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GAO’s Chief Operating Officer Wins Roger W. Jones Award for Excellence in Federal Leadership

WASHINGTON (December 7, 2023) Orice Williams Brown, Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), has been named the recipient of the 2023 Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership. The award is presented annually by American University’s Department of Public Administration and Policy to recognize federal career executives who demonstrate dedication to superior leadership in achieving their agency’s mission and developing future leaders.

“Orice is incredibly deserving of this award, and I speak for all of GAO in congratulating her on this accomplishment,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of GAO. “Orice possesses all the qualities of an outstanding leader, colleague, and mentor. Both GAO and the American people are better off because of her unwavering commitment to public service.”

Through more than 30 years of distinguished and exceptional service to Congress and the nation, Orice has overseen the publication of thousands of fact-based, non-partisan reports and testimonies aimed at saving taxpayer dollars and improving how the government operates for the American people. Her roles with GAO have included managing director in the Financial Markets and Community Investment team, managing director of Congressional Relations, and her current position as chief operating officer where she assists the Comptroller General in providing agency leadership and vision in ensuring GAO effectively supports Congress in meetings its constitutional responsibilities.

“It is a great honor to be a recipient of this year’s Roger W. Jones award and be among the distinguished public servants nominated,” said Orice Williams Brown. “I’m continuously motivated by GAO’s mission to help ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively and by the passion and dedication of our more than 3,500 highly skilled employees.”

In addition to this year’s Roger W. Jones award, Orice has won numerous honors throughout her career including the 2009 and 2017 Comptroller General’s Award and the 2013 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for Career Achievement. She has also been a National Academy of Public Administration fellow since 2018.

For more information, contact Chuck Young, Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs at youngc1@gao.gov or 202-512-4800.

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The 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 provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

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