🔄PCAOB Gets a New Boss: George Botic Steps Up

Acclara AI•July 21, 2025

The SEC has appointed George Botic as the Acting Chair of the PCAOB, following Erica Williams' resignation. Botic, a seasoned CPA, steps into the role with a wealth of experience.

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Key Points

•📅 Effective Date: Botic steps in on July 23, 2025
•🚪 Exit Stage Left: Erica Williams resigns effective July 22, 2025
•🧑‍💼 Meet the New Boss: George Botic, a CPA and PCAOB board member since 2023
•🏛️ Background: Botic has held various significant roles within PCAOB and PricewaterhouseCoopers
•📜 Legislative Roots: PCAOB was founded under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

🎬 The Plot Unfolds

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a significant change at the helm of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Effective July 23, 2025, George R. Botic will take over as Acting Chair. This follows the unexpected resignation of current Chair Erica Y. Williams, effective July 22, 2025.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins expressed his gratitude, stating, "I thank Erica Williams for her dedicated service on the Board, and I look forward to working with George Botic as Acting Chair."

Botic, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been a PCAOB Board Member since October 25, 2023, and previously served as the Director of the PCAOB’s Division of Registration and Inspections.

🧑‍💼 Who is George Botic?

George Botic isn't new to the intricacies of public company audits. Before joining the PCAOB Board, he oversaw the registration and inspection of all domestic and foreign accounting firms auditing public companies trading in the U.S. He also managed all broker-dealer audits. Botic's journey within the PCAOB saw him in various roles, including Director of the Office of International Affairs, Special Advisor to former Chairperson James R. Doty, and Deputy Director of the Registration and Inspections Division.

Earlier in his career, Botic honed his skills as a Senior Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers. His academic credentials include a degree from Shepherd University and a Master of Accountancy from Virginia Tech.

📜 The PCAOB's Mission

The PCAOB was brought to life by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, a legislative response to financial scandals that rocked the early 2000s. The Board is tasked with overseeing the audits of financial statements of public companies, brokers, and dealers. This includes registration, standard setting, inspection, and disciplinary programs to ensure the integrity of financial reporting.

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC selects the members and Chairperson of the PCAOB, ensuring a robust framework for financial accountability.