It's official: Doan is the new GSA administrator

The Senate confirmed Lurita Doan today as the administrator of the General Services Administration.

Doan was confirmed after a quick confirmation process. President Bush nominated her April 6. She went before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee May 22, and the committee approved her nomination by voice vote May 25.

The top spot at GSA has remained vacant since former administrator Stephen Perry resigned Oct. 31, 2005. Doan becomes the first woman administrator since the agency was established in 1949.

Doan steps into a tough job because GSA is struggling with revenue losses, disgruntled customers and slumping employee morale.

“Ms. Doan will have a relatively short time period until the end of this administration in which to bring about change,” said John Okay, partner at Topside Consulting Group.

He suggested focusing on customer service and reconnecting with customers and the agency’s employees.

“Having the administrator putting personal energy and exert leadership in these areas will give the agency a needed boost,” he said. “Time will tell if it will be enough.”

Observers said she showed insight to pinpoint GSA’s needs.

However, “she will need to quickly figure out who to trust among her top advisors. Some of those who led GSA down the wrong path will be those giving her the most advice,” said Neal Fox, a former GSA official now an independent consultant.