Press Release  Suzanne M. Bump Sworn-in for Third Term as State Auditor

Boston — Suzanne M. Bump was sworn in today for her third term as State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. First elected in 2010, Bump is the 25^th State Auditor and is the first woman to hold the position. Former State Representative Byron Rushing administered the oath of office in the chapel of the African Meeting House.

“Some think of the Auditor as a government watchdog, and while we are that, we in the Auditor’s office would rather be recognized for our problem-solving abilities than our curled lip or ferocious snarl,” said Bump at the ceremony. “Our goal is to make government work better and to build public trust through accountability. That is the mission of all the talented and dedicated men and women in the Auditor’s office.”

Since taking office in 2011, Auditor Bump has aimed to make government work better for every resident of the Commonwealth. Over the past eight years, through audits, reports and investigations, her office has identified more than $1.3 billion in savings, inefficiencies, misspending and fraud.

“Since we served together in the Massachusetts Legislature, I’ve had the honor of calling Suzanne Bump a friend and colleague. Together, over these years, we have seen significant change and overcome daunting challenges to improve the lives of residents of the Commonwealth,” said Rushing. “I appreciate this honor to swear her in for a new term as State Auditor and to do it at the iconic African Meeting House. I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish over the next four years.”

“Congratulations to Auditor Suzanne Bump on her swearing-in ceremony. Auditor Bump has implemented significant changes to the Auditor’s office, including spearheading the use of innovative technologies to better serve the residents of Massachusetts. I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of the Commonwealth,” said Easton State Representative Claire D. Cronin, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event.  

In her inaugural remarks, Auditor Bump highlighted the importance of accountability in building public trust in government, challenging state agencies to break down the silos that prevent them from adequately serving the residents of the Commonwealth, and developing new solutions to lingering challenges.

“The imperative that our work advance the interests of the Commonwealth means that we identify not just improper payments, waste, and fraud in state government, but also that we address the root causes of system failures, identify barriers of access to state services, and assist agency efforts to meet the needs of their constituencies effectively and efficiently,” said Bump.

At the ceremony, State Senator Walter Timilty read a proclamation certifying the 2018 election results, and singer Tamika Jacques offered solo performances of “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

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