Jennifer Girard has been appointed performance auditor to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, effective Monday, Nov. 27.

Working under the guidance and direction of the board’s Audit Committee, the performance auditor to the board provides accurate information and objective advice to the board in its oversight of county programs by conducting performance, risk and financial reviews of county agencies, operations and county-funded programs; helping to ascertain that appropriated funds are expended for their intended purpose; and providing recommendations, consultation and insight on methods of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of county operations and programs.

This position is separate from the work of the Office of Internal Audit, which focuses on the day-to-day administration of the county under the direction of the county executive.

Girard will lead the Office of Financial and Program Auditor in planning, designing and conducting studies, surveys and evaluations of county agencies, programs and initiatives, as assigned by the Board of Supervisors or the Audit Committee.

Girard brings extensive experience in data analysis and visualization, risk assessment and mitigation, and senior leadership consultation on operational and strategic improvements, along with a history of building and supervising high-performing teams.

Girard previously worked for the American Red Cross National Headquarters, where she was hired in 2007. She began her career there as a grants and foundation partnerships senior associate and later served as knowledge management officer, before taking the role of audit analytics manager. Girard also previously served as a grant coordinator with a national nonprofit.

Girard earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from Furman University and a master’s in Latin American studies from Georgetown University. She holds certifications in fraud management and data analytics and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, among other affiliations. She is also a member of several local boards and foundations.