Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Inspector General Geoffrey Cherrington has announced the appointment of Kimberly A. Howell to the position of assistant inspector general for investigations (AIGI), where she will oversee the department's internal investigations into potential criminal fraud, waste and abuse.
"I look forward to working with Ms. Howell to ensure that Metro is accountable to the taxpayers and jurisdictions that we serve by working to prevent fraud, waste and abuse," said Inspector General Cherrington. "Ms. Howell brings a wealth of experience to the position including extensive investigative work and background as a Federal law enforcement officer."
"I would also like to thank and congratulate outgoing AIGI Isabel Cumming for her strong leadership and dedication over the past seven years," Cherrington added. Cumming is leaving Metro to become the Inspector General for the City of Baltimore.
Howell comes to Metro from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) where she served as the Director of the Office of Investigations responsible for overseeing nationwide investigations of alleged criminal and civil wrongdoing within the NRC jurisdiction.
Howell has had a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years of public service. She began her Federal law enforcement career as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service in 1993 and held increasingly responsible Federal law enforcement positions with several federal agencies. Howell entered the Senior Executive Service in 2011 when she was selected as Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations with the Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General.
Howell is a Certified Fraud Examiner and holds a Bachelor's Degree in administration of justice from Howard University, a graduate certificate in Inspector General Leadership from American University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from American Public University. In addition, she is an adjunct assistant professor in the Criminology/Criminal Justice Program at the University of Maryland University College.
Howell will report directly to WMATA Inspector General Geoffrey Cherrington.