Timothy J. Muris Becomes FTC Chairman

Timothy J. Muris was sworn in yesterday as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. President George W. Bush named Muris, a Republican, on April 26, 2001 and he was confirmed by the Senate on May 25, 2001. Muris, 51, is the Commission's 55th Chairman.

Muris has held three previous positions at the Commission: Assistant Director of the Planning Office (1974-1976), Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection (1981-1983), and Director of the Bureau of Competition (1983-1985).

After leaving the FTC in 1985, Muris served with the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget for three years, and afterward as Of Counsel with the law firm of Collier, Shannon, Rill & Scott (1992-2000) and Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White (2000-2001). Muris joined George Mason University School of Law as a Foundation Professor in 1988 and was interim dean of the law school from 1996 to 1997.

Muris graduated with high honors from San Diego State University in 1971 and received his J.D. from UCLA in 1974. He was awarded Order of the Coif and was associate editor of the UCLA Law Review. A member of the American Bar Association's Antitrust Section, Muris has written widely on antitrust, consumer protection, regulatory, and budget issues. In 1981, he served as the Deputy Counsel to the Presidential Task Force on Regulatory Relief.

Muris resides in Oakton, Virginia with his wife, Pamela Harmon, and three children.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov.