FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Watchdogs of Washington: Jay Lerner Explains the “Most Important Public Servant You’ve Never Heard Of”
New York, NY — March 5, 2026 — The Good Government Show shines a spotlight on one of the most consequential — and least understood — roles in American government: the Inspector General.
In a new episode, host Dave Martin speaks with Jay Lerner, former Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), longtime Justice Department prosecutor, and National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellow. Lerner offers a rare, plain-English look at how Inspectors General protect the public by detecting and deterring waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement — and why their independence matters to every taxpayer.
“It’s been characterized as the most important public servant you’ve never heard of,” Lerner says. “Oversight provides a deterrent effect. People stop and think: I don’t want the IG looking at this.”
Lerner explains how the FDIC — created after the Great Depression — provides stability by insuring bank deposits up to $250,000 and stepping in when banks fail. He also details the modern Inspector General system, born out of post-Watergate reforms, designed to serve as an independent watchdog inside federal agencies while reporting findings to both agency leadership and Congress.
The conversation highlights the measurable impact of oversight: Lerner cites reported results showing $71 billion in savings in 2024 from Inspector General work — roughly $18 returned for every $1 invested — while emphasizing that some of the most important benefits (deterrence, integrity, public trust) can’t be captured in a dollar figure.
Beyond the numbers, Lerner shares how oversight leads to real operational improvements — including major FDIC reforms after Inspector General reports on enterprise risk management and crisis readiness, each resulting in new offices and strengthened preparedness.
The episode also explores the human side of public service. After 31 years in government, Lerner describes why he stayed: “What was driving me is the mission of government… serving the American people.” He also challenges common stereotypes about government workers: “People work really hard, and they really try to do the right thing.”
Lerner is also a contributor to the forthcoming book Inspectors General: Accountability and Action, and now teaches oversight and accountability at George Washington University, continuing his work to strengthen public trust through transparency and facts.
The full episode featuring Jay Lerner is available now at GoodGovernmentShow.com and on all major podcast platforms.
Media Contact:
Dave Martin
dave.goodgovpodcast@gmail.com
646-483-5898
About The Good Government Show:
The Good Government Show highlights leaders and programs that demonstrate government working for people — through competence, accountability, and service.