# He will replace Margaret Ryan, who resigned just six months into the job.

*business · news · 2026-04-08 · New York Post*

## Key points

- David Woodcock will become SEC enforcement director on May 4, replacing Margaret Ryan.
- Ryan resigned after six months due to clashes over enforcement direction with SEC leadership.
- Woodcock previously led the SEC’s Fort Worth office and created a financial misconduct task force.
- SEC enforcement staff shrank by 18% in the last fiscal year amid reorganization.
- SEC brought over 20% fewer enforcement actions in fiscal 2025 compared to the prior year.

**Companies:** ExxonMobil, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/04/08/business/former-exxonmobil-lawyer-david-woodcock-named-secs-next-enforcement-director/)

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