Chairman Issa Lauds Leadership Change in Troubled GAO Unit

Washington, D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) today applauded changes in the structure and leadership for the Forensic Audit and Special Investigations unit (FSI) of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) made after the revelations of serious errors in a GAO report. Rick Hillman, current Managing Director of the Financial Markets and Community Investments team, is replacing Greg Kutz, the Managing Director responsible for releasing an August 2010 report containing inaccuracies about proprietary schools. The report, updated in November, required significant revision, tarnishing the GAO’s credibility.

“Congress and the American people trust the GAO to provide impartial and objective information about federal programs that enable Congress to make informed decisions and take necessary action. This important change in leadership and organization increases my confidence these initial steps will address issues that this Committee’s ongoing investigation has identified,” said Rep. Issa today in a letter to Comptroller General Dodaro.

According to an internal GAO memo, FSI is renamed the Forensic Audits and Investigative Service (FAIS), with two new separate divisions: Audit Services and Investigative Services. All FAIS personnel will receive enhanced training, and experts will verify research and reports before their release.

Click here for GAO’s announcement of the changes and reforms.

Click here for the Chairman’s letter to Comptroller General Dodaro.

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