Washington, D.C. -- Kay Coles James, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, has announced the appointment of David Cushing as OPM's Deputy Associate Director for the newly established office of Internal Control and Risk Management to ensure continued improvements in OPM's financial management.

"David's knowledge of inspection programs is extensive and more than prepares him for his role on the OPM team," said James. "His track record of providing leadership makes him a perfect fit for the job of helping to create an even more responsive OPM workforce. This agency is committed to high standards of professionalism in the work place, and with David's help, we will continue to ensure that OPM's internal systems and programs are efficient and effective on behalf of the American taxpayer."

In his capacity as OPM's newest Deputy Associate Director, Cushing provides Director James with advice on efforts to ensure effective accountability practices are in place; recommends policies and procedures to manage and coordinate internal risk efforts; evaluates programs to mitigate operational and other risk exposures making recommendations as needed; and, works closely with the agency's Office of Inspector General to coordinate audit activities and track the status of corrective actions.

"I have instructed David and the financial team to continue delving deeper in an aggressive effort to locate and address longstanding management problems by tearing down the drywall and ripping up the floor boards to address problems at their roots," said James. "Transparent and continuous improvement is the hallmark of any results-oriented organization, and OPM will search continuously for additional ways to improve our management systems."

Before his recent appointment, Cushing was the Assistant Inspector General for Auditing at NASA, where he reviewed agency programs. His key assignments included reviews of NASA's "return to flight" activities and the recommendations made by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

In addition, Cushing held the position of NASA's Assistant Inspector General for Inspections and Assessments, where he developed the first inspections program for the agency's Office of the Inspector General.

"David is no stranger to challenges," James said in making the announcement. "He has demonstrated that he is very capable of taking challenges and translating them into opportunities."