Who we are

FCA established its OIG in 1989 as a result of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (IG Act), which established specific responsibilities and authorities for all federal inspectors general. FCA’s inspector general is appointed by the FCA board without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, management analysis, investigations, law, or public administration.

While OIG is under the general supervision of the FCA board, it operates with independent personnel and contracting and budget authority. FCA’s inspector general reports both to the FCA board and to Congress.

To learn about OIG's current goals and strategies, see its Strategic Plan (PDF).

- Our Mission
  - To provide independent oversight to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, and prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in Farm Credit Administration programs and operations
- Our Vision
  - To facilitate continuous improvement through objective and trusted oversight
- Our Values
  - Objectivity, Integrity, Relevance, and Respect
- Our Goals
  - Promote economy and efficiency
  - Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse
  - Strengthen internal and external relationships
  - Foster a dynamic and inspiring workplace

Stephen Ravas was appointed Inspector General of the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) in July 2026, after serving as Acting Inspector General from September 2025. In this role, he provides independent oversight of the agency’s programs and operations.

With more than 12 years of experience in the Inspector General community, Mr. Ravas brings deep expertise in oversight, investigations, and legal counsel. Before his FCA appointment, he served as Acting Inspector General at AmeriCorps OIG beginning in May 2023 until his permanent appointment at FCA OIG in July 2026. During his seven years at AmeriCorps, he also served as Acting Deputy Inspector General and Counsel to the Inspector General. Previously, he was Assistant Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security OIG, where he focused on investigative legal matters, law enforcement techniques, and provided counsel for multidisciplinary investigations, audits, and inspections. He also served as Special Investigative Counsel for the Department of Commerce OIG, concentrating on administrative and ethics investigations, and completed a detail as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) in the Eastern District of Virginia. As a SAUSA, he advised federal agents and represented the United States in federal court and grand jury proceedings.

Mr. Ravas’s work has earned recognition from the Inspector General community, including multiple awards from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. He frequently speaks on the vital relationship between OIGs and Congress.

He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Paul D. Borman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and later practiced white-collar criminal defense, representing individuals and Fortune 500 companies in complex matters and conducting internal investigations. He graduated cum laude from Wayne State University Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Wayne Law Review, and holds an undergraduate degree from James Madison University. He lives in Montgomery County, Maryland, with his family and two fairly well-behaved dogs.

Page updated: July 27, 2026