Governor Meyer Swears in New Inspector General

DOVER - After being confirmed by the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert Storch as the state's first Inspector General at Legislative Hall.

"With Robert Storch's experienced leadership guiding the new OIG, I am confident the office will strengthen transparency and accountability across state government for the benefit of our citizens," said Governor Matt Meyer.

Governor Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 4, creating a non-partisan, independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on August 14, 2025.

"As Delaware welcomes Mr. Storch as our first Inspector General, we take a major step toward our goal of deterring and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. This is a momentous day for Delaware that comes after nearly 20 years of hard-fought efforts to strengthen government transparency," said Senator Laura Sturgeon (D - Wilmington), lead sponsor of Senate Bill 4. "It is our intention that the Office of Inspector General will safeguard taxpayer dollars, ensure effectiveness and efficiency in our government, and instill confidence in Delawareans."

"Creating an independent Office of the Inspector General was about restoring and strengthening public confidence in government, and that mission begins with selecting the right person to lead it," said Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown). "Robert Storch's extensive background in oversight, accountability, and public integrity makes him exceptionally qualified to serve as Delaware's first Inspector General. I appreciate Governor Meyer's commitment to appointing someone with the experience and independence necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and state government is held to the highest standards."

"Delaware is incredibly fortunate to have someone of Mr. Storch's caliber serving as our first Inspector General. I have no doubt that he will serve us well by bringing a new level of transparency to our state government, and I look forward to seeing the great work he will do on behalf of Delawareans," said Rep. Cyndie Romer (D - Newark).

"Although the state already has an auditor and an attorney general, this office would address gaps in their oversight," said Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard). "An inspector general will collaborate with these agencies to strengthen overall accountability while also serving as a clear, accessible point of contact for citizens to directly raise their concerns about fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption in government. It was an honor to be selected to be a member of the panel recommending our first Inspector General to Governor Meyer."

ABOUT INSPECTOR GENERAL STORCH

Robert Storch most recently served as the Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense, where he led a global workforce of more than 1,800 professionals conducting nonpartisan oversight of the Department's programs and personnel. In that role, he oversaw U.S. assistance to Ukraine as the Congressionally designated Special Inspector General and served as Lead Inspector General for major contingency operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

He previously served as the first Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the National Security Agency and held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, following a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor handling complex public corruption and national security matters.

Storch is currently serving as a Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, teaching a seminar titled "Combating Corruption and Strengthening Government," which examines the work of Inspectors General and other oversight mechanisms.

The Office of the Inspector General was established in 2025 following the passage of bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability and transparency across Delaware state government. The office serves as an independent, nonpartisan watchdog responsible for investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, marking a significant step in enhancing public trust and ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.