New GSA administrator eager to lead ‘GSA’s business resurgence’

Williams takes over for David Bibb, who retired Aug. 29 after a 37-year career in federal civil service. Bibb had been the acting administrator in the wake of the departure of Lurita Doan, who was forced out four months ago by the White House after a tumultuous two-year tenure. 

“I am honored that President Bush asked me to take on such a critical role in his administration,” Williams said. “I look forward to leading GSA’s business resurgence and working with stakeholders to ensure GSA remains the government’s primary source of acquisition solutions.”

With Williams moving up, Barnaby Brasseux assumed the role of acting Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) commissioner on Aug. 30. Brasseux most recently served as deputy FAS commissioner.

“Together, we have charted a careful course for a smooth transition,” Bibb said. “Mr. Williams is a proven, experienced leader, and I am confident he will continue to lead GSA to strive to bring excellence to the business of government.”

Bush designated Williams as GSA acting administrator on Aug. 19, but he nominated Williams to be the GSA administrator on June 25. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs unanimously approved the nomination; however, shortly after, the full Senate adjourned for its August recess and has not yet acted.

Williams held leadership positions at the Department of Homeland Security, IRS

Williams has devoted 28 years to federal civil service, including 17 years as a senior executive. 

Williams became FAS commissioner on June 25, 2006. In this capacity, he led the creation of FAS by combining two major GSA acquisition organizations into one that is more effective and efficient – the largest and most complex reorganization in the history of GSA, according to the agency. 

Prior to his assignment at FAS, Williams served as director of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program at the Department of Homeland Security.  Previously, he served in several executive leadership positions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including deputy associate commissioner for program management, deputy assistant commissioner for procurement and later as director of procurement at the IRS.

Earlier in his career, Williams was director of the Local Telecommunications Procurement Division at GSA, where he was responsible for all nationwide local telecommunications purchases for the agency.

A native of Virginia, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979 and a master’s in business administration from The George Washington University in 1986.