FCW Insider: Suda joins 2008 growing list of retiring feds

By Christopher J. Dorobek

| May 30, 2008

Chalk another one up for the "R" column -- retirement, that is. Bob Suda has effective Aug. 1. Suda, who , has been a public servant for more than 30 years. He is a class act who has always been interested in good government. He joins who have announced that they are leaving government. Suda worked for years at the General Services Administration before moving to the Agriculture Department and most recently at the Volpe Center. As he says in his note, his real passion is at GSA, an organization that he wholeheartedly believes in, but Suda has convinced me that Volpe is one of the government's hidden treasures. We'll be doing a story on the Volpe Center as soon as I can get to Boston.Much like Volpe, Suda's work has gone underappreciated. I was shocked to learn that Suda has never won a Fed 100 award. (Of course, he has been a judge numerous times and, given that judges cannot win, that may be a reason.) Anyway, here is the note Suda sent his staff members:Suda will be around for a few more months, but he will be much missed.

told staff that he is retiring

joined the Transportation Department's Volpe Center late last year an ever-growing list of people

This note is to let all of you know of my intention to retire from Federal Service effective August 1, 2008.

As most of you know, I came to the Volpe Center on January 7, 2008 at the request of the RITA Administrator. At that time, I was asked to hire a permanent Center director, put a new organization in place, and to look at the administrative functions of the organization. These activities are very close to being complete.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived at the Center. What I have found is a hard working, dedicated group of professionals committed to furthering the goals of the transportation community and delivering for the taxpayer. I have learned so much from all of you. You treated me as part of your family from the first day I arrived and for that, I thank you.

It is always hard to say goodbye. I have spent 31 years in Federal service and my Volpe Center experience is a tremendous conclusion to an extraordinary ride. My first love will always be the years I spent at GSA, but these last several months have been a real joy.

It is now time for me to move to a new phase of my life. New challenges, new opportunities, and, perhaps, more time for relaxation. We all need to balance our business and personal lives, and it is now time for me to focus on my personal life.

I will always have fond memories of the Volpe Center and what it represents and what each of you represents. I hope I have left you with some good memories too. Each of you is lucky to be a part of its journey. Savor it.

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