Mulvaney names CFPB acting deputy director

The move follows the announcement of Leandra English's resignation from the post

By Francis Monfort

10 Jul 2018

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Acting Director Mick Mulvaney has selected Brian Johnson to assume the responsibilities of acting deputy director. Johnson currently serves as principal policy director at the bureau.

The announcement follows news that Leandra English is planning to step down from the role. English was appointed deputy director of the agency by former director Richard Cordray before he resigned in November.

Johnson was previously a top aide of Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas). He left the House Financial Services Committee to help Mulvaney at the CFPB.

"Brian Johnson is the first person I hired at the bureau and has been an indispensable advisor," Mulvaney said. "Brian knows the bureau like the back of his hand. He approaches his role as a public servant with humility and unsurpassed dedication. His steady character, work ethic, and commitment to free markets and consumer choice make him exactly what our country needs at this agency."

English had sued the Trump administration challenging President Donald Trump’s appointment of Mulvaney to lead the CFPB. With her resignation, she effectively drops her claim to the agency’s leadership.

Meanwhile, the White House has announced that Trump has chosen Office of Management and Budget (OMB) official Kathy Kraninger to lead the CFPB permanently. If her appointment is approved by the Senate, Kraninger will succeed her boss as head of the CFPB.