Lourdes Howell-Thomas
Lourdes Howell-Thomas is a distinguished public-sector leader currently serving as the Inspector General for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), where she oversees all functions of the Office of Inspector General and promotes accountability, integrity, and transparency throughout the agency. With more than twenty-two years of auditing and oversight experience, she has led and conducted audits, consulting engagements, management reviews, special projects, and investigations that strengthen governance and operational effectiveness.
Originally from Panama, Lourdes came to the United States at the age of 19 and has since built a successful career spanning more than 30 years in public service and governmental oversight. Prior to her appointment as Inspector General, she served as the Director of Auditing at FDLE and held key auditing roles within the Offices of Inspector General at FDLE, the Florida Department of Lottery, and the Department of Management Services in Tallahassee. Her career progression reflects a deep understanding of internal controls, compliance, and risk management within state government.
Lourdes holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting from Florida State University and maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Inspector General (CIG), Certified Inspector General Auditor (CIGA), and Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM). She is an active member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Association of Inspectors General, and currently serves on the Executive Board of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Association of Inspectors General. Fluent in Spanish, Lourdes brings a global perspective, technical excellence, and a strong commitment to public service to her leadership role.
• Florida State University - BBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong spiritual guidance, supportive leadership throughout my career, and a deep commitment to hard work and dedication. These influences have provided me with clarity, encouragement, and the motivation to consistently strive for excellence while remaining grounded in my values and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to continue learning and stay curious, as the field is constantly evolving and requires you to remain ahead of new policies and changes. Be persistent in pursuing your goals, even when challenges arise, and have confidence in your abilities. Building knowledge, resilience, and a strong professional network will position you for long-term success and growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, a strong work ethic, and giving back to others. I believe in approaching every responsibility with integrity, dedication, and accountability, while consistently striving to do my best. Equally important to me is making a positive impact beyond my professional role by supporting and serving others, as I value contributing to the well-being of my community and helping those in need whenever possible.