Comings and Goings: A general goes to China

Comings and Goings: A general goes to China

ksaldarini@govexec.com

Every Monday on GovExec.com, Comings and Goings announces the arrivals and departures of top federal managers and executives. To submit an announcement, e-mail it to ksaldarini@govexec.com or fax it to 202-739-8511.

The White House this week selected retired Adm. Joseph W. Prueher to be U.S. ambassador to Beijing. Prueher would replace James Sasser who has wanted to leave his post for some time. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Prueher formerly commanded the Navy's 6th Fleet and was U.S. Naval Academy commandant from 1989 to 1991. He was commander of the unified Pacific Command until March and retired earlier this month.

Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin has announced he will step down in early July. Rubin's protege, Deputy Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, will be nominated to replace him. Rubin began his tenure with the administration in January 1993 as head of the White House's National Economic Council, following a lengthy career at the Wall Street investment banking firm of Goldman Sachs. He is expected to leave around July 4.

Phyllis K. Fong has been confirmed by the Senate to serve as inspector general of the Small Business Administration. Fong, a 15-year SBA veteran, was most recently assistant inspector general for management and legal counsel. In her new role, she will lead independent audits, investigations and reviews of all SBA activities.

Capt. Evelyn Fields has been named director of the NOAA Corps. Fields is the first woman and the first African American to serve in this position. Fields officially assumed her new responsibilities last week. The NOAA Corps operates under the Department of Commerce and is composed of civilians and commissioned officers who operate and manage the agency's fleet of research ships and aircraft.

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen announced last week that Army Maj. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick has been nominated as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington. Kerrick is currently serving as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs.

G. Edward DeSeve, former deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, has settled in to his new position at consulting firm KPMG. DeSeve is national industry director for federal government in KPMG's health care and public sector practice. He is responsible for overseeing KPMG's assurance, tax and consulting for federal clients. DeSeve served almost 30 years in the public sector.

Paul C. Light has been named vice president and governmental studies director at the Brookings Institution. He replaces Thomas E. Mann who is stepping down in September. Light, a contributing editor of Government Executive and author of 11 books, formerly served as director of the institute's Center for Public Service and as Douglas Dillon senior fellow.

Kudos to two U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) employees honored recently at the 26th Annual Federal Employee of the Year Awards luncheon in Atlanta, Ga. Toni Gaines received the 1999 Outstanding Managerial/Executive Award while Judith Blake was awarded the 1999 Outstanding Non-Scientific/Professional Award. The women are both members of the contracting division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (DCSLOG).