USPS' CTO Otto to retire

Robert Otto, vice president and chief technology officer at the U.S. Postal Service, announced his retirement in a memo to information technology staff July 12.

His last day will be Oct. 1.

The full memo is posted below.

From: Otto, Robert L - Washington, DC
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:19 AM
To: All IT Staff
Subject: All IT Employees - CTO Information

IT Employees

I have just advised the Postmaster General and my IT Direct Reports that I will be retiring on October 1, 2007. So you will be seeing an announcement soon regarding my retirement.


I have been working since I was very young and after over 38 years of serving the american public, I believe it is time for me to take the next step in my life's journey.


I have been very blessed in my life to have had the opportunity to work in the Information Technology field, working on challenging things that positively impact our customers and our employees. I have had the opportunity to gain an education, work as part of a team, lead teams, and also lead the Information Technology function for the United States Postal Service. It does not get much better than that.


The Postal Service and its employees mean everything to me. I have had the opportunity to shape our service and also watch IT grow. It has been a great experience that I would not trade for anything in the world. I believe that our postal employees are amongst the most talented and dedicated in all of government. We have demonstrated this in IT over the past 7 years by transforming not only the IT organization with its products and services, but we have also led the organization in transforming the Postal Service in everything that touches systems, processes and technology. Our next challenge is in front of us with SOX and REFORM actions that will need to be prioritized and put in place over the next 30 months. I am confident that the IT team will deliver on this challenge as well.


Over many years, I have worked with almost all of you, and have been a part in helping you and your family grow and prosper. The day-to-day interaction with each of you is what I will miss the most after I leave.


I want to thank each of you for working with me to make a difference in the organization and for providing your support over the years that helped make the Information Technology department what it is today. I know that I will miss my job, but I will miss all of you far more. Words can not express my gratitude to each of you.


Finally, I know that my successor will be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with great IT talent; and I have personally committed to the Postmaster General that I will work in any way to help him select the next leader for IT.


My best wishes to each of you and your families.

Thanks to all of you!

Bob