Hon. David M. Walker
Credentials
Education
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Bachelor's in Accounting — Jacksonville University
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Senior Management in Government — JFK School at Harvard
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CAPSTONE Certificate — National Defense University
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Four Honorary Doctorate Degrees
Recognition
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AICPA Gold Medal — the profession's highest honor
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Inducted into four Halls of Fame, including International Accounting and Auditing
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Non-practicing CPA with 40+ years of executive experience
OVERVIEw
Who is David Walker?
David Walker is one of the most respected voices in American fiscal policy. He spent nearly a decade running the Government Accountability Office — the independent agency that audits the federal government and advises Congress on how taxpayer money is spent.
He's been appointed by presidents from both political parties. Every time, the Senate confirmed him unanimously. He's served as a Public Trustee for Social Security and Medicare, authored four books, and appeared on 60 Minutes and in the nationally acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A.
Today, David is joining Joe Penland Sr. on The Head and The Heart Tour to bring that experience directly to the American people — free events, real data, and honest conversation about the future of Social Security.
CAREER
A career built on accountability
David Walker has spent more than 40 years at the highest levels of public service, private enterprise, and nonprofit leadership.
As the seventh Comptroller General of the United States, David led the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for nearly 10 years. The GAO is the independent, nonpartisan agency responsible for auditing the federal government and reporting directly to Congress. It was one of three presidential appointments David received from presidents of both political parties — each confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate.
Before and after the GAO, David's career spanned every sector. He headed two federal agencies responsible for enforcing the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) — the law that protects Americans' retirement and pension plans. He led a global professional services line for Arthur Andersen LLP. And he served as the first Chairman of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee for the United Nations.
Whether it was the federal government, the private sector, or the international stage, David's career has always come back to one principle: the people who manage other people's money should be held accountable.
The mission
Why Social Security is personal
This isn't an abstract policy topic for David Walker. From 1990 to 1995, he served as one of two Public Trustees for Social Security and Medicare — a role that gave him direct, hands-on oversight of the programs that millions of Americans depend on for their retirement.
That experience gave David a front-row seat to the structural challenges facing Social Security long before most people were paying attention. He saw the math. He raised the alarms. And for decades since, he's been one of the loudest and most credible voices calling for action before it's too late.
It's why he's joined Joe Penland Sr. on The Head and The Heart Tour — to bring that institutional knowledge out of Washington and directly into the communities that need it most.
BOOKS & MEDIA
In the Public Eye
David Walker hasn't just worked behind closed doors. He's spent decades bringing fiscal reality directly to the American public.
60 Minutes
Primary subject of a nationally aired segment focused on America's fiscal challenges and the growing national debt.
I.O.U.S.A. (documentary)
Central figure in the critically acclaimed documentary examining the national debt crisis and what it means for future generations.
Comeback America (2010)
National bestseller laying out a clear roadmap for turning the country around and restoring fiscal responsibility.
America in 2040: Still a Superpower?
His most recent book examining whether the U.S. can maintain global leadership amid mounting debt and underfunded entitlement programs.
Current roles
Still leading, still fighting
David's most recent full-time academic post was as Distinguished Visiting Professor and Crowe Chair at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he taught the Economics of National Security.
He currently serves on multiple government and nonprofit boards, including:
THE Defense
Business Board
Advises the Secretary of Defense on applying best business practices to the DOD.
Federal Fiscal
Sustainability Foundation
Promotes nonpartisan solutions to America's long-term fiscal challenges.
No Labels
(National Co-Founder)
A national movement bringing together both parties and independents to solve problems.
