DorobekInsider.com: GSA names Tyree Varnado to key acquisition post

We told you about the leadership shuffles going on over at GSA. Acting Administrator Jim Williams Jim Williams named Barney Brasseux as the agency’s number two official. That, of course, left a vacancy at the Federal Acquisition Service, where Brasseaux has been serving as the acting FAS commissioner.

I just got word that Williams has named Tyree Varnado to be the acting FAS Commissioner effective September 21.

Varnado will be permanently reassigned as the FAS deputy commissioner while holding serving as the acting FAS Commissioner.

Since December 2002, Varnado has been the assistant regional administrator for FAS in GSA’s greater southwest region.

Of course, there are actings all over GSA’s leadership because Williams’ nomination to be GSA administration — non-acting, if you will — has a hold by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). It’s unlikely that Grassley is going to lift that hold.

I don’t know Varnado, but I think it is a fascinating move — selecting somebody from outside the beltway. I also have a lot of faith in Williams.

I have already received this comment:

Not only a great guy, but it sends the right message that DC is NOT the center of the universe. That Jim Williams is a sharp dude.

Know Varnado? Do share.

And read Varnado’s bio from GSA after the break…

As promised, Varnado’s bio:

Tyree Varnado is the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), Greater Southwest Region. Since December 2002, Tyree has managed the region’s Federal Supply Service (FSS) operations. These include the Central Fleet Program, Marketing, and Property Management within the Greater Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions, as well as several significant and unique programs: the Greater Southwest Acquisition Center, the Southwest Supply Center, the Information Technology Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) Center, and the Fleet Payment Processing Center.

With an organization of nearly 400 employees and an annual operating budget of over $40 million, Tyree has been very successful in meeting both service and agency goals. Furthermore, during his time spent as ARA for FSS in Fort Worth, Tyree led FSS regional business growth from $1.8 billion in 2002 to $5.4 billion in 2006 by establishing strong, charismatic leadership and aggressively pursuing innovative contracting and marketing strategies. Always an optimist, Tyree can often be heard using his favorite catch-phrase, “Another day in paradise!” to generate enthusiasm throughout the office and start each day with a positive, energetic attitude.

Tyree has an impressive history of government service, with over 35 years of federal government experience. He began his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture before finding his long-term home with General Services Administration. Prior to his arrival in Fort Worth, Tyree served from 1996 to 2002 as the ARA for FSS, Heartland Region in Kansas City. From 1973 to 1985, Tyree served in various capacities at the GSA National Finance Center in Kansas City, MO including Chief, External Services Division and Chief, National Payroll Center.

Tyree received a bachelor’s of science in business administration from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff. He has a daughter, Akeisha. In his spare time, Tyree can usually be found running or playing golf.