GovFin 2025: Designing a Digital Future

Mr. Walker’s appointment as Comptroller General was one of three Presidential Appointments by different Presidents (Reagan, Bush 41, and Clinton) during his 16 years of full-time federal service. The U.S. Senate confirmed him unanimously for all three Presidential appointments. His previous Presidential Appointments were Assistant Secretary of Labor for the current Employee Benefit Security Administration, and as one of two Public Trustees for Social Security and Medicare. Mr. Walker also served as Acting Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Chief Negotiator for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. He has over 20 years of private-sector experience, including approximately 10 years as a Partner and Global Managing Director of the Human Capital Services Practice for Arthur Andersen LLP. His initial private-sector experience was with Price Waterhouse & Co., Coopers & Lybrand, and Source Services Corporation.

Most recently, Mr. Walker was the Distinguished Visiting Professor (William J. Crowe Chair) at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he taught the Economics of National Security. Previously, he served as a Senior Strategic Advisor for PWC’s Public Sector Practice (now Guidehouse). Mr. Walker was the Founder, President, and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative (CAI). Prior to founding CAI, Mr. Walker served as the first President and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Previously, he served as the seventh Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for almost ten years (1998-2008). Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, GAO underwent a dramatic and highly successful transformation.

Currently, Mr. Walker is a writer, speaker, and media commentator. He has authored four books, the latest is entitled America in 2040: Still a Superpower? (2024). His prior book was entitled Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility (2010), which achieved National Bestseller status. He has been featured in a number of major programs and documentaries including 60 Minutes and the critically acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A.

Mr. Walker also serves on various boards and advisory groups, including the Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation. He is a member of Advisory Committees for American Promise; the Institute for Truth in Accounting; the Center for the Study of the Presidency the Congress; and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) for the United Nations; Chairman of the U.S. Intergovernmental Audit Forum; Chairman of the Government Transformation Initiative Board; and as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions; AARP; the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget; the Partnership for Public Service; and the Connecticut Municipal Accountability Review Board. He is also a past member of the Trilateral Commission.

Mr. Walker is an inductee in the Accounting Hall of Fame; Internal Audit Hall of Fame; National Academy of Public Administration; and National Academy of Social Insurance. In addition, he is a member of and has held various leadership positions in Rotary International and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Mr. Walker is a non-practicing CPA who has a BS in Accounting from Jacksonville University; an SMG Certificate from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University; a Capstone Certificate from the National War College; and four Honorary Doctorate degrees from American University, Bryant University, Jacksonville University, and Lincoln Memorial University. He has won numerous national and international leadership, professional, and public-service awards, including top awards from two heads of state (i.e., Austria and Indonesia) and two U.S. Cabinet Secretaries (i.e., Defense and Labor), the top award for his CPA profession (i.e., AICPA Gold Medal), and was awarded the first Alexander Hamilton Award for economic and fiscal policy leadership from the Center for the Study of the Presidency and the Congress.

Dr. Austin is the author of The Legal Brain: A Lawyer's Guide to Well-being and Better Job Performance, Cambridge University Press (2024), an essential guide for legal professionals seeking to understand the impact of chronic stress on their brain and mental health. The book translates complex scientific concepts into actionable advice for those looking to enhance their well-being and thrive amidst the demands and stressors of the profession. Chapters cover optimizing cognitive fitness and performance, avoiding or healing cognitive damage, and protecting “the lawyer brain.” This book provides valuable insights and strategies for building resilience, maintaining peak performance, and protecting your most important asset - your brain.