Neil Simon, Long-Serving VP of Government Relations, Retires From the IAA After Distinguished Service
August 28, 2024
Contact: IAA VP of Communications & Marketing Janay Rickwalder
After more than 17 years of strong advocacy on behalf of the investment adviser community, Neil Simon, the Investment Adviser Association’s VP of Government Relations, is retiring at the end of this year. “I am fortunate to have been able to represent a truly exceptional organization on Capitol Hill,” said Simon. “I am confident that IAA will continue its effective advocacy on behalf of the advisory community.”
Simon played a key role in expanding the IAA’s government relations program, developing the IAA’s grassroots advocacy, and building relationships with lawmakers and educating them about the unique role investment advisers play for their clients, the markets, and the economy.
Additionally, he played a significant part in ensuring that the SEC remains the primary regulator for investment advisers (as opposed to an SRO), sounding the alarm on regulatory overreach, and educating policymakers about the challenges faced by small investment adviser firms, which make up the core of our industry.
“Neil has been a tremendous advocate for fiduciary investment advisers, advancing fiduciary principles and investor protection,” said IAA President & CEO Karen Barr. “We will miss Neil’s sound advice and counsel, as well as his droll wit, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
With Simon’s retirement, the IAA is pleased to announce that, effective October 1, IAA General Counsel Gail Bernstein will serve as IAA General Counsel and Head of Public Policy, overseeing both regulatory and legislative advocacy. In addition, effective October 1, IAA Associate General Counsel William Nelson will serve as Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel, and, as such, will be responsible for the IAA’s legislative advocacy.
“Ms. Bernstein and Mr. Nelson are well-positioned to continue to promote the IAA’s policy objectives on Capitol Hill,” said Alison Baur, Deputy General Counsel, Franklin Templeton, and Chair of the IAA Board of Governors. “The IAA is an extraordinary advocate for our industry ensuring appropriate regulation and investor protection.”
