Comptroller Announces Leadership Change in State Audit
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason E. Mumpower has announced an upcoming leadership transition within the Office’s Division of State Audit.
Kathy Stickel, Director of State Audit, will retire effective February 27, 2026. During her 30 years of service to the State of Tennessee and the Comptroller’s Office, Stickel has made an enduring impact on government accountability and transparency. Her leadership strengthened audit quality, modernized operations, and fostered innovation across multiple divisions of the Office. Stickel’s career has been defined by excellence, mentorship, and a deep commitment to public service.
“I am grateful to Kathy for her outstanding leadership and dedication to improving government accountability in Tennessee,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Her professionalism and integrity have left a lasting mark on our Office and our state.”
Following Stickel’s retirement, Tabitha Furlong will become the new Director of State Audit on February 28, 2026. Furlong currently serves as Legislative Audit Manager and brings more than two decades of experience in public service, including 20 years within the Comptroller’s Office. She has overseen financial, compliance, and performance audits that strengthen accountability across state departments, agencies, and higher education institutions. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Furlong’s leadership on the State’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report audit and her commitment to excellence reflect her strong technical expertise and dedication to public service.
“Tabitha has the experience, knowledge, and steady leadership needed to guide our Division of State Audit into the future,” said Mumpower. “I am confident she will continue to build upon the division’s tradition of professionalism and service to Tennessee.”
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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