Aitan Goelman is the new director of enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

“I’m very pleased that Aitan Goelman has agreed to join the agency as director of enforcement,” said CFTC chairman Timothy Massad.  “Aitan brings valuable experience in government and private practice, as well as a strong commitment to public service.  He will be a tough, aggressive and fair leader at a critical time in the Commission’s history.”

Goelman joins the CFTC from the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder, where he has been a litigation partner for 11 years.

Goelman’s practice at Zuckerman focused on white-collar criminal defense, securities litigation, and complex commercial litigation. He represented individuals and executives in government investigations involving the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), various types of fraud, and export control violations.

Goelman previously served in the Department of Justice for nine years.

At Justice, he handled white-collar criminal cases involving bank, wire, mail and securities fraud, as well as RICO, and violent crimes.  Mr. Goelman was also one of the trial lawyers that convicted the Oklahoma City bombers.

“I am pleased to return to public service and excited to join the CFTC at this important time when vigorous enforcement is more vital than ever,” Goelman said. “It is an honor to be able to play a part in helping the Commission fulfill its crucial mission of maintaining the integrity of the futures and swaps markets.  I am committed to continuing, and building on, the good work of Gretchen and David Meister and all the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Division of Enforcement.”

Mr. Goelman, an adjunct professor at George Washington Law School, graduated from Yale Law School in 1993.  He graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University in 1990.

He and his wife Robin have three daughters – Maya, Avi and Ella.