GSA's Neal Fox announces departure

Neal Fox, the assistant commissioner for commercial acquisition at the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Service, has given notice that he will be leaving the agency.

Fox did not give a specific date, but indicated his departure would be "in the near future." He has been at GSA for three years and is a member of the Senior Executive Service.

"There is something to be said for going out while you are on the top of your game," he said in a brief e-mail announcement late today, adding that he plans to continue his career in the private sector. Fox and GSA officials were unavailable for further comment.

The Coalition for Government Procurement, an industry trade group, praised Fox for the introduction of several electronic commerce technologies within GSA and other streamlining techniques designed to reduce overhead and improve the speed of GSA schedules' management.

"The coalition has worked closely with Neal since he arrived at GSA and we appreciate his efforts to work with industry to streamline and modernize the procurement process," coalition executive vice president Larry Allen said in a statement.

Donna Bennett, FSS commissioner, and Lester Gray, deputy FSS commissioner, also announced their retirements recently. GSA is combining FSS and the Federal Technology Service under the new Federal Acquisition Service.

Previously, Fox served in the Air Force for 26 years, retiring as a colonel. His received his bachelor of arts degree in economics from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and Master of Business Administration and Management from the University of Wyoming.

Mary Mosquera is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.