Posted Date:May 4, 2011
| Author: | William J. Taggart, Chief Operating Officer, Federal Student Aid |
Subject: Announcement from Federal Student Aid's Chief Operating Officer
Dear Colleagues in the Higher Education Community:
In February 2009, President Obama challenged our country to once again regain its leadership in higher education completion by 2020. When I joined Federal Student Aid as Chief Operating Officer a few months later, I was charged in part with helping to achieve this goal. During the last two years, I have had the distinct honor of working with many of you in pursuit of this objective.
I have also had the privilege of meeting many of you on campus, at our conferences or in our offices in DC. We have shared many successes, such as completing the transition to 100 percent Direct Lending and simplifying the FAFSA. These accomplishments could not have been realized without your hard work and commitment.
While my experience in public service far exceeded my expectations, it is now time to turn my attention to other endeavors. Effective July 15, 2011, I will resign my position as Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid.
James (Jim) Runcie, Federal Student Aid’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, will assume my position in an acting capacity. Jim is a dynamic leader whose talents and breadth of experience are well-suited to serve Federal Student Aid and the higher education community.
I consider it a great privilege to have served under President Obama and Secretary Arne Duncan and want to thank them for this opportunity. I also want to thank you for your service and dedication to our nation’s students and their families.
Sincerely,
William J. Taggart
Chief Operating Officer
Federal Student Aid