Chilton were sworn in today as Commissioners of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal agency that regulates commodity futures and option trading in the United States.

Ms. Sommers was nominated by President Bush on May 3, 2007, to a term expiring April 13, 2009. Mr. Chilton was nominated by President Bush on May 3, 2007, to a term expiring April 13, 2008.

“Everyone at the CFTC has been looking forward to this day and we are thrilled that Jill and Bart have now officially joined us as Commissioners,” said CFTC Acting Chairman Walter Lukken.  “Commissioners Jill Sommers and Bart Chilton join the agency today, at a time when we are considering a number of issues critical to the industry and I know we will benefit from their counsel, views and opinions.”

Ms. Sommers joins the CFTC from the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), where she was the Policy Director and Head of Government Affairs.  Before joining ISDA, Ms. Sommers was the Associate Director of Government Affairs at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where her responsibilities included regulatory and legislative affairs.  From 1991-1995, Ms. Sommers worked on the staff of Senator Robert Dole. A native of Kansas, Ms. Sommers received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas.

Mr. Chilton joins the CFTC after serving as Chief of Staff and Vice President for Government Relations at the National Farmers Union (NFU).  Before joining the NFU, Mr. Chilton served as Executive Assistant to the Board of the U.S. Farm Credit Administration.  From 2001-2005, Mr. Chilton served as Senior Advisor to Senator Thomas Daschle, the Democrat Leader of the United States Senate. Mr. Chilton is a native of Delaware and grew up in Indiana.  He went on to attend Purdue University, where he studied political science and communications.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: August 8, 2007