SEC Announces Exit of Enforcement Deputy Director Jones
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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on December 29 that its Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Southeast), Nekia Hackworth Jones, has officially concluded her tenure with the agency as of December 26, 2025.
The securities regulator’s Director of the Division of Enforcement, Margaret A. Ryan, commented on Jones’ time with the agency, saying that she is thankful that Jones answered the call to return to public service and for her leadership in the Division of Enforcement.
“She has shown deep commitment to her colleagues, the Division, and the Commission, all motivated by her passion for protecting investors. We deeply appreciate her contributions to the agency’s mission and wish her the best.” Ryan added.
Commenting on her time with the SEC, Jones said that serving at the SEC for almost five years has been a pleasure and a privilege. She added that, both as Atlanta Regional Director and the Deputy Director overseeing the Home Office and the Atlanta and Miami regional offices, she has seen colleagues across the agency show a relentless commitment to protecting investors. They also displayed impeccable judgment in carrying out the agency’s mission, as well as tremendous expertise in every aspect of the securities industry.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to Chairman Paul Atkins, former Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda, and current and former Directors of the Divisions of Enforcement and Examinations for entrusting me with this remarkable opportunity to help protect investors and the markets,” Jones concluded.
Jones’ Roles With The SEC
Jones took on the role of the Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Southeast) in April 2025. After being appointed, her role was to supervise the agency’s enforcement investigations and litigations across the Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Miami offices, the SEC announcement said.
Before this, Jones acted as the Regional Director of the Atlanta Regional Office from March 2021 until April 2025. While holding this position, she supervised over 100 attorneys, accountants, analysts, securities compliance examiners, and other staff. She also led the regional examinations and enforcement programs covering multiple states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Before she joined the SEC, she also spent nearly a decade with the US Department of Justice, in several positions, including the Assistant United States Attorney in the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. She was also a Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, and later an Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Executive Director of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.
