The FTC’s Regional Offices cover
seven geographic areas. The regional offices work with the Bureaus
of Competition and Consumer
Protection to conduct investigations and litigation; provide advice
to state and local officials on the competitive implications of proposed
actions; recommend cases; provide local outreach services to consumers
and businesspersons; and coordinate activities with local, state,
and regional authorities. FTC regional offices frequently sponsor
conferences for small businesses, local authorities, and consumer
groups.
The General Counsel is the FTC’s
chief legal officer and adviser. The Office’s major functions
are representing the Commission in court and providing legal counsel
to the Commission, bureaus and other offices.
The Office of Congressional Relations
works closely with members of Congress and their staffs. The Office
informs Commissioners and FTC staff of Capitol Hill issues and policies,
and helps provide information on legislation of interest to the Commission.
It also coordinates the preparation of both Congressional testimony
and responses to Congressional inquiries concerning FTC policies and
programs.
The Office of Public Affairs provides
information to the public through the media. It issues news releases
on all significant Commission actions; responds to reporters’
inquiries; and arranges television, radio and print interviews for
FTC officials. The Office issues a weekly calendar of Commission events
and a weekly summary of press releases.
The Secretary is the Commission’s
“court clerk,” responsible for implementing the Commission’s
voting procedures, creating official records of its decisions, receiving
and serving Commission orders and other official documents, and coordinating
the preparation of responses to congressional constituent inquiries.
The Executive Director is the FTC’s
chief operating officer and manager, responsible for such matters
as administrative services, financial management, procurement, human
resources management, information and technology management, as well
as overall FTC program and policy execution. The Executive Director
directs the agency’s reauthorization and appropriations efforts,
and works closely with the bureaus on strategic planning and assessing
the management and resource implications of any proposed action.
The Office of Inspector General acts
as the “agency cop” and as such, is responsible for the
detection and prevention of waste, fraud and abuse in agency programs.
The Inspector General conducts audits and investigates allegations
of wrongdoing within the agency. Persons aware of any staff misconduct
are encouraged to call the Office of Inspector General at 202-326-2800.
Federal Trade Commission
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