IRS Appoints New Management

The Internal Revenue Service announced the selection Tuesday of several senior leaders to assist newly appointed Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel in a major agency shakeup.

Heather Maloy will handle the responsibilities of deputy commissioner for services and enforcement, W. Todd Grams will be chief of staff and David Fisher will serve as senior advisor to the Acting Commissioner and chief risk officer. Fisher’s appointment was announced last week (see IRS Appoints Executive to Restore Integrity after Controversy). The IRS said the three senior members would assist Werfel in his work to conduct a comprehensive review of IRS operations and make improvements to the nation’s tax agency.

“This group brings a strong set of management skills and government experience that will be an immediate help as we conduct our review of operations, processes and practices at the IRS,” Werfel said in a statement. “Their extensive expertise in management inside and outside the IRS will help us make improvements now and in the future. These are essential steps to restore the public’s trust and ensure the fair and effective administration of the nation’s tax system.”

Maloy will handle the responsibilities for the Services and Enforcement portion of the IRS following more than three years as commissioner of the IRS Large Business and International Division.

Grams currently serves as executive-in-charge of the Office of Management, performance improvement officer and chief financial officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has served in diverse executive roles across multiple federal agencies, including a previous tour at the IRS as chief financial officer and chief information officer.

Fisher joined the IRS after serving as chief administrative officer/chief financial officer for the Government Accountability Office, where he was responsible for a full range of functions—including budget, financial management, information technology, security, facilities and human capital. Fisher also was the co-performance improvement officer at the GAO, responsible for standing up a new Continuous Process Improvement Office and overseeing numerous projects that yielded both short- and long-term efficiency gains for the organization.

Werfel also announced that Washington attorney Jennifer O’Connor will join the Chief Counsel’s office. She will serve as a counselor to both Werfel and IRS Chief Counsel William Wilkins.

O’Connor most recently was a partner with Washington’s WilmerHale law firm, where she has been since 2002, and where her duties included managing complex investigations and litigation and providing public policy and strategic advice to a broad range of clients. At the IRS, her work will include assisting Werfel and Wilkins with the current IRS review effort.

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