Joan Steyaert Selected to Lead GSA's IT Policy Office

GSA #9441

September 29, 1997
Contact: Hap Connors
(202) 501-1231

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. General Services Administration announced today the appointment of Dr. Joan Steyaert as the deputy associate administrator for the Office of Information Technology (IT) in GSA's Office of Governmentwide Policy.

In making the announcement, G. Martin Wagner, Associate Administrator for Governmentwide Policy said, "Dr. Steyaert has been successful as an agency program manager, an information technology professional and as an economist. She is uniquely well equipped to help the government get the most bang for the information technology buck."

At GSA, Steyaert will lead an office that collaborates with and supports the Chief Information Officers Council in governmentwide initiatives to improve the design, modernization, use, sharing and performance of IT investments. It is involved in acquisition pilot projects, training, capital planning, governmentwide expansion of electronic commerce and the Internet, and resolution of the Year 2000 computer programming challenges. The office also supports the Government IT Services Board, the Information Technology Resources Board and the Office of Management and Budget. It provides a variety of tools to support agencies' mission-critical areas.

Since 1990, Steyaert has been the Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Trade Representative within the Executive Office of the President. She has over six years of experience in managing complex information systems and programs, and 17 years in the Senior Executive Service leading interdisciplinary IT programs. Steyaert was the director, Systems Support Division at the Federal Emergency Management Agency; director, Assessment and Information Services Center at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and a division chief with the Department of Energy.

Steyaert has an undergraduate degree in Public Administration from American University; a Masters Degree in Planning and Economics from the University of Illinois; and a Ph.D. in Planning and Information Systems from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Arts and Sciences.

Steyaert's appointment to GSA is effective October 12.
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