Michele J. Hooper, co-founder of The Directors' Council, and Barry Melancon, president and chief executive officer of the American Institute of CPAs, will serve as the organization's co-vice chairs.

The Center for Audit Quality is made up of approximately 800 public company auditing firms and led by a governing board that comprises leaders from eight public company auditing firms, the American Institute of CPAs and the investor and issuer communities.

"We are very excited to have such distinguished leaders for our governing board," said Cindy Fornelli, executive director of the CAQ. "Their willingness to take on these roles reflects their commitment to the CAQ's goal of improving public company audits and protecting investors."

Turley joined E&Y in 1977. He became a U.S. partner in 1987, and was named deputy chairman in 2000 and chairman and CEO in 2001.

"I am honored to chair the CAQ's governing board," Turley said. "The CAQ has accomplished a great deal in the few months since its inception in January, but there is much more to be done. Its mission is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the capital markets, and I want to be a vital part of leading that effort."

Hooper, one of the CAQ's three newly-appointed public board members, previously served as president and CEO of Stadtlander Drug Company, Inc. Melancon has headed the AICPA since 1995.

"Serving as co-vice chairs, Michele and Barry will bring the perspectives of the investing public and smaller audit firms, respectively, to the governing board's deliberations," Fornelli said.