By KELLIE LUNNEY, Government Executive
President Obama on Saturday named a Washington-area entrepreneur and management consultant as the government's first chief performance officer.
Jeffrey Zients also will serve as deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, Obama said during his April 18 radio address. A multimillionaire who made his money as a management consultant, Zients currently runs Portfolio Logic, a firm that invests in business services and health care companies.
"Jeffrey will work to streamline processes, cut costs, and find best practices throughout our government," Obama said.
The president focused his address on government efficiency and accountability. He said he will ask department heads during their first full Cabinet meeting next week for specific proposals on cutting their budgets.
"Already, members of my Cabinet have begun to trim back unnecessary expenditures," Obama said, citing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Defense Secretary Robert Gates as examples.
Obama said that he plans to announce in the coming weeks the "elimination of dozens of government programs shown to be wasteful or ineffective," adding that there will be "no sacred cows, and no pet projects."
The president also announced that Aneesh Chopra, Virginia's technology secretary, will serve as the government's chief technology officer and work closely with Vivek Kundra, the chief information officer.
Zients replaces Nancy Killefer as Obama's pick for the top federal management position. Killefer withdrew in February to avoid controversy over issues related to her personal income taxes.
Zients served as chief executive officer and chairman of the Washington-based Advisory Board Company -- where Chopra has also worked -- and as head of the Corporate Executive Board. The firms provide best practices and customized market research on health care and financial management. Zients also launched an unsuccessful bid with other Washington-area investors in 2005 to buy the Washington Nationals baseball team.
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Lost in Transition does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.
Responded on January 3, 2012 2:47 AM
Android developer
I actually acquire you will do abounding added able in the abutting I accede accumulated you acquire added to my adeptness base.Admiring the time and ability you put into your blog.
Android developer
Responded on December 14, 2011 3:07 AM
UGG Outlet Store
Our shop is where you are looking for, we offer high quality UGG Classic tall boots with the lowest price.
UGG Outlet Store
Responded on December 5, 2011 2:51 AM
Android app developer
Your blog is really interesting one and i got a good entertianment from this blog, so you can create more bog with good enjoyment, because most of the peoples are ned this kinds of interesting blog only, so i would like to thank for creating this interesting blog.
Android app developer
Responded on November 12, 2011 12:25 PM
wholesale designer handbags
Is very happy to arrive at your blog!I like very much!At the same time, I also hope that you like my luxury handbags website!
Responded on November 6, 2011 6:20 AM
linda
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice evening! we've got many new users here who recently got an Apple iPod touch. To use it you must first download and www.ipod.com. The instructions to download it and install it are below. ipod.com is needed in order to sync your device, and also to download or sync applications or music from the App Store.
Responded on November 1, 2011 5:35 AM
onlinesolutionproviders
It's the best time
to make a few plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I've read this
post and if I may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
suggestions.
online accounting
Responded on November 1, 2011 5:32 AM
topbestairlines
I've read this
post and if I may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
suggestions.
cheap flights
Responded on October 19, 2011 10:27 AM
cesped artificial precios
What a great article, i really ejoyed reading it
Responded on September 29, 2011 11:15 PM
discount Gucci bags
It is incredible. You are so good to write the article there. discount Gucci bags
Responded on September 18, 2011 9:47 PM
kate
Hello there I am so delighted I found your website, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Askjeeve for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a remarkable post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work. cheap handbags
Responded on August 29, 2011 1:57 AM
CuteAnjeli
I'm happy I found this blog! From time to time students want to cognitive the keys of productive literary essays composing. Your first-class knowledge about this good post can become a proper basis for such people . flowers delivery in lebanon || flowers delivered to ireland
Responded on August 1, 2011 3:39 AM
swissgear backpack
This is a nice blog. Good clean UI and nice informative blog. I will be coming back soon, Thanks for posting some great ideas. swissgear backpack
Responded on July 31, 2011 11:14 PM
david
Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you're aboard, there's nothing you can do. Halloween Costume
Responded on May 6, 2011 3:28 AM
nabiha
Really A great article to read I must say that you are good as your work send mothers day flowers Mumbai
Responded on May 3, 2011 11:02 PM
Jui
I find it very useful the info you gave, especially for people who a looking to do what to do with their Flash gallery.
gucci handbag
Responded on April 27, 2011 12:24 AM
Allen Santiago
I hope that Zient will prove himself a best choice by Mr. Obama. It would be a huge responsibility for him to work with the President.
iPhone App Development
Responded on April 15, 2011 6:45 AM
nabiha hayat
You are fantastic as your work and I really think that this is a good topic to share send flowers to uk | mothers day flowers Germany
Responded on March 12, 2011 12:13 PM
Ronald
Many of these same issues will be handled with in other sectors as more people strive to measure impact and make educated decisions about where to put the resources. Satellite Internet
Responded on March 1, 2011 11:05 PM
Sam
We have the opportunity to channel the collective voice of its constituents to the traditional business community, a community that will need able leadership and help from the community. 0 Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Responded on February 19, 2011 12:56 AM
lolita dress
Follow Instructions to Perform Perfectly Potty Training BoysKeneth Russell asked: They say that children are the most precious additions to a person's life, and no matter what, parents are bound to love their little ones. However, this concept is challenged to the limits of Follow Instructions to Perform Perfectly Potty Training Boys
Responded on February 18, 2011 1:02 PM
terer
short wedding
dresses you have great information. thanks for your share
Responded on February 18, 2011 5:02 AM
boboy
As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand. Do you think so? Air Jordan
Responded on February 18, 2011 12:57 AM
ryanss
The Senate voted 73-17 Monday to cut off debate on the nomination of Christopher Hill to be U.S. ambassador to Iraq, clearing the way for a final vote on his appointment today.cheap watches
Responded on February 13, 2011 3:27 PM
Sue Davis
I believe that Jeffry Zients is perfectly suited to this role. Not only is he great at organising expenditure but he is also a genuinely nice guy, I can say this because I've met him! Good choice Obama!!
Kostenlose BrowsergamesResponded on February 10, 2011 12:35 PM
JimJohnson
Zients is capable i think, good choice by Obama, i think he will do a pretty good job with the CPO position. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
football games
Responded on February 4, 2011 3:35 PM
essay
Thank you for great article.I am writing research papre regarding policy and your information should be taken into account.
Responded on February 2, 2011 5:13 PM
marius
Only someone who know how to cut costs and increase efficiency could have made such a fortune. filme online gratis - Davie Alvin
Responded on January 24, 2011 8:12 PM
daviealvin
Naming someone who has made a fortune in the investment market to become the government's first chief performance officer is a very smart move because, only someone who know how to cut costs and increase efficiency could have made such a fortune. EMI Encore Marketing - Davie Alvin