Washington, D.C. — U.S. Secretary Margaret Spellings today announced several top personnel changes at the U.S. Department of Education. Lawrence A. Warder will be leaving two positions he has held—acting chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and chief financial officer—effective October 10 and returning home to Texas. James Manning, deputy chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid, will move into the position of acting chief operating officer and Thomas Skelly, director of budget service, will be designated the authority for the position of chief financial officer. Additionally, Secretary Spellings announced that Danny Harris, deputy chief financial officer, will serve as chief information officer.

Warder, who has served as the Secretary's principal adviser on the agency's annual financial audit, financial management systems and internal controls and the resolution of audit findings, was confirmed by the Senate in July 2006. He has provided guidance on the agency's agreements, contracts and discretionary grants and its procurement policies. In addition to his duties as chief financial officer, Warder was designated as Acting COO of FSA in June 2007.

In 2002, after a lengthy and successful career at Deloitte & Touche, one of the world's largest professional services firms and one of the Big Four Auditors, Warder retired to his home in Austin and quickly immersed himself in two education-related projects: the Dallas-based O'Donnell Foundation and the Austin Independent School District. He also served for three years as a consultant to then-University of Texas System Chancellor Mark G. Yudof and the system's Internal Audit and Compliance Committee, before heading to Washington, D.C.

"I'm grateful for Larry's valuable service and steadfast commitment to the important work we have been pursuing at the U.S. Education Department these past few years," said Secretary Spellings. "In particular, we've worked closely in recent months to ensure students continue to have access to federal student aid in our current financial environment. Larry has had a steady hand throughout. His contribution to the team effort has been immeasurable. He has provided strong leadership, sage advice, and strategic know-how. He will be sorely missed in Washington, but I know he's anxious to get back home to Texas."

James Manning, a veteran of government and public service, will take over the helm at FSA. He has served in four Presidential Administrations and as a leader in the non-profit community.

Thomas Skelly, a federal employee for more than three decades and the current director of budget service at the U.S. Department of Education since 1996, will don Warder's other hat and be designated the authority for the position of CFO; he previously held the position of acting chief financial officer from 1999-2001.

Danny Harris, an employee at the U.S. Department of Education for over 20 years, will move from his current position as deputy chief financial officer—a position he has held since 2004—to chief information officer.

"All of these individuals bring expertise, experience and management to their new roles," noted Secretary Spellings. "I'm pleased to have them on my team and believe that they will continue to meet the challenges we face on behalf of America's students."

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