Release: 5361-07

For Release: July 26, 2007

CFTC Announces Resignation of Chief Economist, James A. Overdahl

Washington, D.C. – The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced today that Chief Economist James A. Overdahl will be leaving the Commission at the end of July to become Chief Economist at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

During his five years as the CFTC's Chief Economist, Overdahl directed the Commission's economics program, advising policymakers on a wide variety of topics affecting the futures industry, including: the relationship between over-the-counter and exchange-traded markets, the role of speculation in commodity markets, new products, inter-market competition, and futures market structure. Overdahl led a team that supported the Commission's enforcement program, particularly with respect to litigation in energy-related cases. He also testified before Congress on behalf of the Commission on energy prices and hedge funds.

In accepting Overdahl's resignation, CFTC Acting Chairman Walter Lukken said, "The Commission has benefited immensely from the knowledge, professionalism, and dedication that Jim Overdahl has brought to the Chief Economist's Office. While it is with regret that I accept Jim's resignation, I understand his decision to join the Securities and Exchange Commission to pursue an exciting opportunity. On behalf of my fellow Commissioner, Mike Dunn, I wish Jim every possible success at the SEC."

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Last Updated: July 27, 2007