SEC Director of Investor Education Announces Retirement After 16 Years of Service

USA: SEC Announces Retirement of OIEA Director Lori J. Schock

The Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed that Lori J. Schock, who has led the Office of Investor Education and Assistance (OIEA) since 2009, will retire at the end of December 2025. Schock’s departure marks the conclusion of a 16‑year tenure during which she oversaw a range of investor‑focused programs and resources.

Leadership Transition

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised Schock’s “unwavering commitment” to providing investors with clear information, noting her ability to translate complex investing concepts into understandable language. Atkins added that her dedication has been a “touchstone for the agency” and wished her success in future endeavors.

Impact on Investor Education

Under Schock’s direction, OIEA expanded the SEC’s outreach, most notably by developing the Investor.gov website, which now serves more than 8 million Americans each year seeking background checks on investment professionals and access to financial planning tools.

Innovative Outreach Initiatives

Schock also introduced Investor Alerts and Bulletins to warn the public about emerging scams and to highlight current market trends. She authored numerous Director’s Take articles offering guidance on wealth building and retirement protection, and she managed a high‑volume investor assistance program that addressed hundreds of thousands of questions and complaints.

Among the creative campaigns she spearheaded were the decade‑long public service effort featuring the HoweyCoins mock ICO website and the HoweyTrade investment program, as well as educational videos on topics such as compound interest and the benefits of designating a trusted contact for brokerage accounts.

Schock’s Reflections

In a statement, Schock expressed pride in the OIEA team’s “positive, impactful work” and confidence that the office will continue to champion investor assistance, education, and protection after her departure.

Professional Background

Before joining the SEC in 2001 as a staff attorney, Schock served as Associate Director of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Investor Education Foundation and Office of Investor Education, and as Director of Outreach at the Center for Audit Quality. She also held roles as Special Counsel to the OIEA Director (2002‑2006), Acting Director, and Deputy Director (2006‑2007).

Educational Credentials

Schock is a member of the Colorado Bar. She earned a J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law, a Master of Taxation from the University of Akron College of Business, and a B.A. from Furman University.

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