TL;DR
Experienced White-Collar Attorney Returns to Government Service After Private Practice Stint
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2025
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Kevin Muhlendorf will be the agency’s new Inspector General, effective July 28, bringing extensive experience from both government enforcement and private sector compliance work to the role.
Career Background
Muhlendorf spent the past nine years as a partner in the white-collar defense and government investigations practice at Wiley Rein LLP in Washington D.C. During his time in private practice, he represented clients facing securities enforcement actions and conducted internal corporate investigations.
His government service includes significant roles at two major federal agencies. He worked six years as a Trial Attorney and Assistant Chief in the Securities and Financial Fraud Unit of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section, prosecuting complex financial crimes nationwide. Earlier in his career, Muhlendorf was a Senior Counsel in the SEC Enforcement Division from 2004 to 2010.
Recent Inspector General Experience
Most recently, Muhlendorf served as Acting Inspector General for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) during portions of 2023 and 2024 while on leave from his law firm. In that role, he managed oversight operations including audits and investigations at the major transit system.
Leadership Transition
Acting Inspector General Katherine Reilly will return to her role as a Deputy Inspector General when Muhlendorf takes over next month. Reilly had been filling the position temporarily since May.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Beyond his legal practice, Muhlendorf has taught financial fraud investigations as an adjunct professor at Georgetown Law since 2015. He holds certifications as both a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional.
Regulatory Oversight Role
The Inspector General position operates independently to monitor SEC operations for efficiency and integrity. Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, inspectors general have a dual and independent reporting relationship to the Commission and Congress, ensuring objective oversight of the agency’s work.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins praised the selection, highlighting Muhlendorf’s background in investigations and compliance. The appointment comes as the SEC navigates evolving challenges in financial regulation, including oversight of cryptocurrency markets and emerging financial technologies.