GSA chief of staff job is no longer open

The General Services Administration has picked its next chief of staff from within its ranks.

Michael Robertson will be the new chief of staff at the General Services Administration, GSA Administrator Martha Johnson said today. Robertson has been GSA’s associate administrator of governmentwide policy and the chief acquisition officer since August 2009.

“His talent and commitment to GSA will assure our strong focus on our customers, align us with the president’s priorities, and ensure that we find creative and collaborative ways to continue to be a leader across government,” Johnson said in a statement. “I’ve worked closely with Michael for over a year and can think of no better person to advise and serve as a driving force on these initiatives."

Robertson said GSA has an opportunity to improve service to its customers and advance President Barack Obama’s priorities for improving government through open government and citizen engagement and responsible acquisitions.

Danielle Germain stepped down as GSA’s chief of staff in January.

Robertson leaves GSA’s acquisition office as it seeks a deputy CAO after David Drabkin retired in March. Johnson and the White House now are looking for candidates to replace Robertson, an official said.