WaPo investigative biz reporter to join Project on Government Oversight

Washington Post reporter David Hilzenrath, who is an investigative journalist on the business news desk, will be joining the Project on Government Oversight, assuming the role of editor-in-chief.

Bryan Rahija of the Project writes, “Hilzenrath is an award-winning journalist who’s covered everything from fraud, financial regulators, and government reform of Wall St. and health care to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“Needless to say, we’re excited to have Hilzenrath aboard the good ship POGO. In a statement released this morning, POGO Executive Director Danielle Brian said that he’s an ideal fit.

“‘David’s top-notch investigative skills, passion for holding government accountable, and deep knowledge of how this city operates will help take us to the next level,’ Brian said. ‘We’re thrilled he’s coming to POGO.’

“For his part, Hilzenrath said, ‘I’m honored to be joining an investigative organization with such a distinguished tradition of public service and with such a talented and dedicated team. At a time when conventional news outlets are contending with profound economic challenges, the Project On Government Oversight’s commitment to watchdog reporting is more important than ever.'”

Read more here.

A Loeb Award finalist, Hilzenrath has written extensively about accounting problems at corporations such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, MicroStrategy and Enron. As early as 1995, he covered conflicts of interest that compromised auditors. His 2001 series “The Numbers Crunch” documented accountability issues.

Hilzenrath has also covered executive compensation, influence-peddling, the rise of managed health care, the breakdown of federal housing programs, the shaping of fiscal policy and international money-laundering. He joined The Post as an intern in 1987.

He is an honors graduate of Harvard University, where he majored in government.