Roster Change

Bob Dies was named assistant director in charge of the FBI's Information

Resource Division, which oversees the maintenance, upgrade and development

of the bureau's information and communication systems, computer networks

and records.

Dies joins the bureau after more than 30 years with IBM, where he recently

retired as general manager of the company's Network and Personal Computer

Division.

His first task with the FBI will be to design, develop and deploy e-FBI — formerly known as the Information Sharing Initiative — an ambitious project

to give bureau agents the ability to share and sift through information

via the World Wide Web.

Christopher McLean earlier this month was appointed administrator of the

Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service (RUS). McLean succeeds

Wally Beyer, who retired Oct. 31, 1999.

As administrator of RUS, McLean will oversee financing for rural electric

cooperatives, telecommunications and water programs, and administer the

distance learning and telemedicine loan and grant program.

Previously, McLean worked in the U.S. Senate for more than 15 years,

serving as a legislative assistant and legal counsel to Sen. James Exon

(D-Nebraska) and later as legislative counsel to Sen. Bob Kerry (D-Nebraska).

Jack Basso, assistant secretary for budget and programs at the Transportation

Department, last week was recognized by the nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition

Public Employees Roundtable for excellence in public service.

Basso, who also is chief financial officer at DOT, received the Chairmans

Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership in support of the Roundtables'

mission: to educate Americans about the importance of public service, promote

excellence and esprit de corps in government, and encourage young people

to consider public service careers.