OCC Names Richard C. Stearns Director for Enforcement and Compliance

WASHINGTON -- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today announced the selection of Richard C. Stearns to be its Director for Enforcement and Compliance.

Mr. Stearns will report to OCC’s Deputy Chief Counsel Daniel P. Stipano and will oversee the OCC’s Law Department Division that conducts investigations, recommends administrative actions, and litigates those enforcement actions on behalf of the agency.

"Rick brings impressive enforcement and litigation skills and experience to his new responsibilities as Director for Enforcement and Compliance here at the OCC," said First Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel Julie L. Williams. 

Since 1993, Mr. Stearns has served as the Deputy Chief Counsel for Enforcement at the Office of Thrift Supervision.  Prior to that he was the Deputy Chief Counsel for Regional Enforcement, and Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement for OTS.  From 1985 to 1991, Mr. Stearns was an Assistant Director and a Senior Trial Attorney with the Civil Division at the Department of Justice.

During his career, Mr. Stearns also served as a Senior Trial Attorney with the Office of Housing and Urban Development, an Associate with the law firm of Kirkpatrick and Lockhart, and as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps.

He earned his J.D. degree from University of Virginia in 1973 and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina.