Gene L. Dodaro, the comptroller general of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, will deliver the University of Georgia’s annual Ethics Week Lecture on Oct. 31.
Sponsored by the School of Public and International Affairs, the lecture is designated as one of the university’s Signature Lectures, which feature speakers noted for their broad, multidisciplinary appeal and compelling bodies of work. The lecture begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel.
“We’re deeply honored to welcome Mr. Dodaro to the University of Georgia for this year’s Ethics Week Lecture,” said Matthew R. Auer, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs. “With more than a half-century of public service at GAO, Mr. Dodaro has unmatched knowledge of U.S. federal government operations, including the good and the less good. He has spent decades holding government accountable and, in the process, serving the public interest.”
The lecture is free and open to the public, but due to limited seating, registration is encouraged.
Dodaro became the eighth comptroller general and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2010, when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He had been serving as acting comptroller general since 2008. In all, Dodaro’s career at GAO spans more than 50 years.
Dodaro has testified before Congress dozens of times on important national issues including the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government’s long-term fiscal outlook and efforts to reduce and eliminate overlap and duplication across the federal government. He has also briefed lawmakers on GAO’s “High Risk List” that focuses on major challenges ranging from reducing improper payments under Medicare and Medicaid to improving the Department of Defense’s business practices. In addition, Dodaro leads GAO’s efforts to provide Congress with insight into topics such as science, technology and cybersecurity.
“This lecture is an exciting opportunity for our students and faculty to hear from someone who has played a critical role in the U.S. government for more than 50 years,” said S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We are fortunate to have someone of Mr. Dodaro’s stature come to UGA and share his experience with our campus community.”
The Ethics Week Lecture is part of the university’s observance of Ethics Awareness Week, an event designed to highlight the institution’s ongoing effort to promote an ethical culture on campus and to raise awareness about ethics resources available at UGA. The annual observance is designated by the University System of Georgia across all USG institutions as an important reminder of shared core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect.