A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR RELEASE                           Contact:  Rodger D. Murphey    March 9, 1995                                      (202) 401-0774

U.S. Education Department Inspector General Thomas Retires

James B. Thomas, Jr., the Education Department's inspector general, has retired from federal service. He was named to the post in 1980, when the department was established.

"Mr. Thomas has made an invaluable contribution to this agency, the federal government and the American people," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley. "As the first and only IG this department has known, he leaves a legacy of candor and dedication that exemplifies the important work of his office. He will be sorely missed."

Thomas has been active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). He received the IIA's highest honor -- the Bradford Cadmus Award -- in 1991.

He was appointed by the comptroller general of the United States to serve as chair of the Government Auditing Standards Advisory Council which developed the 1994 Government Auditing Standards.

Thomas joined the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1960. In 1972 he became assistant director for the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) Bureau of Accounts. He returned to HUD in 1975 as inspector general, and in 1977 rejoined the ICC as director of the office in which he had previously served.

Thomas has accepted a position with the Office of the Governor in Florida. Associate Inspector General Gretchen Schwarz will serve as acting inspector general until a candidate is nominated and confirmed.

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