Charlie Thornton To Depart CFTC Date 28/01/2021 The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced that N. Charles “Charlie” Thornton III will leave the agency for a new opportunity in the private sector. Since 2017, Mr. Thornton has served in multiple leadership roles at the CFTC under two Chairmen, most recently as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer under Chairman Tarbert. Previously, he served as Counselor to Chairman Tarbert, developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining the CFTC’s strategic initiatives. From 2017 to 2019, Mr. Thornton served as Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA) under Chairman Giancarlo, where he was the agency’s lead liaison with Members of Congress and key executive branch agencies, and the Chairman’s top advisor on all legislative matters. OLIA’s efforts were integral in achieving an increase in the CFTC’s budget after many years of flat or reduced funding. Mr. Thornton has also served as the Designated Federal Officer for the Agriculture Advisory Committee.