Leaders Assume Responsibilities at Whistleblower Agency

On Friday, U.S. Special Counsel Scott Bloch announced the appointment of two individuals to take over responsibilities held by departing Deputy Special Counsel Jim Byrne, who resigned on July 10th. An email sent to Office of Special Counsel staff said:

I have asked, and they have consented, to have the following persons step in to provide provisional operational leadership, beginning Monday:

Jim Mitchell, while continuing his duties as Chief of Congressional and Public Affairs, will act as provisional Chief of Staff, and to work with Lenny and the units chiefs to coordinate ongoing reports, meetings reporting out, and major initiatives, and dealing with matters as they arise that may need to be brought to my attention and acted upon.

Lenny Dribinsky, while continuing in his duties as Senior Associate Special Counsel, will act as a provisional overseer of the details of operations normally handled by the DSC, such as signing leave slips, time and attendance, and helping with other documentation and operational and legal issues as they arise within the agency. He will coordinate with Jim Mitchell and both will be a part of meetings of the various units.

We ask for you help and indulgence as they move into these roles to make sure the agency continues to function smoothly and efficiently, and to help you to help the clientele of the federal agencies.

Thank you and have a good weekend,

Scott Bloch
Special Counsel

-- Beth Daley

Comments

[Anthony]

Joe, you stated: " By law, the Special Counsel can remain in place for up to one year after their term expires or until the Senate confirms a replacement."

Okay, who decides if Bloch "can" remain after January 20? Why not on January 21, someone in the administration declare that Bloch's services are no longer required and then assign an interim? Or does Bloch have the right to remain in office within that 1 year period until he is replaced by a confirmed OSC chief?

[Joe Carson]

One point and one question:

By law, the Special Counsel can remain in place for up to one year after their term expires or until the Senate confirms a replacement.

Where did Jim Byrne go? Did he take another SES job in another agency?

[Anthony]

Bloch was sworn in as OSC chief on January 5, 2004 for a 5 year term per the OSC website. Everytime I read an article about Scott Bloch it doesn't seem to bring up the fact that his term expires on January 5, 2009. A career OSC executive (,if there are any of them,) can fill the interm OSC Chief role after Bloch leaves and until the new administration assigns an official replacement.