Washington, D.C. - Kay Coles James, Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has named George Nesterczuk as a Senior Advisor to serve as the lead OPM expert assigned to the standup of the DoD National Security Personnel System (NSPS). Nesterczuk will work directly for the Director and will be assisted by a senior team of OPM technical experts familiar with Merit System Principles, Prohibited Personnel Practices and the details of the NSPS legislation. He will work on behalf of OPM with DoD, the Office of Management and Budget, and other stakeholders to coordinate OPM advice and expertise on a full scope of personnel matters relating to the creation of DoD's NSPS.

"I am pleased to announce that George Nesterczuk is joining my team of experts on personnel issues and matters of collaborative policy development," said James. "George brings with him an invaluable wealth of knowledge about what makes a successful organization. His extensive personnel experience has more than prepared him for this important position at OPM assisting our teammates at DoD. He is uniquely qualified to defend and advance Merit System Principles such as veterans' preference and whistleblower protections, and guard against Prohibited Personnel Practices, " said James.

Mr. Nesterczuk spent several years as staff director of the Civil Service Subcommittee of the House Government Reform Committee. He served in a previous administration, holding successive positions in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Department of Defense and Department of Transportation. In addition, he headed Presidential Transition Teams for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Merit Systems Protection Board, and Federal Labor Relations Authority. He holds an M.S. degree in Astrophysics from University of Maryland and a B.A. in Physics from Cornell.

"We are indeed fortunate to have George's abilities and skills available to us, to fill this very critical role assisting DoD," said James.

The authority to modernize the Department of Defense Human Resources system is a result of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY04. This act, as with the creation of the Department of Homeland HR system, calls for OPM and DoD to partner in the establishment of a flexible and contemporary system within title 5.

Nesterczuk begins his duties at OPM on February 22.

For more information, please contact OPM's Office of Communications and Public Liaison at 202-606-2402.

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.