Washington, D.C. - Linda M. Springer, President George W. Bush's choice to lead the United States Office of Personnel Management, was sworn in on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, after being unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate June 24, 2005

Springer is assuming the reins of OPM at a particularly significant time for the agency, with its leadership in the design and implementation of updated personnel practices, as well as the addition of the Defense Security Service (DSS) from the Department of Defense (DOD), thereby becoming the lead provider of background investigations on current and prospective federal employees.

"As I have learned more and more about OPM, and as I begin to lead this important agency, I am struck by the role OPM plays in the lives of each Federal employee - past, present and future," said Springer. "From the initial security clearance investigation, to the administration of health and retirement benefits, the work we do touches every employee and, in many cases, their family members as well. This is both a responsibility and a privilege for all of us at OPM. As the President's chief advisor on Federal human resources issues, I am proud to have the opportunity to serve the American people and contribute to President George W. Bush's success in making the Federal government an employer of choice for the American citizen."

Springer is well-respected within the management community through her experience in both the public and private sectors. For nearly two years beginning in March 2003, she served as Controller and head of the Office of Federal Financial Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In an earlier role at OMB, she was Counselor to the Deputy Director for Management.

Before joining the Bush Administration, Springer had more than 25 years of service in the financial services industry, including tenure as Senior Vice President and Controller for Provident Mutual, and at Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.

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.