Deputy FAS Commissioner Jordan retires

Jon Jordan, the deputy commissioner in the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service, retired Nov. 3. Bill Sisk has been named to replace...

Correction: A previous version of this story stated Jordan had been the deputy commissioner since April. He had been in the position since April 2010.

Jon Jordan, the deputy commissioner in the General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service, retired Nov. 3.

Jordan started with GSA in 1974 and spent his entire 38-year career with the agency. He has been deputy commissioner since April 2010.

“A lifelong and self-proclaimed ‘numbers guy,’ Jon is known throughout the federal government as a leader who gets results through collaboration and innovation rooted in responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” wrote Mary Davie, acting FAS Commissioner in an email to staff that went out Oct. 31, and was obtained by Federal News Radio. “As the FAS (and previously Federal Supply Service) controller for almost 15 years, Jon built the relationships and trust needed to manage the organization’s financial activities in an open and transparent manner. This enabled the newly formed FAS to start in a financially solvent position and today gives us the flexibility to adapt to changing needs while remaining in strong financial health. He constantly looked for and implemented solutions that improved FAS’ customer service and program effectiveness, and his commitment to linking FAS’ budget process to strong performance, accountability and saving taxpayer dollars is one of the hallmarks of his career.”

Jordan’s departure kicks off the management musical chairs at FAS.

Davie said Bill Sisk, the FAS assistant commissioner of the Office of General Supplies and Services, now is the acting deputy FAS Commissioner. Mike Tyllas now is the new acting assistant commissioner in the Office of General Supplies and Services.

“Bill began his GSA career as an intern and has held leadership positions in both Region 4 and central office,” Davie wrote. “His leadership skills and unique perspective will greatly benefit FAS during this transition period.”

In addition to Sisk and Tyllas, FAS named Stan Kaczmarczyk as the acting director of the Office of Strategic Programs and Larry Hale is now the acting director of the office of Strategic Business Planning and Customer Development.

Davie said Jordan’s lasting legacy will be his ability to work with employees at every level, where he constantly challenged, mentored, supported, taught and made decisions that can be defended with integrity.

“His ability to reflect on historical issues and apply them in our ever changing environment has helped many of us figure out that what might be difficult today gets better tomorrow,” Davie wrote. “I’ve personally worked with Jon since we brought FSS and FTS together and have been even luckier to have worked closely with him during my time in assistant commissioner positions and now as acting FAS Commissioner. He cares deeply about GSA, our mission and the people here. We all know that Jon isn’t one to shy away from reality. He calls things as they are and frames them in such a way that we end up wanting to confront the problems head-on and make this organization the best it can be. This is a talent few people possess. While we wish Jon the best in his well-deserved retirement, we will miss him deeply. I know I will. I can’t thank you enough, Jon Jordan, for all that you have done for GSA and for me personally.”

Davie also said GSA acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini will recognize Jordan with the Administrator’s Exceptional Service award, which is given to employees with a career of extraordinary achievements and service to the agency.

Jordan’s departure adds to the changing of the guard at FAS. Davie took over for Commissioner Steve Kempf in July, who took a 60-day medical leave of absence. Kempf will not return as FAS Commissioner, instead coming back as a senior adviser to Tangherlini. GSA put out a job announcement for the FAS Commissioner’s position in September.

FAS also has seen its share of change from an organizational standpoint this fall. Tangherlini shifted oversight of technology, human resources and other back-office functions away from FAS and the Public Building Service and into headquarters as part of his top- to-bottom review.

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