GAO Executive Wins Service to America Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 17, 2013) – The leader of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) work on financial markets has won a prestigious Service to America Medal. Orice Williams Brown, Managing Director of the Financial Markets and Community Investment team at GAO, is the recipient of a 2013 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, the Partnership for Public Service announced earlier this month. Brown received her award at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. October 3.

Brown was cited for her career efforts to provide Congress with quality information and analysis on financial regulatory issues. Brown won in the category of career achievement, which is given to a federal employee with at least 20 years of federal service and a record of significant accomplishments.

“Orice’s contributions and impact over the course of her federal career make her an excellent choice for this award,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “Orice has led assignments at GAO on issues of great importance to our nation, including studies on critical risks to the U.S. financial system and our government’s responses to the recent financial crisis.”

“To that work, she has brought impressive professional abilities, a commitment to excellence, and personal integrity,” Dodaro added.

Among her assignments, Brown directed reports mandated by the Dodd-Frank legislation, the first comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending practices, and oversight of GAO audits of the Troubled Asset Relief Program. A profile of Brown is available at http://servicetoamericamedals.org/SAM/finalists/cam/brown.shtml.

“I am honored to have been recognized by the Partnership,” said Brown. “I was drawn to GAO because of its mission to improve government and hold agencies and programs accountable, and I’m very proud that the Partnership decided my efforts here merited a career achievement medal.”

For more information, contact Chuck Young in GAO’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800 or visit the Partnership for Public Service’s website at www.servicetoamericamedals.org. The press release is being distributed today because GAO was closed when the award was issued due to the government shutdown.

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The U.S. Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO's commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.