News
January 11, 2012 (Bethesda, Md.) — Former Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General and current Reznick Government Principal/Senior Advisor Ken Donohue was a keynote speaker at the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association’s 2012 Commissioners Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., earlier this week. Donohue’s session was a unique opportunity for public housing authorities to engage directly with a former HUD inspector general and hear his perspective on lessons learned and best practices.
During his 90-minute presentation to several hundred participants, Donohue discussed the need to update and simplify HUD’s reporting requirements. He also focused on proactive vs. reactive real-time monitoring, saying, “With proper oversight, monitoring and compliance, public housing authorities can gain trust and respect from citizens and government.” Donohue spoke about issues the housing industry faces with regard to corruption and discussed the best steps to take before and during an audit. In addition, Donohue fielded questions from the audience and addressed the prospect of significant budget cuts, including the recapture of $750 million in HUD funds from public housing authorities.
The annual conference is designed to help housing professionals prepare for the upcoming year and learn about legislation related to housing. The conference was held at the Marriott Harbor Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from January 8 through 11. The event featured educational workshops, industry and political experts and information on current events.
About Ken Donohue
Ken Donohue is a principal and senior advisor with Reznick Government. He was the inspector general for the Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2002 to 2010. As inspector general, Donohue monitored the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which distributed federal money in New York City following the September 11 attacks. He oversaw new HUD offices opened in the Gulf region following Hurricane Katrina and monitored and tracked the government’s aid efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. His efforts with Operation Stolen Dreams garnered more than 1,500 arrests and $200 million in recoveries from mortgage fraud. Prior to serving as inspector general, Donohue had a distinguished career with the U.S. Secret Service. He is a frequent keynote speaker on housing; mortgage fraud; security; disaster preparedness and management; and the prevention of waste, fraud and abuse.
About Reznick Government
Reznick Government provides audit, accounting and financial services; program and project management; compliance and monitoring services; and forensic consulting, fraud prevention and detection services to federal, state and local governments, as well as public sector contractors. The firm employs a comprehensive project management approach that provides clients with repeatable and reliable processes and delivers government services accounting insights that help government organizations improve communication, administer fiscal and operational strategies and meet compliance requirements. For more information, visit www.reznickgovernment.com.
About Reznick Group
Reznick Group is a top 20 national public accounting firm providing accounting, tax and business advisory services to clients nationwide. The firm's industry experience includes affordable housing, financial services, renewable energy, nonprofits, professional services, commercial real estate and technology. For more information, visit www.reznickgroup.com.