James Howard Arp is a Director in GAO’s Forensic Audits and Investigative Service team. He oversees investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse. Howard directs investigative staff responsible for conducting congressional oversight investigations of alleged violations of federal criminal law and serious abuse; integrating this work within GAO’s audit and evaluation work; and overseeing GAO’s FraudNet Hotline.

Howard joined GAO in 2014 in the Office of Inspector General (OIG). Prior to joining GAO, Howard’s federal law enforcement career includes positions with the U.S. Small Business Administration OIG, U.S. Customs Service and Drug Enforcement Administration. Howard has more than 23 years of experience, including 14 years in the Inspector General community.

Howard received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Angelo State University.