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CFPB Appoints Director for New Office, Announces Leadership Updates

The ""Consumer Financial Protection Bureau"":http://www.consumerfinance.gov/ (CFPB) announced two individuals were added to the bureau's leadership team, and two current staff members will be serving in different roles.

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Dan Smith was hired as the first assistant director for the newly-created Office of Financial Institutions and Business Liaison. The office was formed to connect the CFPB with bank and nonbank trade associations, financial institutions, and businesses to enhance collaboration and communication. Smith previously served as the director for industry and state relations at Freddie Mac. Before working with the GSE, Smith spent 15 years as VP at Dehart and Darr Associates. Smith earned his master's in business administration and bachelor's degree from Mount Saint Mary's University.

Catherine Galicia was appointed as the new assistant director for Legislative Affairs. Galicia has extensive experience in the private and public sectors, including work with the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Previously, she served as senior counsel for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs under Chairman Tim Johnson. She also had a role in drafting the consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law as a counsel to then-Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd.

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Galicia received her juris doctor from Rutgers University and her bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut.

Lisa Konwinski, who was previously the CFPB's assistant director for Legislative Affairs, is now the deputy associate director for External Affairs. Konwinski began her work with the bureau in 2011.

Before joining the CFPB, she was the deputy director of Legislative Affairs for President Obama.

Prior to that, she was general counsel for the Senate Budget Committee under Chairman Kent Conrad, and she worked for Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in the House of Representatives. She also has experience as an attorney at Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, North Carolina. She received her juris doctor from University of Michigan Law School and her bachelor's degree from University of Michigan.

Hubert ""Skip"" Humphrey moved out of his role as assistant director in the Office of Older Americans to lead as senior liaison officer. For his new role, Humphrey will work toward expanding the office's efforts to strengthen relationships with state, local, public, and private organizations and continue to highlight the work of the office. Humphrey previously served as attorney general for Minnesota from 1983 to 1999.

Humphrey earned his juris doctor from the University of Minnesota and his bachelor's degree from American University.

""I am very pleased to announce these updates to our leadership team as well as the creation of the Office of Financial Institutions and Business Liaison."" said Richard Cordray, CFPB's director. ""As the Bureau moves forward with its important work, we continue to build a strong, talented team and to enhance our outreach to all stakeholders involved in improving markets for consumers and responsible businesses.""