William “Bill” Kirk

William “Bill” Kirk was sworn in as Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on January 6, 2026, following confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As Inspector General, Mr. Kirk provides independent oversight of SBA’s programs and operations—safeguarding taxpayer resources, promoting integrity, and ensuring accountability across the agency’s mission to support the nation’s small businesses. His office oversees more than $100 billion in guaranteed loans and nearly $100 billion in Federal contracting dollars, along with an expanded portfolio stemming from SBA’s vital role in administering over $1 trillion in pandemic relief lending authority.

With more than three decades of executive, legal, and operational leadership across higher education, private enterprise, and the Federal Government, Mr. Kirk has extensive experience in advancing transparency, strengthening internal controls, and combating fraud, waste, and abuse. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to the oversight principles established under the Inspector General Act of 1978, ensuring that public trust and accountability remain at the forefront of SBA operations.

Prior to his appointment, from March 2025 to October 2025, Mr. Kirk served as Acting Chief of Staff in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Education, where he provided counsel on legal, administrative, and operational matters involving national education policy and governance. He also held several key leadership positions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General, including Deputy Counsel to the Inspector General and Acting Counsel to the Inspector General, where he advised on audits, investigations, and compliance initiatives. His earlier tenure as Deputy Counsel at the Department of Education further solidified his expertise in oversight law, ethics, and program accountability.

Mr. Kirk’s collaborative approach fosters strong partnerships with congressional committees, federal law enforcement, and the broader Inspector General community—advancing coordinated oversight and reinforcing ethical stewardship of federal resources.

He earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Notre Dame, where he developed the foundational expertise that continues to inform his leadership in fiscal responsibility and public integrity.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kirk has exemplified the principles of independence, diligence, and public service that define the Inspector General community. His tenure as Inspector General will continue to advance SBA OIG’s mission to promote efficiency, integrity, and accountability on behalf of America’s small business owners and taxpayers.