James McNamara Named the PCAOB’s First Chief Operating Officer

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) today announced the appointment of James McNamara as the organization’s first-ever Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Mr. McNamara will focus on improving the PCAOB’s organizational effectiveness. He will also serve as the chief administrative officer of the PCAOB and oversee its Office of Administration, including the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Finance, the Budget Office, and the Facilities department.

Improving organizational effectiveness is one of four key goals identified by the Board in its draft strategic plan. Mr. McNamara’s appointment is a critical step toward achieving this goal, under which the PCAOB will aim to radically improve the employee experience and to empower PCAOB staff to advance the organization’s investor-protection mission.

“Jamey has a tremendous amount of experience and expertise managing people, budgets, and operations in the financial regulatory environment,” said Chair Erica Y. Williams. “His knowledge and leadership will be crucial for the PCAOB as we carry out our strategic commitment to improving our organizational effectiveness for the benefit of investors.”

Before joining the PCAOB in October 2022, Mr. McNamara spent nearly four years as the Chief Human Capital Officer and the Director of the Office of Human Resources at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In that capacity, he led the strategic management of the SEC’s human capital programs and policies in areas including recruitment, retention, leadership and employee development, total rewards, and work/life programs.

“The PCAOB has an essential mission and an outstanding staff that I am honored to join,” said Mr. McNamara. “I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish together as we rededicate ourselves to improving how the PCAOB operates.”

Prior to joining the SEC’s Office of Human Resources, Mr. McNamara’s roles at the SEC included Managing Executive for the Division of Trading and Markets, as well as Assistant Director for Planning and Budget, Budget Officer, and Branch Chief for Budget Formulation and Performance Management, all in the SEC’s Office of Financial Management.

Mr. McNamara started his federal career at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he held positions in human resources management and budget formulation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

With Mr. McNamara’s appointment, Holly Greaves has transitioned back to her primary role as the PCAOB’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Since 2020, Holly has gone above and beyond for the PCAOB in serving as both our CFO and Acting Chief Administrative Officer,” said Chair Williams. “We are fortunate to have her on our senior team, and we thank her for her steady leadership.”

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About the PCAOB

The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB also oversees the audits of brokers and dealers, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws.

Contact

PCAOB Office of Communications and Engagement
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