Former acting comptroller to retire

Blake Paulson, who briefly served as acting comptroller in 2021, is one of three members of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s executive committee who are stepping down on July 1.

The agency said Paulson, senior deputy comptroller for supervision risk and analysis, will fully retire on Aug. 31. Jay Gallagher, deputy comptroller for systemic risk identification support and specialty supervision, will succeed Paulson as acting senior deputy comptroller. 

Kathy Murphy, the agency’s chief financial officer and senior deputy comptroller for management and chief financial officer, will take a sabbatical that could last up to a year. The OCC said that Peggy Sherry, principal deputy comptroller for management and deputy CFO, will replace Murphy in an acting senior deputy comptroller.

Finally, Sydney Menefee, senior deputy comptroller for midsize and community bank supervision, plans to leave the agency. Beverly Cole, deputy comptroller for the Northeast district, was named acting senior deputy comptroller for MCBS.

“I have valued the friendship and contributions that all three senior deputy comptrollers have provided to me and the executive committee and want to recognize their passion, drive and professionalism,” Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu said in a Friday press release. 

“I am confident that the OCC will be well-served by our new acting senior deputy comptrollers who will provide valuable and seamless leadership while we execute our important mission,” Hsu added.