Leandra English was tapped deputy director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by outgoing Director Richard Cordray, the agency announced in a release Friday; English is now the agency’s chief of staff.
As deputy director, English is positioned to become the director of the bureau Monday. Cordray officially stepped down as director Friday, according to reports. He announced earlier this month he would resign by the end of November.
However, in a move likely to create confusion or a challenge, the White House Friday evening announced President Donald Trump is designating Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Mick Mulvaney as Acting CFPB Director.
“The President looks forward to seeing Director Mulvaney take a common sense approach to leading the CFPB’s dedicated staff, an approach that will empower consumers to make their own financial decisions and facilitate investment in our communities,”the White House said in a statement after Cordray’s announcement was released. “Director Mulvaney will serve as Acting Director until a permanent director is nominated and confirmed.”
Under the law establishing the bureau (the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or Dodd-Frank) the deputy director becomes the director of the agency when the incumbent in that position resigns or leaves office.
David Silberman, associate director of research, markets, and regulations for the CFPB, has been serving as acting deputy director.
Aside from her most recent role as chief of staff, CFPB said in its release that English has previously served at CFPB as deputy chief operating officer, acting chief of staff, and deputy chief of staff. She has also served as the principal deputy chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management, chief of staff and senior advisor to the deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, and as a member of the CFPB implementation team at the Department of the Treasury.
In a statement, Cordray called English a seasoned professional who has spent her career of public service focused on promoting smooth and efficient operations. “As deputy director, we will continue to benefit from Leandra’s in-depth knowledge of the operational needs of this agency and its staff,” Cordray added.
He also thanked Silberman for his role as acting deputy director for “taking on the additional role of acting deputy director during a busy time.”
Leandra English Named Deputy Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau