Weather Service CIO is new FGIPC president

With its president retiring from his government post, the Federation of Government Information Processing Council has tapped Barry West to serve out the term of John Ortego.

West, CIO of the National Weather Service, took over as acting president last week. He is the organization's executive vice president. Ortego, who will retire Jan. 31 and step down as the Agriculture Department's National Finance Center in New Orleans, was elected FGIPC president in July 2001.

FGIPC will hold elections at its annual conference in May, said Vivian Ronen, acting executive director of FGIPC and the Industry Advisory Council.

Although he has a brief term, West said he does have a few goals. "Some of my goals include getting FGIPC back to what it was set up to do: training and education," he said. "I also want to revitalize the member councils, like the Association for Federal IRM, to promote better sharing of information."

West said he also would play a role in the search for a new executive director of IAC and FGIPC along with IAC chairman Bob Woods. Alan Balutis left that post Jan. 20.

West said he wants to run for president in May.

He also will continue to perform as executive vice president until the election, Ronen said. FGIPC soon will form a nominating committee to select members as candidates for council posts.