Farewell Statement

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as a Board Member of the PCAOB these past four years.  In serving on the Board, I was firmly rooted in our investor protection mission and the imperative to advance audit quality.

I have been mission-focused for my entire professional career, in service to the public: 32 years in the US Air Force, more than a decade in senior executive service in the federal government, and four years at the PCAOB. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to work with many incredibly talented professionals. In my time at the PCAOB, I have witnessed up close a staff of experts who dedicate themselves to investor protection and bring their extensive knowledge and skills to bear in executing their responsibilities.  For example, I have observed in the field how our inspectors execute their roles with professionalism and care, and I have worked alongside our talented international affairs staff in collaborating with foreign counterparts. 

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all staff for their commitment to excellence in advancing audit quality. Those efforts have paid off: we have seen notable decreases in firm audit deficiencies; inspection reports are being issued more expeditiously; and stakeholders have access to more staff guidance and data regarding our oversight activities. 

I also want to thank my fellow Board members for their collegiality and candor over the years. While we did not always agree, our deliberations were respectful and enlightening.  Additionally, I would like to thank the SEC and the various stakeholders I have engaged with, who all play a part in advancing the PCAOB’s investor protection mission. 

Finally, I want to thank the Board staff, particularly my exceptional team, for their extraordinary support during my tenure.