First woman to head GPO

Congress

First woman to head GPO

Davita Vance-Cooks became the acting public printer, making her the first female to fill the top position at the Government Printing Office.

Federal News Network Staff

January 4, 2012 9:06 am

1 min read

By Jolie Lee
@jleewfed
Federal News Radio

Davita Vance-Cooks became the acting public printer this week, making her the first female to fill the top position at the Government Printing Office.

Vance-Cooks previously served as the deputy public printer. She replaces Bill Boarman, whose term ended.

Davita Vance-Cooks (Photo courtesy of GPO)

“I look forward to continue working with GPO employees as we serve the needs of Congress, federal agencies, and the public,” Vance-Cooks said in a statement.

Boarman would have remained on the job had the Senate confirmed his nomination by the end of 2011. But the Senate adjourned last month without confirming him.

Boarman said the lack of a confirmation was caught up in political wrangling.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with me,” Boarman had said in an interview with Federal News Radio. “My record has been one of accomplishment and achievement, and I’ve been praised by both Republicans and Democrats for the work that I’ve done.”

In a statement. about Vance-Cooks, Boarman said, “I have great confidence and trust in Davita and her ability to serve as the leader of GPO as the agency begins its 151st year in service to the nation. Davita’s institutional knowledge of GPO combined with her experience in the private sector makes her the ideal person to assume the position of acting public printer.”

The 1,900-employee agency is responsible for producing and disseminating information from the government, including the Federal Register and Congressional Record. GPO also produces secure identification cards and passports.

Boarman to step down as GPO chief