It’s hard to name just one person that inspired my career in public service, but there are several that stand out. First, as a new graduate, I landed a position in the Comptroller’s office of New York City. It was there that I met Marty Ives, First Deputy Comptroller. Marty was not only a great leader, but took the time to mentor and gave me opportunities to explore my capabilities. Some of the folks who have been around a while, may remember Ernie Douglas. Ernie was Commissioner of the Bureau of Government Financial Operations (now the Bureau of Fiscal Service) within the US Treasury Department. Irv inspired me not only to do the best I could but helped me understand the value of the work done every day by public servants. Another is Tom Stack. Tom retired from OMB a while ago, but his leadership, tenacity and ability to work through bureaucratic hurdles inspired many of us to dream big of what we could accomplish if we set our minds to it. These and many others that I have crossed paths with did their jobs because they believed in our democratic system and that government was there to work for the people. That, in itself, is the inspiration that continues to this day.
