July 26, 2011

CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler Announces Appointment of Tony Thompson as Executive Director

Washington, DC – The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announced the appointment of Tony Thompson to serve as the agency’s Executive Director.  Mr. Thompson is the Deputy Administrator for the Office of Management at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  Mr. Thompson will replace Madge Bolinger Gazzola, who recently retired after almost 35 years at the CFTC.

“Tony brings to the CFTC decades of experience in budget and personnel management for both the Air Force and the USDA,” said CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler. “His leadership skills will serve the agency well, and I am looking forward to him joining our team this summer.

“I also want to thank Madge for nearly 35 years of dedicated service at the CFTC.  She began as a clerk typist in 1976, eventually becoming the Executive Director, a position in which she worked with six different Chairmen.  I wish her the very best in retirement.”

In his current role at the USDA, Mr. Thompson is responsible for the agency’s management and administrative functions and works to ensure the agency’s fiscal and human resources are best utilized to protect the nation’s health.  Mr. Thompson began his career in the Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and retired after 32 years on active duty.  After multiple senior officer positions, from 2005 to 2007 he was the Director of Air Force Budget Programs and Integration, a position where he played a central role in producing the Air Force’s annual budget.

Mr. Thompson has a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the Air War College, a Master’s of Business Administration from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor’s of Science from Regis University.  Mr. Thompson and his wife Sarita have two daughters, Damara and Dawn.

Last Updated: July 27, 2011