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Get to Know OCC's Government Relations Team

September 07, 2023

Government Relations at OCC

OCC's Government Relations team is responsible for managing OCC's engagement with government entities, including Congress and regulatory agencies and engages in open and frequent communications with policymakers on an ongoing basis. They partner closely with OCC's Legal team on issues of priority for OCC pending before OCC's primary regulators such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Federal Reserve Board, as well as international financial services standard setting bodies and international regulators as necessary. Some of these key issues are the subject of proposed rulemakings by the agencies, agency hearings and advisory committee meetings and consultations issued by international standard setting bodies.

The team also manages the activities of the U.S. Securities Markets Coalition, which engages in advocacy on Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers on behalf of the listed options industry and options investors on issues of common interest.

Julie Bauer

Chief External Relations Officer

Professional Background:

  • Leads OCC’s interactions with congressional and regulatory policymakers; as well as advocacy efforts on behalf of the listed options industry
  • 30+ years of government relations experience in financial services
  • Skilled in public policy, legislative relations, public affairs, securities regulation, strategic planning, and crisis communications

Fast Facts:

  • Worked for the Chicago Board of Trade and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) before joining OCC
  • Serves on the Advisory Board for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia
  • Master of Arts degree in American Government from Georgetown University

Jeanne Balcom

Executive Director, Regulatory Policy
Government Relations

Professional Background:

  • Leads OCC’s policy positioning strategy; tracks, analyzes, and comments on public policy and regulatory initiatives
  • 35+ years of professional consulting and government relations experience in financial services
  • Skilled in international financial regulation, risk management, capital markets, and strategic policy development

Fast Facts:

  • Chair of the Board of Directors for Edu-Futuro, an education nonprofit assisting underserved Latino and immigrant families
  • Was the President and Founder of BCK International, a firm that specialized in assisting financial services organizations to enter and operate in Latin American markets, for over six years

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Russian studies from Dartmouth College
  • Master’s degree in international economics and Latin American studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

James Hall

Executive Director, Government Relations

Professional Background:

  • Advocates with lawmakers and regulators on behalf of OCC and the U.S. options industry
  • 20+ years of Capitol Hill, and government relations experience; previously served on the staff of both the House Financial Services and Natural Resources committees
  • Skilled in legislative relations, public policy, strategic planning, coalitions, policy analysis, and legislative research

Fast Facts:

  • Completed the Securities Industry Institute® (SII) Executive Education Program
  • Enjoys running in Washington DC’s Capitol Hill Classic 10K every year​

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science from Bucknell University
  • Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

Daniel Schramm

Associate Principal, Government Relations

Professional Background:

  • Executes OCC’s strategy for interacting with Congressional offices and advocates on behalf of OCC and the options industry
  • Manages OCC PAC activities including fundraising and disbursement strategies
  • 6+ years of experience in government relations; former Policy Fellow for Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
  • Skilled in international relations, political theory, and project management

Fast Facts:

  • Co-Chair of OCC’s Employee Network Group HYPED (Helping Young Professionals Excel and Develop)
  • Loves cooking, camping, traveling and music

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Florida International University

Barbara Goga

Associate Principal, Government Relations

Professional Background:

  • Serves as executive assistant for OCC’s Executive Chairman and is go-to person for Board-related logistics and correspondence
  • Supports Government Relations team on projects and events
  • 40+ years of experience as an executive assistant in financial services
  • Skilled in data analysis, project management, strategic planning, and process improvement

Fast Facts:

  • Began her executive assistant career with Arthur Andersen & Co., where she worked for more than 20 years
  • Can often be found at Wrigley Field rooting for her beloved Chicago Cubs

Education:

  • Secretarial Certificate from Robert Morris University Illinois