Press Release  Meredith Barrieau, First Deputy Auditor, Receives National Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants

Boston — Today, Meredith K. Barrieau, first deputy auditor for the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) was presented with the William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Barrieau received the award during the AGA’s National Leadership Training annual conference, which was held virtually. She was recognized for her leadership adopting new technologies and expanding agency wide professional development standards.

“Meredith leads by example. She demonstrates the values, integrity, and commitment to quality that has made our office a national leader in government accountability,” said Auditor Suzanne M. Bump. “Over the last year, her steady leadership has helped the OSA continue to deliver results for the residents of the Commonwealth, despite the challenges of the pandemic. I can think of no person more deserving of this significant honor.”

“The William R. Snodgrass award recognizes those who through their sustained and exceptional actions, leads to improved financial management practices, policies, systems or operations. Meredith consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards,” said Ann Ebberts, AGA chief executive officer. “From all that I know about Meredith, she exemplifies the leadership and dedication that is characterized by this award.”

“I am truly honored to receive this distinguished leadership award. I feel privileged to work for Auditor Bump and to be part of such a talented and dedicated team of professionals at the OSA,” Barrieau said. “It has been a rewarding experience to be involved in expanding OSA audit policies and professional development programs, as well as delivering meaningful audits to assist the Commonwealth and to help the office become a national leader in government accountability.”

Barrieau was one of Bump’s first hires after she was elected in 2011 and was brought on to help ensure the office met the highest standards in government auditing. She has served as first deputy auditor since 2019. During her tenure at the OSA, she has led the office’s last three successful peer reviews from the National State Auditor’s Association (2014, 2017, and 2020), revamped the office’s quality assurance and training units, and has implemented professional development programs for audit staff—including the office’s career path and internship programs.

Prior to joining the OSA, Barrieau worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 10 years, as part of both the audit division and advisory consulting practice. She is a certified public accountant, certified fraud examiner, and is also certified in financial forensics. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Anselm College in 2001.

The AGA’s William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award honors state government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.

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