Skip to main content

GAO Executive Wins Roger W. Jones Award for Excellence in Federal Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 13, 2017) – Patricia Dalton, Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), has been named the recipient of this year’s Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership. The award is presented annually by American University’s Department of Public Administration and Policy to two career federal executives for outstanding contributions to leadership and government continuity.

“I’m proud to be receiving the Roger W. Jones Award,” Dalton said. “I’ve held various senior-level posts at GAO over the past 16 years, and it’s a great honor to be recognized for my role in GAO’s efforts to improve government and hold programs accountable. I can’t think of a better capstone to my federal career.” Dalton retired from federal service on November 3.

Dalton was singled out for her expert management of GAO’s report pipeline, which ensures that Congress receives the high-quality, timely information it needs to oversee government operations. GAO produces nearly 700 audit reports and testimonies to Congress each year on federal policies and programs. Dalton was also cited for her management of special projects, such as GAO’s yearly report on overlap, duplication, and fragmentation across government, and for mentoring the next generation of GAO senior managers. Since 1978, the award has honored more than 78 federal career executives in Senior Executive Service (SES) positions for their exceptional public service and dedication to the work of government.

This year’s awards were presented at a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in downtown Washington on the evening of November 9.  Francis Rose, host of NewsChannel 8’s “Government Matters,” delivered the event’s keynote address.

Past honorees of the award have included a number of GAO officials, including Gene Dodaro, the current Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. The award is named in honor of Roger W. Jones (1908–1993), who served as chairman of the U.S. Civil Service Commission and deputy undersecretary of state for administration, among other appointments.

For more information, contact Chuck Young, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at (202) 512-4800.

#####

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.

Next Release:

Major Financial Challenges Facing Americans Looking Toward Retirement: GAO Issues Capstone Report on Federal Government's Role

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct, 18, 2017) — The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a new report on the major challenges facing Americans as the retiree population grows. “The Nation’s Retirement System: A Comprehensive Re-evaluation Is Needed to Better Promote Future Retirement Security” details the issues facing the nation’s retirement system and the need to reexamine how the United States ensures retirement security for its citizens.