OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERALMR. MICHAEL DILLINGER, DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL
Michael Dillinger was sworn in as Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Inspector General (OIG) on January 15, 2026. In this role, Mr. Dillinger shares the responsibility for leading a nationwide, independent oversight and law-enforcement organization charged with protecting American workers, children, and taxpayers through criminal investigations, audits, and enforcement actions.
As Deputy Inspector General, Mr. Dillinger oversees close to $14 billion in annual federal funding for essential programs, such as unemployment insurance, worker safety and health, training and reemployment services, pension and health care benefits, wage and hour standards, and economic statistics. He also directs criminal investigations into labor racketeering corruption and the influence of organized crime in employee benefit plans, internal union affairs, and labor-management relations. The OIG also works with other law enforcement partners on human trafficking matters.
Before joining the DOL OIG, Mr. Dillinger served at U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) OIG as the Headquarters Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the Investigative Support Branch. His nearly 30-year career in federal law enforcement includes positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service, and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Mr. Dillinger began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a police officer with the State of Tennessee.
Mr. Dillinger has received many awards and honors throughout his federal career, including the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency’s William "Buddy" Sentner III Award for Dedication and Courage, the DOJ-IG Award for Distinguished Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Inspector General’s Exceptional Service Award, and a Department of State Individual Meritorious Honor Award.
Beyond his years in public service, Mr. Dillinger has dedicated his time to volunteer work. He currently serves on the executive Board of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association as Vice President of Development and Programs and serves on the Board of Directors of National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. He has served since 2023 on the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run committee and is the Past President of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association.
Mr. Dillinger earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Mountain State University and completed American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program.
