Kern Named IRS Chief Inspector

WASHINGTON - IRS Commissioner Fred T. Goldberg, Jr. today announced a change in the title of the executive position responsible for internal audit and internal security programs. The position will now be known as IRS chief inspector, rather than assistant commissioner for inspection. Teddy R. Kern, presently the assistant commissioner for inspection, will assume the new title of chief inspector.

Goldberg said the change was needed to clearly define the importance of the IRS inspection service as the independent authority within the IRS to review and appraise all aspects of IRS operations. "The chief inspector reports directly to me." Goldberg said. "The autonomy of the IRS inspection service is essential, and I believe this change will enhance that perception, both inside and outside the IRS."

The IRS Commissioner has five top-level career assistants -- senior deputy commissioner, deputy commissioner for operations, chief financial officer, chief information officer and chief inspector. Only the senior deputy commissioner and the chief inspector report to the Commissioner.

The inspection service assists IRS in maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity and fairness of the IRS and its 120,000 employees by providing independent audits of over 700 programs and conducting investigations to detect and deter fraud and abuse.

Kern, who is a certified public accountant, began his IRS career in 1962 as a revenue agent in Danville, Ill. He has held several executive positions in the IRS including assistant director of the Detroit District, deputy assistant commissioner for the employee plans and exempt organizations at IRS headquarters in Washington, and deputy assistant commissioner for inspection. In 1979, he was appointed director of the Baltimore District and in March 1988 became assistant commissioner for inspection.

Kern, a native of Zeigler, Ill., earned a bachelor's degree in business from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. He and his wife, Blondell Mings Kern of West Frankfort, Ill., have two children, Scott and Debra.

Kern is a member of the American and Illinois Societies of Certified Public Accountants and the Senior Executives Association.

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