Heather MacLeod is a Director in the Homeland Security and Justice team for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)—a nonpartisan and independent investigative arm of the U.S. Congress. Ms. MacLeod joined GAO in 2002. During the last 20 years, Ms. MacLeod has worked on a range of public policy issues at GAO. She currently leads the agency’s oversight work on Coast Guard and maritime security issues such as Coast Guard workforce and strategic planning efforts, and maritime port and supply chain/cargo security. In her executive capacity, Ms. MacLeod also testifies as an expert witness before Congress on various Coast Guard and maritime security topics.

Prior to joining the Homeland Security and Justice team, Ms. MacLeod led GAO reviews covering a broad range of topics in transportation policy including aviation safety, airline competition, transit programs, and highway bridge management. In addition, she has contributed to agency-wide efforts reviewing Recovery Act and CARES Act funding, along with GAO’s annual Duplication and Cost Savings report. Ms. MacLeod has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from American University.