FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2002

Contact: Michael Orenstein (202) 606-2402

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OPM's Kay Coles James Names Director of the Office of Human Resources and EEO

Washington, D.C. -- Richard A. (Rich) Ferris, a 30-year veteran of federal investigations, has been assigned to the position of Director of the Office of Human Resources and EEO at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

OPM Director Kay Coles James said the assignment of Ferris is based on his detailed knowledge of the agency's people and programs, as well as his demonstrated ability to respond to major challenges, such as those presented by the terrorist attacks on America in September.

Prior to this addition to James' management team, Ferris had served as OPM's Associate Director of Investigations Service. Since the terrorist attacks, Ferris and his staff have provided exemplary, round-the-clock security clearance and investigations services to major federal customers, including the Department of Defense.

"The federal government is undergoing significant change in the area of human resources," said James. "As a key player in President Bush's HR initiatives, OPM must show leadership from within and be flexible in responding to the unexpected. Rich has demonstrated time and again his ability to respond to change, to anticipate the unexpected, and to proceed in a manner that is respectful to both customers and employees. As the Director of Human Resources and EEO, he will guide opportunities to reshape OPM, consistent with our new responsibilities as an agency. I know that Rich will serve with distinction, as always, and I look forward to working with him closely in this new capacity."

Immediately following the terrorist attacks, Ferris assured the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation and other major customers of the Investigations Service that OPM's investment in technology gave it the ability to handle any increase in the number or level of background investigation required for potential or current employees. Technologies acquired during Ferris's tenure include Live Scan, an electronic system that can process as many as 25,000 fingerprints each day through criminal history files maintained at the FBI.

Since September 11, Ferris also has chaired a "Go Team" for the Federal Aviation Administration to plan and implement a program that will oversee the hiring of 30,000 baggage handlers, screeners and others with a security role.

"I have worked with many of the employees in HR and EEO, and I am fortunate to inherit such an outstanding team," said Ferris. "I look forward to this latest challenge and to continuing my work with Director James. She has a positive vision of the HR community and its role in making government more responsive to its customers and more efficient for the American taxpayer."

In the mid 1990s, Ferris helped oversee the conversion of OPM's in-house investigations unit into an effective and a profitable employee-owned company, US Investigations Service (USIS), which this year will conduct more than 1.5 million personnel security and national security investigations. More than 95 percent of OPM's investigators and administrative staff accepted employment with USIS during the first-ever privatization of a government function.

Kathy L. Dillaman, the Assistant Director for Operations at the Federal Investigations Processing Center in Boyers, PA, will act as OPM's Associate Director for Investigations, as that organization continues to provide critical investigative support for its several hundred customers. Ms. Dillaman has been instrumental in developing a plan and process for the hiring and screening of federal air marshals and security screeners for the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.