Comptroller General Leaving for Love of Country

Still, Walker's efforts to revamp the GAO's internal pay practices did not go smoothly. In 2005, he split a pay band, or salary range, in two, sparking complaints that led to a congressional hearing and fueled a decision by GAO analysts to unionize. Some GAO employees thought they were not treated fairly in the split. Others were angered when they did not receive a raise, the practice across most of the government, in 2006.

The pay-band split, Walker said, was "the most controversial thing by far that we have done and the thing that led to the most emotion and ultimately led to the union."

In hindsight, he said, the switch to new compensation practices should have included a guaranteed base pay raise for all employees, "to ease the transition."

Most employees see a guaranteed raise as a way to protect their purchasing power, and Walker said the idea may make sense for government agencies that seek to leave the General Schedule for performance-based systems.

Walker, 56, is leaving the GAO to lead a foundation started by Peter G. Peterson, co-founder of the Blackstone Group, a private investment banking firm. Peterson, 81, has pledged $1 billion to the foundation for research and projects to address the federal budget deficit, federal entitlement programs and social problems.

Engaging the public on the nation's fiscal challenges means advocating solutions, building coalitions and mobilizing grass-roots campaigns, Walker said. He could not do that while at the GAO, he said.

Walker said the timing was right to take "the unique opportunity" to join Peterson to work on national issues.

"I know myself well enough to know that I'm an innovator and a change agent. I'm not a maintenance guy. I can do maintenance mode, but that is not my highest and best use," Walker said.

Gene L. Dodaro, the GAO's chief operating officer and a longtime career official, will serve as the acting comptroller general when Walker steps down Wednesday. Congress and the White House jointly select comptrollers general, and that can be a lengthy process. Nearly two years passed before an agreement was reached to appoint Walker, who took office in 1998.

"I love my job. I love GAO. But I love my country more," Walker said of his decision. "I'm really concerned about the future of the country."

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.