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David Walker will leave his position as U.S. comptroller general and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on March 12 to become president and chief executive officer of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. “This was a very difficult decision for me,” said Walker, who is known for his outspoken criticism of wasteful government spending. “In the final analysis, while I love both my job as comptroller general and the GAO, I love my country more, and I believe that leading this foundation represents a unique opportunity and will be good for my country.” Last year, Walker said the U.S. government is on a “burning platform” of policies that cannot be sustained in the long run. At the time, he drew parallels between the current state of affairs in the U.S. and the Roman Empire in its final years. “As comptroller general of the United States and head of the GAO, there are real limitations on what I can do and say in connection with key public policy issues, especially issues that directly relate to GAO’s client — the Congress,” Walker said. “My new position will provide me with the ability and resources to more aggressively address a range of current and emerging challenges facing our country, including advocating specific policy solutions and courses of action.” Walker added that his new job will allow him to “sharpen” his message. Gene Dodaro, currently GAO’s chief operating officer, will serve as acting comptroller general until a permanent replacement for Walker is found. |
