FDIC Ombudsman Retires — 2016-07-01

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced the retirement of Cottrell Webster as the FDIC’s Ombudsman. His retirement was effective June 30, 2016. Gordon Talbot, an Associate Ombudsman, is serving as Acting FDIC Ombudsman until a permanent replacement is appointed. The FDIC Board of Directors appointed Webster FDIC Ombudsman in 2002. The FDIC Office of the Ombudsman is a confidential, neutral, and independent source of information and assistance to anyone affected by the FDIC in its regulatory, resolution, receivership, or asset disposition activities. During his tenure, Webster regularly interacted with bankers, industry representatives, community groups, and other members of the public. During the most recent financial crisis, Webster worked closely with the banking community to address its questions, which significantly contributed to the achievement of the FDIC’s mission to preserve and promote public confidence in the U.S. financial system. Webster joined the FDIC in 1972 as an assistant bank examiner in the FDIC field office in Houston, Texas.