Leading the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS): A Conversation with Danny Werfel, Commissioner, IRS

How is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transforming how it operates and does business? What is the IRS doing to advance its digital services and enhance customer experience? How is it modernizing the agency's technology infrastructure? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Danny Werfel, Commissioner, at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on The Business of Government Hour
Broadcast Date: 
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 10:15
Author: 

Danny Werfel

Danny Werfel serves as the 50th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. As Commissioner, he presides over the nation's tax system, which collects approximately $4.1 trillion in tax revenue each year representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. Commissioner Werfel oversees an agency of about 85,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $12 billion.

Danny Werfel

Danny Werfel is the Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management (OFFM) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). He is responsible for coordinating OMB's efforts to initiate government-wide improvements in all areas of financial management.

Mr. Werfel plays a leadership role in coordinating OMB review of agency efforts under the Financial Performance, Real Property, and Improper Payments initiatives of the President's Management Agenda.

Commissioner
U.S. Internal Revenue Service - IRS
United States

Danny Werfel serves as the 50th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. As Commissioner, he presides over the nation's tax system, which collects approximately $4.1 trillion in tax revenue each year representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. Commissioner Werfel oversees an agency of about 85,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $12 billion. Commissioner Werfel has an extensive range of experience inside and outside of government. Prior to becoming Commissioner, he was the global leader of Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Public Sector practice. Previously, he was the leader of BCG's Public Sector practice in North America. In these roles, he worked with government agencies worldwide on finances, service delivery, transformation plans and risk-assessment initiatives. Before joining BCG in 2014, Commissioner Werfel served in the federal government for more than 15 years, including seven months as Acting Commissioner of the IRS from May to December 2013. Prior to his appointment as Acting Commissioner, he was Controller of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he led efforts across the federal government to improve program integrity, including all areas of financial management, financial reporting, accounting standards, improper payments and financial systems, among others. During his tenure as Controller, Commissioner Werfel assumed the responsibility of Deputy Director of Management, where he oversaw governmentwide efforts to reform and improve personnel, IT, acquisition and performance management. While at OMB, he also served as Deputy Controller, Chief of the Financial Integrity and Analysis Branch, Budget Examiner in the Education Branch, and Policy Analyst in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. During his time at OMB, Commissioner Werfel served under nine different directors in both Republican and Democratic administrations. He has also served as a Trial Attorney in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. Commissioner Werfel has received both national and local awards from the Association of Government Accountants for his contributions to Federal financial management. He received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service in 2008. He also served as a member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board from 2006 to 2009 and the Defense Business Board from 2014 to 2016. Commissioner Werfel holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Duke University, a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.