A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
January 17, 1996 

Contact: Rodger D. Murphey                            
(202) 401-0774

Bloom Sworn In as Inpsector General

Thomas R. Bloom was sworn in January 3 as the inspector general of the U. S. Department of Education.

He was nominated by President Clinton on July 17 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 22.

"It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Bloom to this critical position," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley. "He has the experience and expertise the job demands."

As inspector general, Bloom is responsible for the oversight of audits and investigations of department programs and activities, as well as of education-related organizations, schools and school districts receiving federal education funds.

The Office of Inspector General's mission is to promote the efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars in support of American education by providing independent and objective assistance to Congress and the Secretary in assuring continuous improvement in program delivery, effectiveness and integrity.

Bloom joins the department after serving as the chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration at the Department of Commerce since March 1994.

From 1988 to 1993, he was audit partner and co-chair of Kenneth Leventhal & Co.'s financial institutional practice and served as director of government services. From 1985 to 1988, he worked at the Federal Home Loan Bank System, where he was promoted to chief accountant.

Bloom received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan in 1975 and is a certified public accountant.

Bloom is the son of Robert and Betty Bloom of Oscoda, Mich. He resides in Great Falls, Va., with his wife Sara Nelson-Bloom and ten month old son, Pearce.