Release: 5276-07

For Release: January 16, 2007

CFTC Chairman Reuben Jeffery III Announces the Appointment of Ianthe Jackson Zabel as Director of External Affairs

Washington, D.C. – Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Reuben Jeffery III today announced the selection of Ianthe Jackson Zabel to be Director of the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, effective immediately.

Zabel comes to the CFTC from the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means where she served as Communications Director for the last year and a half. Zabel worked with Committee Chairman Bill Thomas on media strategy, coordination and interview preparation. Serving as the Committee’s main spokesperson, she developed and implemented its proactive communications strategy and responses to questions regarding a myriad of legislative issues.

In announcing the selection, Chairman Jeffery said, “The Commission is extremely fortunate to have an individual with Ianthe’s unique qualifications, skills, and background join the CFTC. Ianthe brings a profound appreciation of the importance of developing and maintaining mutual respect and understanding with members of the press, the Congress, the White House, other government entities, and interested industry organizations.”

Prior to government service, Zabel served as Press Secretary for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). In this capacity she served as national spokesperson for federal legislative issues, prepared CEO and VPs for national media interviews, and coordinated media opportunities.

Zabel received a BJ degree in Broadcast Journalism with a Spanish minor from the University of Missouri-Columbia, cum laude.

Media Contact
R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: March 18, 2007