Leader in Federal Government Receives 2022 Administrator of the Year Award

PROVO, Utah – Jun 30, 2022 – US Comptroller General Gene Dodaro recently accepted the 2022 Administrator of the Year Award. This award is presented annually by the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics at the BYU Marriott School of Business.

Dodaro has served in the public sector for 49 years through his work with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO provides government leaders with nonpartisan data designed to help them make better informed financial decisions. In 2010, Dodaro was confirmed by the US Senate as the US Comptroller General, which—in addition to bestowing him with responsibilities such as testifying before Congress—placed him at the head of the GAO. Despite the occasional stress that comes with juggling his many duties, Dodaro says he thoroughly enjoys working with other public servants who are committed to improving the lives of their fellow Americans.

"In the GAO, we have a tremendous workforce of dedicated people who are committed to public service and to doing what will best support Congress and the American people,” Dodaro says. “Working in that kind of atmosphere is a wonderful experience. While the journey has been meaningful, I’ve enjoyed the people I’ve met along the way even more.”  

In addition to loving the people with whom he works, Dodaro also relishes opportunities to appear before Congress. “I love chances to interact directly with policymakers. I can make a difference by giving sound advice on how to improve our government,” he says. “Every day, I remember why GAO exists—to help our nation’s leaders make informed decisions.” 

Dodaro was drawn to a career in public service because he wanted his personal efforts to make a significant impact on his country. “I started working in the government because I didn’t want to be someone who just sat around and complained about what was happening in the country; I wanted to have the ability to positively impact the government,” he says. “I believe we are here on Earth to help others, and my career has allowed me to do that."

“I’ve stayed with the GAO for all these years because I love the wide variety of interesting issues we work with,” he continues. “In the Government Accountability Office, we are not confined to a particular department or agency. I’m constantly learning, and I can give back to my country.”

When he was presented with his award at the Romney Institute’s end-of-year banquet, Dodaro spoke with MPA faculty members and the 2022 MPA graduating class about the importance of pursuing a career in public service. “Public service is a noble profession,” he said. “We need good people in government, like you, who have high ethics, integrity, and competence. In your future careers, I hope you take advantage of opportunities to solve many of the problems we see in our world today. 

“When you work in the public sector, you can do things that help create a better standard of living and that will benefit your children and grandchildren in the future,” he continued. “Ultimately, I believe investing in public service is important.” 

The Administrator of the Year Award is presented annually by the Romney Institute to an individual who has built a noteworthy career in the public or nonprofit sector. Award recipients are recognized for both their contributions to their fields and their exemplary leadership qualities.