WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is thrilled to welcome three former CFPB officials as visiting senior fellows focusing on the organization’s economic justice advocacy work. Eric Halperin served as the CFPB’s enforcement director, Tara Mikillineni served as senior advisor to the enforcement director, and Brad Lipton served most recently as senior advisor to the General Counsel. This team of CFPB officials brings an invaluable wealth of expertise in consumer protection to CFA and its over 200 members across the country.
“As Americans face growing economic injustices, it is an ‘all hands on deck’ approach for CFA, and we are excited to have Eric, Tara and Brad as part of our team to join the fight and stand up for consumers,” said Susan Weinstock, President and CEO of the Consumer Federation of America. “Bringing the expertise of these senior fellows to CFA is a win for America’s consumers as they work to conduct research and advocate for a fair marketplace where consumers can thrive.”
Eric Halperin led the CFPB through some of its most significant enforcement actions that brought predatory actors to heel, recovering billions of dollars in relief for Americans. He has a long history of litigating against a multitude of bad actors to ensure that everyday, hard working Americans get a fair shake. “At the very moment that consumers face increasing risks in the financial marketplace, the federal government is dramatically pulling back from the protections put in place in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. We must do everything we can to protect people from predatory and illegal conduct, said Eric Halperin, Visiting Senior Fellow. “I look forward to working with the outstanding team at CFA to meet the urgency of this moment.”
Tara Mikkilineni worked closely with CFPB Enforcement leadership in holding some of the most powerful corporate lawbreakers accountable to the consumers they harmed. Tara’s background as a public defender, civil rights litigator, and fair lending attorney evidences her dedication to helping the most vulnerable consumers. “This is a uniquely dangerous time for consumers, and particularly so for the most financially vulnerable,” said Tara Mikkilineni, Visiting Senior Fellow. “Now more than ever we must work towards building enduring protections for consumers so they can have financial security, build wealth and create sustainable futures for themselves and their families.”
Brad Lipton served at the CFPB for over a decade, where he was involved in nearly all aspects of the CFPB’s management, including strategy, policy, and litigation, building partnerships with states across the country, and developing and advising on regulatory action, pending cases, and enforcement. “Fighting for economic justice is more important now than at any time in memory, as corporations take advantage of their growing power to manipulate our society and government,” said Brad Lipton, Visiting Senior Fellow. “We must take bold steps to make the system fair for everyone. I am excited to be joining the dedicated group at CFA that has had such a leadership role on these issues.”