Elaine Howle is an American politician who served as California State Auditor from 2001 to 2021. She was the first woman to hold the position and was the longest-serving state auditor in California's history.
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Early life and education
Howle graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree in sports management and from California State University, Sacramento with a Master of Business Administration in 1982. Howle is a lesbian.
Career
After graduating from college Howle, who wanted to be an athletic director at a college, was having difficulties finding employment and was advised to work for the state auditor by her brother, who was a legislative staffer. In 1983, Howle started working for the Office of the Auditor General, which was later reorganized into the California State Auditor in 1993, as an entry-level auditor. She was promoted to supervising auditor in 1987, and principal auditor in 1994. She became the first female Deputy State Auditor in 1999.
State auditor Kurt Sjoberg resigned in 1999, and was replaced by Mary Noble in an acting role. Governor Gray Davis appointed Howle to replace him; she was the first woman to hold the position. Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown reappointed Howle as state auditor.
Governing listed Howle as public official of the year in 2012. Howle office was a part of the Varsity Blues scandal investigation. Howle was critical of FI$Cal's changing parameters and delayed implementation.
On October 25, 2021, Howle announced that she was retiring as state auditor. She was the longest serving state auditor in California's history. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Grant Parks to replace her.