Bipartisan Commission Executive Director Fired for Unauthorized Pay Raise and Spending

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is facing turmoil as its third executive director in as many years was fired for giving himself a hefty pay raise and spending taxpayer money on Harvard University leadership classes without approval, according to a government watchdog’s investigation summary.

Steven M. Frid, the former executive director of the EAC, was found to have increased his own pay by $31,450 annually without the knowledge of the EAC Commissioners, who were his supervisors. Additionally, Frid enrolled in three Harvard leadership training courses last summer, costing the agency $28,300, without obtaining required approval.

The investigation also revealed that Frid failed to report 96 hours of vacation and other days off last year. Despite the findings, the Justice Department declined to pursue the matter further.

Established in 2002, the EAC provides funds and assistance to state election offices to improve the administration and security of federal elections. The agency is supervised by four commissioners nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Frid, who had served less than a year in the top post, had previously worked for federal agencies such as the Department of Education and Secret Service. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he is currently open to work opportunities.

The EAC has experienced significant turnover among its top staff members in recent years, raising concerns about the agency’s stability and effectiveness in ensuring election security.