FCW Insider: Field has brain-drain ideas

Paul Denett is only the latest Bush-era appointee to leave his post, but we expect Lesley Field, who took over today as acting administrator for federal procurement policy, to be capable in the job.

Field has some ideas for attracting young professionals into the federal acquisition workforce. While the “brain drain” of seasoned personnel has been talked about everywhere, it’s refreshing to hear someone outside of OPM proposing solutions to it.  Field’s particular idea is internship programs. They give graduating college students a first-hand look at what a federal career can offer, she says.

Denett’s departure seems to be one that won’t drain the brains out of his organization, with Field – deputy administrator at the Office of Federal Procurement Policy when not acting as administrator – ably stepping up.