rctracy@comcast.net
503-292-9242
In the final few months of graduate school in 1976, I was in high panic about my first job working in government. Having abandoned my career in merchandising with I. Magnin department stores, I was looking for a new career that would provide more “meaning” and offer more personal satisfaction. But was government the answer to my search? Could I make a difference in the bureaucracy? Now, thirty years later, after a career managing and directing performance audits for the State of California and the City of Portland, Oregon, I can answer a resounding “yes!”
My work as a performance auditor in state and local government has been immensely satisfying, providing a unique opportunity to help managers provide services more effectively, efficiently, and with greater accountability to citizens. Public sector management is not easy – shifting political cultures, volatile resources, and institutional inertia make achieving results difficult and challenging. But I have learned that creative thinking, disciplined efforts, and a steady focus on mission and objectives can lead to success even in the most trying of government environments.
Several leadership experiences have helped add depth and breadth to my career in government financial and operations management. I served as Chair of the Government Auditing Standards Advisory Council of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and more recently as a member of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). I also served as President of the National Association of Local Government Auditors and as Vice President of the City Club of Portland. In 2005, I was honored to receive the Harry S. Hatry Distinguished Performance Measurement Practice Award from the American Society of Public Administration.
As a member of the PSG Network, I feel fortunate to be able to continue to offer my skills in helping others achieve excellence in government. The PSG commitment to results-based government and transformation is a perfect fit with my philosophy of continuous improvement in government service delivery. I enjoy working with my talented PSG colleagues and Network members in helping public agencies succeed. |
