<p>WASHINGTON-Former Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision Ellen Seidman will be starting full time in January as counsel to House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member John LaFalce (D-N.Y.). "It is an honor and a wonderful opportunity to join Mr. LaFalce and the Committee staff," Seidman said. "After many years of working with Congress, I look forward to contributing from the other side of the table." "I am very pleased that Ellen has chosen to work with us. She brings a breadth of substantive knowledge and experience to the Committee staff. She also has a track record of good relations with members of both parties," LaFalce said. Seidman, who served as Special Assistant for Economic Policy to former President Bill Clinton prior to her four-years of service as Director of OTS, will work on a variety of issues beyond banking, including community development, insurance and securities.</p>