Tax Notes Talk Ex-IRS Official Talks Tax Data Sharing Deal, Agency Tenure
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Sep 5, 2025 Kathleen Walters, former IRS Chief Privacy Officer, discusses her nearly two-decade tenure at the agency and the complex data sharing deal with the Department of Homeland Security. She shares insights into her departure motivated by disagreements over privacy practices and talks about the emotional aspects of leaving a role tied to public service. As a working mom, Kathleen highlights how parenting enhances her leadership skills and the ongoing challenges of data privacy in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the importance of effective governance.
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Unexpected Long IRS Career
- Kathleen Walters expected to stay six months at the IRS but stayed nearly 20 years because of the mission and mentors.
- She moved across roles from legislative affairs to senior executive work and built a long public-service career.
Mission And People Keep Staff
- Walters says the IRS mission and diverse nationwide workforce drive long-term commitment.
- She emphasizes that most IRS staff work outside D.C. and serve local communities directly.
How The Privacy Office Began
- Walters discovered fake Russian sites during identity-theft spikes and helped start a dedicated privacy office.
- That early work launched her into executive privacy leadership unexpectedly in her 30s.