Kirsten Sutton Mork Named CFPB Chief of Staff

On Friday, Kirsten Sutton Mork  was named Chief of Staff of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This appointment fills the position last held by Leandra English. English’s status at the CFPB remains contentious as she continues to assert her appointment of Interim Director over President Trump’s own pick of Mick Mulvaney to lead the agency.

Some in the industry are questioning what Mork's appointment may mean for the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, since she has served as a long-time aide to one of the Bureau's most out-spoken critics, Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), in her current role as Staff Director of the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC).

"As one of my longest-serving and most dedicated aides, Kirsten has been an indispensable adviser to me for the last nine years. Her leadership, deep understanding of financial policy and the legislative process, strength of character, and commitment to conservative principles have been vital to the great victories the committee has achieved for the American People during her tenure here," said Hensarling in a press statement.

In her new role, Mork will be joining another previous Hensarling aide, Brian Johnson who  took a job as senior adviser to Mulvaney  from his previous role as senior counsel of HFSC. In addition, Hensarling himself has been named as a possible permanent replacement as CFPB Director.

On the HFSC, Shannon McGahn will succeed Mork, leaving her position as Counselor to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“I am pleased to welcome Shannon back to the Financial Services Committee. Her leadership will be invaluable this year as we work to put forth bold solutions to reform our broken housing finance system and continue our efforts to pass legislation that promotes a healthy economy that is working for all working Americans,” Hensarling said.