I am the Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice, at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The mission of GAO is to strengthen government by helping agencies do a better job in managing their programs and operations, and by assisting Congress in providing oversight over government activities. GAO's work also informs the public on the status and effectiveness of the wide array of programs that GAO reviews, from homeland security to financial markets and many other areas. In my current position, I oversee the work of analysts who study the effectiveness of various homeland security, justice and law enforcement programs, such as transportation security, immigration and border security, emergency preparedness and response, domestic and transnational gangs, civil rights enforcement and many other areas. I also testify before Congress on these topics.

EDUCATION | B.S. Accounting, Heidelberg College; Executive Fellows Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Certified Public Accountant

HOW TO GET STARTED | We generally hire people with Master's degrees in public policy or practically any discipline, such as economics, business, law, social sciences and others. We also hire people with expertise in the various issues GAO reviews, such as homeland security, justice, health care, the environment, and education, among many others. We hire the bulk of our entry level analysts through our internship program - it's a great way to come onboard at GAO, but we also hire entry level analysts outside of the internship program. Once you're hired, you join GAO's professional development program, a 2-year program where the analyst rotates through different mission teams and has varied experiences and much support, including training and advisors. After graduation from this prgoram, analysts are placed in a specific mission team. GAO also hires people with prior professional experience. In fact, I was hired at GAO after working for 11 years at other federal agencies. GAO posts openings on its web page and USAJOBS.gov.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. It is important to also work well in teams as GAO's work involves working with others.

how I got started | Typically, GAO hires people with graduate degrees in public policy and a wide array of disciplines, such as social scientists, attorneys, and people with backgrounds in the various areas it reviews, such as health care or defense. The hiring process is competitive because GAO is a well respected agency with a mission that is very attractive to those who are interested in public service. In addition, GAO's work has a significant impact in government agencies strenghtening their operations and in informing Congress about which programs to fund, as well as providing input on legislation being developed. GAO also hires individuals with prior professional experience. In fact, I joined GAO in 2002 through their executive development program, and entered the Senior Executive Service at GAO in 2003. Previously, I worked primarily at the Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service, within their Inspector General Offices where I conducted and led audits of various programs and operations. Prior to becoming Managing Director, I was a Director responsible for leading GAO's transportation security and Department of Homeland Security management issues, which involved testifying frequently on these issues as an expert witness and being interviewed by the press on GAO's work. Some of this work resulted in the Transportation Security Administration making key improvements in their security programs, such as strenghtening the screening of cargo transportated on passenger airlines, as well as the security of mass transit, passenger rail and freight rail systems. During my work at GAO, I was awarded the William A. Jump award in 2005 -- awarded to one federal employee annually under the age of 37 for outstanding achievements in public service, and was a finalist for the Service to America Medal for homeland security in 2009.

why this job?| It was the tremendous impact that this work has on strenghtening government and supporting Congress in making very important decisions about issues that touch people's lives every day. GAO brings value to government through recommendations it makes to strenghten the federal programs and operations. GAO is also a very well run and employee friendly organization, including providing many resources and much support to its staff, and having a very bright and highly motiviated workforce, among many other benefits. It is fun coming to work every day--every engagement our staff works on is a new learning opportunity involving new issues and working with different people.

why I love this job!| I love the ability to influence policy and working in such a strong, effective and staff-friendly organization. In fact, GAO was voted the 2nd best place to work in the federal government by the Partnership for Public Service's recent survey.

my typical day| Every day is different and involves many meetings withing GAO, the Congress and other federal agencies. I lead a team of 200 people ranging from entry-level analysts to senior executives. In this capacity, I often meet with teams during key points in their engagements where I will provide input in the design of their reviews and work products. I also meet with GAO's clients in Congress whom we are doing work for and also testify before Congress on GAO's work. Since my team leads GAO's work at the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, I also meet with senior officials at both departmetns to discuss GAO's work and recommendations. I also work on GAO-wide issues such as helping to plan GAO's work assessing how Recovery Act funds are being spent across the nation.

what they are | A key challenge is helping the agency we're reviewing have an open mind and see how we can add value to their work. Agencies do have some fear when GAO reviews their operations, as GAO's work is typically mandated by law or requested by Congressional Committees. Given the great demand for GAO's work by the Congress, lmited resources, and new and challenging responsibilities (such as work involving the financial crisis), it is a challenge in making sure that we can meet Congress' needs and provide them with the information they need when they need it -- although given our strong and committed workforce, we have been able to successfully do this.

all about growth | There is a lot of opportunity within GAO for professional growth and advancement. We have about 3,300 employees within our headquarters in Washington and field offices located throughout the country, and analysts have an opportunity to move among our mission teams and work on a wide range of issues. In addition to adminsitrative positions, we hire from numerous professional disciplies and offer advancement opportunitiets up to the Senior Executive level.

my website|