Bates Chosen to Replace Fischer as GSA Commissioner of Federal Technology Service Fischer Retires after 30-Year Federal Service Career

GSA # 9650

March 7, 2000
Contact: Bill Bearden (202) 501-1231

Washington, DC - The U.S. General Services Administration has announced that Sandra Bates will become the new commissioner of GSA's Federal Technology Service. Bates replaces Dennis Fischer, who is retiring on April 2, 2000 after 30-years federal service. Fischer has been the commissioner and Bates deputy commission for the past two and a half years. A selection to replace Bates as deputy commissioner is expected soon.

In making the announcement today, GSA Administrator David J. Barram said that Fischer has been a terrific commissioner during some very challenging times. "He has brought us strategic leadership, a passion for connecting with our customers, and is a strong advocate for the federal employee." Barram said.

"I have every confidence that FTS will continue to thrive under the leadership of the new commissioner, Sandra Bates. Her experience and knowledge of this fast moving world of technology and telecommunications," Barram said, "are precisely what we need to thrill our federal customers. I wish them both the very best as they take this next step in their careers."

Bates began her federal career with GSA in 1969, working on the original FTS program. In 1979, she moved to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, starting as a telecommunications program manager, and was appointed chief of communications in 1993, with responsibility for all command and control programmatic networks. She received the NASA Exceptional Medal, and received Fed 100 honors in 1994, 1996, and 1999. In 1996, Bates returned to GSA as assistant commissioner for Service Delivery for FTS. She became deputy commissioner in 1997 and was awarded the prestigious Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive by President Clinton in 1999.

"It's been a real privilege to serve as Dennis Fischer's deputy commissioner, under the leadership of Dave Barram," Bates said. "An essential factor in the unprecedented business growth in FTS over the past two years has been Dennis' drive and vision. He has taught FTS employees the importance of strong customer relationships. He never forgets to remind us that our people are our most precious asset. These lessons form a legacy we can all be truly proud of. I can't think of a better place to be than stepping into the position of commissioner behind Dennis. FTS, the industry and our customers are undergoing exciting changes, and I'm excited to be taking on this new role at this time."

FTS provides telecommunications services and information technology solutions for its federal customers. Each year, FTS provides more than $4.3 billion in products and services through a wide variety of products, services and solutions. It provides telecommunications such as global voice, data and video. It provides information technology solutions that range from major systems integration to desktops and related support. FTS also provides advanced technology products and services including risk analysis and information security support, acquisition services for IT and telecommunications systems, and office automation and network design.

Fischer, who will become a department head and vice president in the Sales and Integrated Solutions Department of VISA, USA, based in McClean, VA, said in a message to all FTS employees that his greatest delight has come from "working with our only precious asset, all of you." He wrote, "I have had a wonderful career and this experience has been its highlight�.my federal government career is ending....wishing all of you the best of success as you 'thrill' the customer, 'grow' the business and make FTS the 'best place to work' in the federal government."