Following a months-long search, the School District of Palm Beach County has selected Teresa Michael as its new inspector general. She will replace Lung Chiu, who is retiring this year. The school board approved Michael’s selection during a special board meeting on June 24.
“I feel deeply honored and privileged to have been chosen and to serve as the next inspector general,” Michael said. “I am excited to start working with the great team of professionals Mr. Chiu has assembled, as well as the many outstanding administrators, teachers and support staff throughout the district.”
She will lead the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which provides increased accountability, promotes fiscal responsibility, assists management in the establishment and maintenance of effective systems of control, and provides increased oversight in improving district operations.
The OIG also assists in improving operations, including deterring and identifying fraud, waste, abuse and illegal acts.
Michael has more than 20 years of experience supervising thorough investigations, preventing financial fraud, contract violations and regulatory risk. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Additionally, she is a certified inspector general, CIG investigator, certified fraud examiner and a Florida certified contract manager. Most recently, she worked as an investigator for the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General.
“One of my first goals is to meet and establish solid lines of communication with the district stakeholders and understand their concerns and goals,” Michael said. “This will be the only way the OIG can be effective in assisting our team in being successful and providing the oversight the citizens deserve.”
