SBA IG gets Senate confirmation

The Senate today confirmed Eric Thorson as inspector general for the Small Business Administration.

Thorson currently serves as senior adviser for investigative operations and agency planning in the Office of Personnel Management. He previously served as special assistant to the Republican leader of the Senate. Earlier in his career, Thorson was the chief investigator for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in the Senate.

“With his broad investigative experience and 20 years of private practice and federal government and congressional experience, Mr. Thorson brings an exceptional background to the SBA,” said SBA Administrator Hector Barreto.

The Office of Inspector General is responsible for conducting independent reviews, audits and investigations of all SBA programs and participants to prevent fraud and abuse. It also recommends ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SBA’s programs and operations.

Thorson replaces Harold Damelin, who left in April 2005.