The plan calls for the SEC chief William Donaldson, and commissioners and staff to reach out and solicit input from a variety of sources, including key members of Congress, investor advocates, academics, and members of the business community.

"As I said in my testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, the selection of a Chairperson for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is my number one priority," said Donaldson.

The SEC began its search Wednesday by encouraging anyone to nominate interested, qualified individuals by submitting a current resume, a brief (one-page or less) summary of qualifications and names of at least three references by March 14, 2003. Those who were considered during the last search, who remain interested, are also encouraged to communicate their continuing interest.

The SEC staff will incorporate new suggestions, update the list of qualified candidates and circulate it to the members of the SEC. Donaldson and the commissioners will narrow that list based on the criteria in the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation.

Interested individuals should send the relevant information by fax to 202-942-9555; by e-mail to rsvp@sec.gov; or by overnight mail, to the attention of Susan Ferris Wyderko, Director, Office of Investor Education and Assistance, 450 5th Street NW, Washington, DC 20549-0213.