Athens, Ga. – The head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, David M. Walker, will highlight the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs’ first annual Getzen Lecture in Government Accountability on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. in the UGA Chapel with “The Need for Leadership and Stewardship: 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities.” The lecture is free and open to the public.
Walker became the seventh Comptroller General of the United States and began his 15-year term in 1998. As Comptroller General, Walker is the head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a legislative branch agency founded in 1921 with the responsibility of improving the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. GAO has earned a reputation for objective, fact-based, and nonpartisan reviews of government issues and operations.
“David M. Walker is a vocal critic of fiscal irresponsibility in the federal government, a strong advocate of ethical values in government, and a thoughtful contributor to debates about health care and social security reform,” said Tom Lauth, dean of UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs. “Members of the community will want to hear what he has to say.”
The agency’s role in government has evolved over the years. In 2004, some 83 years after the agency’s founding, Walker formally changed the name of the agency to encompass its evolving role and primary function. Originally known as the U.S. Government Accounting Office, today it is known as the U.S. Government Accountability Office, reflecting the scope of the agency’s role in today’s federal government.
The School of Public and International Affairs prepares students for careers in public service in Georgia, the nation and the world and is fast becoming recognized as a national and international leader in public affairs research and education. The School’s master of public administration program is one of the nation’s best for public service education and is ranked 3rd in the nation among hundreds of public affairs programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2005).
##
Note to editors: Photo and biography for David M. Walker available at: http://www.gao.gov/cghome/dwbiog.html
