Reichelt leaves GSA

Karl Reichelt, chief of staff and interim chief acquisition officer at the General Services Administration, has resigned.

In a written statement issued today, Reichelt said he is leaving "to pursue an exciting new job opportunity beyond government."

In his resignation letter to GSA Administrator Stephen Perry, Reichelt suggested that his plans may not yet be firm.

"With a second term [for President Bush] in hand, many new people waiting to join the president's team and my strong desire to do the right thing when seeking new employment, it is best that I step down now," he wrote. "I am very excited and enthused about the possibilities ahead and I look forward to taking on a new challenge in life that is good for my family and me."

The letter indicated that Reichelt and Perry have been discussing Reichelt's desire to leave government for the past several months. Reichelt's resignation is effective Dec. 31.

He served as regional administrator for the Northeast and Caribbean region from April 2002 through Jan. 21. At that point, he was named chief of staff to succeed David Safavian, who had been nominated as administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.

In June, Perry appointed Reichelt to be interim chief acquisition official.

Charles Self, former deputy commissioner of GSA's Federal Technology Service, worked with Reichelt when Reichelt served as regional administrator.

"My experience with Karl was all very, very good," Self said. "He was well-respected. He brought a lot of stability and renewed focus to the region."

Reichelt has spent a total of 13 years in government, including positions in the administration of New York Gov. George Pataki prior to joining the federal government.

In a written statement, Perry said that Reichelt "has contributed significantly to achieving GSA performance results. He has been a valued member of the GSA team and his knowledge, work ethic and friendship will be sorely missed."