An industry expert or expert witness's role is to provide a persuasive argument to sway opinion. Critical to the process are integrity, honesty, and knowledge. Testimony is generally restricted to the rationally derived views of the witness, while the "expert witness" can enjoy greater freedom in voicing opinions. In my career, I have been called upon numerous times to weigh in on industry issues in front of federal agencies and congressional committees with an informed opinion that supports the industry. Supporting your peers and colleagues in this fashion is fulfilling and satisfying.
EXpert Witness
A particular rush comes with advocating for your cause when in front of a congressional panel, committee, or sub-committee. Not all the legislators are often on your side, hence the built-in tension in the process. I have been called to testify at state and federal levels throughout my career and always answered the bell. I feel it is a privilege to advocate for my organization, industry, or cause. This advocacy has led me to testify on several occasions in front of congressional committees, sub-committees, and several federal agencies.
Steve Andrews and Steve Gardner meeting with House Finance Chairman Spencer Bachus
RELATED ROLES
Democratic Small Business Committee
Panelist - Regarding the effect of “Big Box” retailers on Small Business concerns May 2006.
Testified U.S. Congress Financial Service Committee
Barney Frank/Chairman and Small Business Committee – Nydia Velazquez/ Chairwoman – regarding Financial Reform Bill – 2/26/10
Federal Reserve D.C.
Panel Regulatory Reform – 1/29/10
Roundtable Conference Financial Reform U.S. Treasury
Alan Krueger – Assistant Secretary and Aaron Klein – Deputy Assistant Secretary 1/10
Roundtable at SF FHLB
Herb Allison – Director of Financial Stability U.S. Treasury – 11/9/09
GAO Conference Call
Regarding CRE and the regulatory examination environment. Chaired by Chris Cole – ICBA and Robert E. Lee of the GOA
House Financial Services Committee
Sub- Committee Hearing, Capital Markets & Gov’t Sponsored Entities; Legislative Proposals to Create a Covered Bond Market in the U.S., Chaired by S. Garrett – 3/11/11
Bank Secrecy Outreach panel
2005
State of California Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance
Testified regarding Industrial Loan Company (“ILC’S) / Wal-Mart to purchase an Orange County ILC – September 2002.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Arlington/D.C.
Testified regarding Wal-Mart application for FDIC insurance April 2006.
Privacy and Municipal Deposit Bill AB
2011
Joint Informational Hearing of the Assembly and Senate Financial Committees
Regarding The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act –Panelist – March 23, 2011