Washington, D.C.--An extensive printing and graphic communications background, congressional experience and in-depth knowledge of the Government Printing Office are three of the key reasons why Robert C. Tapella has been promoted from Deputy Chief of Staff to Chief of Staff at the GPO. "The GPO is working on the next phase of our transformation, which includes our strategic planning process.  Bob has just the right mix of printing and congressional experience, pair that with his deep understanding of the GPO and the direction we are headed as an agency, and you have the ideal choice to help move the GPO forward to the next level," said Bruce James, Public Printer of the United States and the agency's CEO. Bob Tapella has been serving as GPO's Deputy Chief of Staff since his appointment in December 2002.  He brings to the agency a unique combination that includes extensive legislative experience and an education and practical background in graphic communications and printing management.  From 1996 to 2000, he served as professional staff on the House of Representatives Committee on House Oversight.  As such, Tapella supervised the Office of Member Services, was Chief of Staff to Rep. Bill Redmond and Special Assistant to the Clerk of the House of Representatives.  From 1986 to 1993, he was District Representative for Rep. Bill Thomas.  Bob began his career in the graphic design business, venturing later into print brokering, corporate communication and strategic planning.  He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, one of the country's leading schools in printing and graphic communications.