Omid Harraf Named Chief of Staff for the PCAOB

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Chair Erica Y. Williams today announced she has named Omid Harraf as Chief of Staff for the PCAOB, effective immediately. Mr. Harraf will advise the Chair on all matters that come before the PCAOB, work closely with Board Members and staff, and assist the Chair in her management of the organization.

“The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in overseeing every part of the PCAOB,” said Chair Williams. “We are fortunate to have Omid join us, given his strong commitment to investor protection and his wide range of experience in capital markets oversight, securities law and public policy.”

Prior to joining the PCAOB, Mr. Harraf served as the Deputy Chief Counsel in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Prior to becoming the Deputy Chief Counsel, he served as Senior Special Counsel for legal policy in the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel.

Before joining the SEC, Mr. Harraf practiced law at an international law firm, where he advised clients on corporate, securities, derivatives, and M&A matters. Previously, Mr. Harraf has worked for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the U.S. Department of State, and two multinational organizations, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea.

Mr. Harraf holds a JD from American University Washington College of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude and Order of the Coif. Mr. Harraf also holds a Master of Public Policy from American University, as well as a Master of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Nevada, Reno.

 “The PCAOB and the dedicated PCAOB staff play a critical role in protecting investors. I am incredibly honored to have been selected by Chair Williams to serve her and the PCAOB,” said Omid Harraf. “I look forward to working with Chair Williams, her fellow Board Members, and the PCAOB staff as we strive to improve audit quality to protect investors and further the public interest.”

Brent A. Simer, who stepped in as Acting Chief of Staff under Acting Chair Duane M. DesParte in June 2021, returns to his position as Board Member DesParte’s Board Adviser. “The Board extends its thanks and gratitude to Brent for his dedication to our organization and his steady hand during a period of transition,” said Chair Williams.

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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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