Statements & Press Releases

Transparency International U.S. Mourns the Passing of Anti-Corruption Champion Elise Bean

A statement from Transparency International U.S.
January 19, 2025


On the passing of Elise Bean, Transparency International U.S. Executive Director Gary Kalman issued the following statement:

Last week, we, at Transparency International U.S. and the wider anti-corruption community, lost a friend, colleague and a true champion in the fight against financial crime and corruption. For more than 40 years, Elise Bean investigated and exposed innumerable cases of illicit finance to hold criminal and corrupt actors accountable, working first in the U.S. Department of Justice, then for U.S. Senator Carl Levin leading the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and finally for the Levin Center for Legislative Oversight and Democracy.

In those roles, she passionately and successfully advocated for the policies and frameworks in place today that protect our financial system from fraud and abuse. She inspired and mentored a generation of advocates to carry on her legacy. And she did it all with grace, humility, commitment, optimism and a once-in-a-generation intellect that garnered respect from across the political spectrum.

Members of Congress and their staff would regularly consult Elise before moving forward with legislation combating financial secrecy and crime. On several occasions, her unofficial signoff was a prerequisite. It was not because of any brute political force she amassed, but rather the respect she earned from those seeking to enact good policy.

At the time of her death, Elise served on the Steering Committee for Transparency International U.S. and brought to our meetings her incredible insights and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to challenges. She was the embodiment of effective civil service and a living example of how our government should work: a passion that drove her work, a curiosity that led her to truly listen and learn from others, a warmth and humor that allowed her to engage all sides, and a commitment to effective public policy with lasting benefits to all.

I, personally, will miss Elise very much and join all her many friends and family who mourn her loss. I am grateful for her friendship and am comforted by knowing her legacy lives on within the many lives she touched and taught.