Governor Tom Corbett today announced that Inspector General Kenya Mann Faulkner has resigned her cabinet post in order to accept the position of general counsel at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.
“As Inspector General, Kenya’s mission was to ensure integrity, accountability and confidence in public programs, employees and contracts. She has worked diligently to exceed that goal,’’ Corbett said.
“Kenya has been aggressive in preserving the independence of the Office of Inspector General and protecting the citizens of this state from fraud, waste and abuse in state government,’’ Corbett said.
During Faulkner’s leadership, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) qualified the department’s investigators as Certified Fraud Examiners, updated its mission statement to reflect the priorities of teamwork and professionalism, and began a monthly process of publicly releasing the names of those adjudicated for welfare fraud.
Also during her tenure, Faulkner testified before the U.S. Congress regarding the joint state and federal fight against food stamp trafficking, an area in which the Pennsylvania OIG has distinguished itself.
The office, with 243 employees and a $26.6 million budget, also marked its 25th anniversary.
Faulkner, 45, of Ambler, Montgomery County, began her legal career as a public defender in Philadelphia and served on the Philadelphia Independent Board of Ethics. She worked as a prosecutor on a state and federal level, handling complex drug, fraud and corruption cases, as well as in the private sector conducting internal investigations for government agencies.
A graduate of Niagara University, Faulkner earned her law degree from the State University of New York, University of Buffalo Law School. She will serve in her post as Inspector General until March 29.
“I appreciate Governor Corbett’s confidence and trust in appointing me to this position,’’ Faulkner said. “I also want to thank all the dedicated employees of the Office of Inspector General for their hard work and support.’’
Corbett thanked Faulkner for “her unwavering commitment to my administration and the Office of the Inspector General.’’
“Kenya has served this commonwealth with great distinction and I am extremely proud that the University of Cincinnati has selected her to be its general counsel,’’ Corbett said.
For more information, visit www.pa.gov.