SEC Deputy Director of Enforcement Southeast Nekia Hackworth Jones Ends Tenure

USA: SEC Deputy Director Nekia Hackworth Jones Concludes Service

Nekia Hackworth Jones, who served as Deputy Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement (Southeast), concluded her tenure on December 26, 2025. In announcing the departure, SEC Division of Enforcement Director Margaret A. Ryan thanked Jones for her leadership and highlighted her dedication to investor protection.

Statements from Agency Leaders

Ryan said, “I am thankful to Nekia for answering the call to return to public service and for her leadership in the Division of Enforcement. She has shown deep commitment to her colleagues, the Division, and the Commission, all motivated by her passion for protecting investors.” Jones added, “Serving at the SEC for almost five years has been a pleasure and a privilege… I owe a debt of gratitude to Chairman Paul Atkins, former Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda, and current and former Directors of the Divisions of Enforcement and Examinations for entrusting me with this remarkable opportunity to help protect investors and the markets.”

Recent Role and Responsibilities

Appointed in April 2025, Jones oversaw enforcement investigations and litigations across the Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Miami offices. Her supervision spanned a broad portfolio of securities matters, reinforcing the agency’s mission to safeguard market integrity.

Prior Leadership in Atlanta

From March 2021 through April 2025, she acted as Regional Director of the Atlanta Regional Office, managing more than 100 attorneys, accountants, analysts, and compliance examiners. In that capacity, she directed examinations and enforcement programs covering Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Background in Federal Law Enforcement

Before joining the SEC, Jones spent nearly a decade with the Department of Justice, including service as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Georgia. She later held senior positions within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and served as Executive Director of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.

Education

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude in business administration from Emory University, followed by a juris doctorate and an MBA from Harvard University.

This report is based on information from SEC, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.