Howle has headed the state’s oversight bureau since 2000, according to Ballotpedia.org, She held several positions in the California State Auditor’s Office from 1993 to 2000, including supervising auditor, audit manager and deputy state auditor. She was supervising state financial examiner at the Employment Development Department from 1992 to 1993 and supervising auditor in the Office of the Auditor General from 1983 to 1992. She was named deputy state auditor in 1999 and auditor in 2000. She is the longest-serving auditor in state history.
At a meeting this morning of the state Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Howle thanked the Legislature and her staff for all their support and said that she is honored to continue serving Californians, said Margarita Fernández, chief of public affairs for the Auditor's Office.
Howle, 59, was named one of seven Public Officials of the Year in 2012 by Governing magazine, a sister publication of Techwire.
“... Howle has worked tirelessly to root out wasteful spending and failing programs, and to find ways to make government run better,” said Governing’s profile of her. “Her wins have resulted in greater responsibilities and an enhanced role in her state.”
The auditor’s office regularly makes headlines for its reports, which summarize its investigations, findings and recommended remedies for state governmental agencies, local government entities, special districts and even educational institutions. In many ways, it functions as a county grand jury or a federal inspector general: Its personnel are given a wide berth to investigate, access to records and the ability to interview individuals. The auditor’s office then publishes its findings on its website, among other places.
Howle is a certified public accountant and a certified government financial manager. She also serves on a variety of committees for the National State Auditors Association. She is a member of the National State Auditors Association; the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers; and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She holds a bachelor's degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from California State University at Sacramento.
The auditor’s position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $201,869. Howle is registered without party preference.
