Thomas Bertram 'Bert' Lance was an American businessman and government official who served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter in 1977. He was a close advisor and friend to Carter during his tenure as Governor of Georgia and his presidential campaign. Lance's brief term in Washington was marked by a financial scandal involving his past banking practices, which led to his resignation despite being later cleared of all charges. After leaving government, he returned to private business and remained an influential figure in Georgia politics.