Career moves

The well-known muni strategist said he's pursuing "more market-related opportunities."

The Boston-based Nixon Peabody added seasoned municipal finance expert Michael Melzer as a partner, while Barclays lost three professionals.

Mary Simpkins, who joined the SEC's Office of Municipal Securities in November 1997, is retiring.

The departures happened around the time Barclays handed out companywide bonuses and coincided with the firm in the process of shrinking its muni footprint in the regions, according to sources.

The state treasurer is seeking someone willing to take the role on a permanent basis.

Firms like Siebert Williams Shank and Huntington have begun stacking their benches with municipal finance talent amid tax exemption uncertainty.

Rhonda Skoby and Rachel Lochner joined the Minneapolis public finance practice of Taft, Stettinier and Hollister as partner and associate, respectively.

Michael Melzer joined Nixon Peabody's Chicago office as a partner, bringing wide-ranging experience in public finance.

Glenn Hegar, the state comptroller since 2015, was chosen as the next chancellor for the Texas A&M University System by its board of regents.

Nakahata was appointed chief deputy executive director and chief operating officer of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank.