Vanessa Countryman
About Vanessa Countryman
Vanessa Countryman serves as the Secretary of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a position she has held since 2019. She has an extensive background in law and economics, having previously worked as Chief Counsel for the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the SEC and as an associate attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
Current Role at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Vanessa Countryman has served as Secretary at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 2019. In this role, she oversees various administrative functions and supports the Commission's operations. Her tenure at the SEC has been marked by her commitment to regulatory integrity and effective governance. Prior to her current position, she acted as the Secretary for a brief period in 2019, demonstrating her capability in high-level administrative roles within the agency.
Previous Experience at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Before becoming Secretary, Vanessa Countryman held multiple positions at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. She served as Chief Counsel for the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis from 2013 to 2019, where she contributed to the agency's analytical and economic assessments. Additionally, she worked as Counsel to Commissioner Kathleen L. Casey for one year in 2010-2011. Her extensive experience at the SEC has provided her with a deep understanding of securities regulation and policy.
Education and Academic Background
Vanessa Countryman has a strong academic background. She earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Chicago Law School, completing her studies from 2002 to 2005. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Oxford, where she received a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Victorian Literature from 2000 to 2002. She also holds an AB in English from Columbia University, where she studied from 1996 to 2000. Her education has equipped her with critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to her legal and regulatory work.
Legal Career Prior to SEC
Before joining the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Vanessa Countryman worked as an Associate Attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP from 2006 to 2010. In this capacity, she gained experience in various legal matters, which laid the foundation for her subsequent roles in public service and regulatory compliance. Her work in a prestigious law firm contributed to her understanding of complex legal issues, enhancing her capabilities in her later positions at the SEC.
Early Education
Vanessa Countryman completed her early education at National Cathedral School, where she studied from 1988 to 1996. This foundational education provided her with essential skills and knowledge that supported her later academic pursuits in English and law.