GSA Starts Search for New Technology Transformation Service Commissioner

The General Services Administration is looking for a new commissioner to head its Technology Transformation Service, itself a new unit that aims to help other federal agencies take advantage of emerging technologies and digital services.

GSA opened the position today with a posting on USAJOBS following the announced departure of Phaedra Chrousos, whose last day will be July 15. Currently, TTS has approximately 300 employees, including members of 18F, the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, the Presidential Innovation Fellows program and the FedRAMP program office.

At its core, TTS’ mission is to improve the public’s experience dealing with government, and GSA makes clear in its job posting that candidates must have a blend of tech bonafides, business acumen and team-building skills. The job will also require a top secret security clearance – though applicants need not possess a clearance to apply.

“Improving technology services is one of the federal government’s biggest shared challenges,” GSA Administrator Denise Turner Roth said in a statement. “The Technology Transformation Service will play a critical role in helping agencies create the most accessible, efficient, user-centered and secure technology for the citizens we serve. The TTS commissioner will be key to achieving this goal.”

Resumes must be submitted by July 25.

The next TTS commissioner will also have the added challenge of congressional pressure to deal with, as one of its public-facing programs, 18F, recently came under scrutiny for spending more money than it recovered for its services. GSA officials, however, have said they would – pending approval – release 18F’s cost structures and project fees.