June 10, 2014

CFTC Chairman Massad Announces the Appointment of Aitan Goelman as Director of Enforcement

Washington, DC — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Timothy Massad today named Aitan Goelman as the agency’s Director of the Division of Enforcement. Mr. Goelman is a former federal prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience litigating both criminal and civil matters.

“I’m very pleased that Aitan Goelman has agreed to join the agency as Director of Enforcement. Aitan brings valuable experience in government and private practice, as well as a strong commitment to public service. He will be a tough, aggressive and fair leader at a critical time in the Commission’s history,” said Chairman Massad. “I especially want to thank Gretchen Lowe for her skilled leadership and dedication, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”

Mr. Goelman joins the CFTC from the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, where he has been a litigation partner for 11 years. Mr. Goelman’s practice has focused on white collar crime and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Goelman previously served in the Department of Justice for nine years, including as an Assistant U. S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and as a Special Attorney to the U.S. Attorney General. At Justice, he handled white-collar criminal cases involving bank, wire, mail and securities fraud, as well as RICO, and violent crimes. Mr. Goelman was also one of the trial lawyers that convicted the Oklahoma City bombers.

“I am pleased to return to public service and excited to join the CFTC at this important time when vigorous enforcement is more vital than ever,” Mr. Goelman said. “It is an honor to be able to play a part in helping the Commission fulfill its crucial mission of maintaining the integrity of the futures and swaps markets. I am committed to continuing, and building on, the good work of Gretchen and David Meister and all the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Division of Enforcement.”

Mr. Goelman, an adjunct professor at George Washington Law School, graduated from Yale Law School in 1993. He graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University in 1990. He and his wife Robin have three daughters – Maya, Avi and Ella.

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Last Updated: June 10, 2014