initiative to centralize all IRS IT also trying to communicate this proud to have been a part of that.
resources. For the most part, we to staff who may have to face However, the continued threat of
succeeded in stepping up to these career setbacks. IT centralization reminds us that
challenges, but not without some As I leave SOI, we are once what many have built over time
pain and anguish. again facing a scenario similar to can be quickly dismantled if good
It is important that people the 1960s. The IRS is seeking to judgment doesn’t prevail.
work well together so that SOI is centralize all IT functions, which In conclusion, I have been
‘firing on all cylinders.’ However, could be devastating to the effi- honored to have been the SOI
in any work environment, that ciencies, nimbleness, and resource- director for these many years. I
doesn’t always happen, so some- fulness that permeate SOI today. If leave SOI knowing that, while
times I had to intervene. In addi- we don’t learn from history, maybe there will always be challenges,
tion, since people are SOI’s most it will, in fact, be repeated. we have many talented people
valuable asset, I faced the big Ultimately, my goal as direc- who will ensure we successfully
trade-off of wanting to reward tor was to do whatever I could address them. I thank everyone
them, to the extent possible, to get the entire organization who shares my view that this is
while maintaining high stan- working together effectively and a special place because of the
dards. However, I have found to leave SOI in the best possible important and challenging work
that promoting more people cre- condition. Today’s SOI produces and the many multi-talented
ates a cycle of rising expectations. its highest-quality data, more people. In the future, I will do
But, as President Harry Truman timely studies, and more data whatever I can to ensure success-
once said, “The buck stops here.” products and research than ever ful continuity of operations and
I found that it was imperative to done in a highly complex and transition to future leadership. n
stand up for high standards while ever-changing environment. I am
Thinking of Your
Future?
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JUNE 2009 AmstAt News 55
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