Amtrak appoints new inspector general

Roughly five months since the departure of its previous watchdog, Amtrak has hired a veteran government auditor to serve as its next inspector general.

The quasi-governmental rail agency announced Thursday that Ted Alves will lead its office of inspector general. Alves recently retired following 35 years of service at the Department of Transportation, FEMA, USAID and Government Accountability Office.

In a statement, Amtrak Chairman Thomas Carper said Alves is "highly respected in the inspector general community and will provide the leadership, integrity, independence and objectivity required for the position."

Alves replaces Fred Weiderhold Jr., who retired unexpectedly in June amid inquiries into allegations of interference with the investigations of other government watchdogs.

Thursday's announcement from Amtrak highlighted the methodical process used to recruit and hire Alves, which included input from former inspectors general and the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, the umbrella group representing federal watchdogs.