SEC Names New Whistleblower Program Chief

On November 5, 2021, for the Wall Street Journal, Mengqi Sun reported on the SEC’s new whistleblower program Chief: Nicole Creola Kelly.  “Cree,” an SEC veteran with 20+ years of experience, replaced acting Chief Emily Pasquinelli, who had been in the role since the departure of long-time Chief Jane Norberg in April 2021.

Prominent whistleblower attorneys, including Jordan Thomas, were in favor of the choice.  Jordan called it “a great pick,” and elaborated that “Cree has an excellent reputation and works very well with people throughout the commission, and that’s an important skill.”  Jordan further noted that, as Cree was not a then-current member of the whistleblower program staff, it may reflect that the commission is seeking the benefits of an outsider’s take on the program.

The article also observes that the appointment comes as the SEC whistleblower program grows and matures, having paid out about $1.1 billion to 224 people since issuing its first award in 2012.