Washington, D.C. - President Barack Obama has announced the appointment of Kathie Ann Whipple as the Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Prior to her appointment, Whipple was OPM's Deputy General Counsel, where she oversaw legal matters for the agency.

"I am humbled to have been designated by President Obama to serve as the Acting Director of OPM, an agency it has been my pleasure to serve for the past eight years," said Whipple. "I look forward to leading OPM until the President appoints and the United States Senate confirms the next Director."

Whipple's appointment is effective immediately.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM 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.