U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Speech by Janice R. Lachance, Deputy Director

Swearing-In Ceremony

August 13, 1997

Thank you so much, Jim.

I have been so very lucky to have spent these four years working with Director King. There is no one from whom I could have learned more, and certainly no one for whom I could possibly have more respect.

I am honored that Jim has administered my oath of office, and I am also very fortunate to have many people here today who are dear to me, from many parts of my life.

I would especially like to recognize my parents who made the trip from Maine.

They have attended every significant event of my life from piano recitals to graduations, and now this swearing-in. Thank you for being here with me again today.

During the past four years Jim and I have been privileged to work with many of you, and I am honored that the President and the Senate have given me the opportunity to build upon our many successes.

The Director spoke of continuity and progress at OPM, and those will certainly be my primary goals as Deputy Director.

We here at OPM have often discussed the government of the future. It is the government envisioned by President Clinton and Vice President Gore. It is one that is smaller, more automated, more family-friendly, more customer-oriented, more focused on results and performance, and more dedicated to the merit principles than ever before.

Under Jim Kings leadership, we have reshaped this agency into one that is now poised to lead the way to this new vision of government.

This is a great agency with a great tradition. We have Theodore Roosevelt's office here to remind us of our beginnings.

For more than a century, federal employees have looked to us and our predecessor, the Civil Service Commission, for the advancement of their interests and the protection of their rights.

We haven't let them down yet and, as long as I have anything to say about it, we never will.

My thanks again to Jim King, my many friends and colleagues, and to all OPM employees, for your support and encouragement. You've made this one of the happiest days of my life.

With your continued support, we can make the government of the future a reality for all Americans.

Thank you very much.

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Web page created 23 October 1997