Deputy Director for Management at OMB Steps Down

After nearly three years of serving as Deputy Director for Management (DDM) at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Margaret Weichert has announced her return to the private sector. During her tenure, Weichert served concurrently as Acting Office of Personnel Management Director for nearly a year. Weichert led many administration priorities, including the reorganization of OPM.

During her time as DDM, Weichert led the creation and implementation of the President’s Management Agenda. Acting Director of OMB Russell Vought complemented Weichert on this mission upon announcement of her departure on Federal News Network.

“She’s been leading the charge to re-think how the federal government can better serve the American people,” Vought said. “Through her leadership in developing and executing the President’s Management Agenda and her key insights into transforming organizations, Margaret has put forward solutions that will build a stronger America. On behalf of the entire Office of Management and Budget, I want to express my deepest gratitude for Margaret and wish her all the best in this next chapter.”

Weichert received wells wishes from Congressional leaders in both major parties with Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) calling her a “trusted partner” on security clearance reform and ranking member of the Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) calling her an “outstanding agent” within Washington.

Weichert began the reorganization efforts for OPM while serving as Acting Director. Senior Executives Association (SEA) President Bill Valdez noted in a statement on Weichert’s departure that this move “helped facilitate necessary conversations on how OPM could be ushered into the 21st Century.”

SEA President Valdez also commended Weichert on placing substantial focus on skills and capability gaps within government and noted the importance of continuing these conversations across government in her absence.

 “As Weichert returns to the private sector, individuals across government would be wise to continue these essential conversations which are critical to ensuring the effective deliverance of services to the American public,” Valdez notes. “Improving the functioning of government cannot be done by one person, one Department, or one Congressional Committee. Congress and the Executive Branch must dedicate significant time, resources and attention to reviewing government operations and advancing the capacity of the federal workforce. With over 2 million civil servants working for the American people around the world, we need a strong, concerted across government effort to manage the federal workforce and plan for its future success.”

Weichert helped roll out the federal data strategy, started the administration’s efforts to train employees under the Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy and launched the Government Effectiveness Advanced Research (GEAR) Center.

According to Federal News Network, Weichert said she will leave for Accenture next month, where she’ll join the company’s commercial practice.