Dave Powner returns to GAO, this time to advocate for its bipartisan, cost-saving work

GAO’s Information Technology Management Issues Director Dave Powner (center) arrive to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the 2020 Census May 8, 2018. Andrew Harnik/AP

The Government Accountability Office’s new congressional relations official is focused on highlighting the watchdog’s bipartisan work and cost savings as the nonpartisan agency’s longtime head prepares to step down before the end of the year. 

Dave Powner returned to GAO earlier this month after a roughly seven-year stint with non-profit research giant MITRE, where he worked as executive director for the organization’s Center for Data-Driven Policy and as director of strategic engagement and partnerships. He previously served as GAO’s director of IT issues from 2002 through 2018. 

In an interview with Nextgov/FCW, Powner said the impending departure of Comptroller General Gene Dodaro — who leads GAO — means that “it's really important for ...