WASHINGTON – The White House has released the following announcement:
Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:
Davita Vance-Cooks, Nominee for Public Printer, Government Printing Office
Davita Vance-Cooks is currently Deputy Public Printer of the Government Printing Office (GPO), a position she has held since December 2011. Ms. Vance-Cooks has served in a number of other roles at GPO since 2004, including Chief of Staff, Managing Director of the Publications and Information Sales Business Unit, and Deputy Managing Director of Customer Services. Prior to joining GPO, she was the General Manager at HTH Worldwide Insurance Services from 2001 to 2004. Previously, she served as the Vice President of Consumer Services at Digital Insurance from 2000 to 2001. From 1993 to 2000, Ms. Vance-Cooks served in several roles with NYLCare Health Plans of the Mid- Atlantic, which was purchased by Aetna during her tenure. Ms. Vance-Cooks received her B.S. from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.
Davita Vance-Cooks’ bio (PDF)
Commentary by Cary Sherburne
I found this announcement to be very surprising. Set aside all of the issues around her predecessor acting Public Printer, Mr. Boarman, about whom I wrote in depth during his failed nomination process (he has been acting as a consultant to GPO, so don't feel sorry about him being out of a job!).
The title of Public Printer of the United States refers to the official head of the Government Printing Office (GPO). Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. § 301, this officer must be nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the United States Senate. By law, The Public Printer must be highly skilled in the areas of bookbinding and printing to qualify for the post, although recent changes to the GPO's operating model have made skills in electronic information dissemination a more crucial criterion for appointment. While the electronic information dissemination skills are crucial, it still doesn't change the law, and with all due respect, Ms. Cooks does not meet the legal requirements for the job. Not even sure if her background meets the "crucial" electronic skills. There is a link to her bio in the press release. You decide.
Why make a nomination that doesn't conform to the law! I just don't understand the thought process the White House underwent here. Did you know that the only time a president has EVER visited the GPO was right after it was first established, and that visit was by President Abraham Lincoln. Maybe if the President took a couple hours out of his busy schedule to actually visit the place and talk to employees, there might be more insight into what the agency does and the role it plays.
OK, if today's requirements don't need a person with a practicing printing/bookbinding background, then change the law appropriate, and THEN nominate the appropriate person. How can Congress approve this nomination?
We will be watching to see what happens.
