Archivist Appoints New Directors of the Office of Government Information Services and the Office of the Federal Register
Press Release · Monday, August 10, 2015

Washington, DC

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero announced today the appointment of James Holzer as the Director of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), and Oliver Potts as the Director of the Federal Register. Both start their new positions today.

In making the announcement, the Archivist said, “Dr. Holzer’s experience administering FOIA and his demonstrated commitment to transparency will benefit OGIS, the National Archives, and the American public.”

“Oliver Potts will continue our work in modernizing the Federal Register, making it THE source for the American people to daily monitor and participate in their Government,” the Archivist added.

Dr. James Holzer has extensive experience with the administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Since 2009 he has worked in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FOIA Office, where he has served as the Senior Director of FOIA Operations. He served as the senior advisor to the Department’s executive-level leaders throughout DHS, on compliance with FOIA and the Privacy Act, and DHS policies, programs, and agreements that promote adherence to information disclosure principles. In addition, he spearheaded the implementation of the Department’s enterprise-wide FOIA tracking, processing, and reporting case management system.

Prior to joining DHS, Dr. Holzer served in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years on active duty. He deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and to Afghanistan in 2007. He received a Doctorate of Management at University of Maryland, University College. His previous degrees include a Master of Human Relations degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a B.S. in Business from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Oliver Potts has served in the Federal government for more than 15 years, most recently as Deputy Executive Secretariat at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he was responsible for oversight and coordination of HHS’s regulatory agenda. He also managed the Secretary’s regulatory policy review system and correspondence and records management operations.

Prior to his current position, Potts served as Director of the Civil Remedies Division, an administrative law tribunal at HHS. There he oversaw development of processes for publishing administrative law decisions on the Internet, as well as the process for publishing procedural documents and standard litigation forms for customers. Potts also led the development and implementation of an internal tracking and reporting system and an electronic filing system to make filing appeals paperless. Originally from New York City, Potts received a BA in Government and Politics from George Mason University and a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

The Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) is a FOIA resource for the public and the government. Congress has charged OGIS with reviewing FOIA policies, procedures and compliance of Federal agencies and to recommend changes to FOIA based on what we see. OGIS also resolves FOIA disputes between Federal agencies and requesters. OGIS serves as the FOIA ombudsman -- answering questions, tracking suggestions and providing information. More information online.

The OGIS Director is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures of administrative agencies under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); reviewing compliance with FOIA by administrative agencies; and recommending policy changes to Congress and the President to improve the administration of FOIA. The Director also is responsible for offering mediation services to resolve disputes between persons making FOIA requests and administrative agencies, and may issue advisory opinions if mediation has not resolved the dispute.

The National Archives Office of the Federal Register produces the Federal Register, the daily legal journal of the Federal government made available every business day. The Federal Register contains Federal Agency Regulations, Proposed Rules and Public Notices, Executive Orders, Proclamations, and other Presidential Documents. The Office of the Federal Register prepares the Federal Register for publication in partnership with the Government Publishing Office. The Federal Register informs citizens of their rights and obligations and provides access to a wide range of Federal benefits and opportunities for funding. Online at www.federalregister.gov.

The Office of the Federal Register Director manages the publication process for the Federal Register and other legal publications that come out of the office. The Director is also administers the Electoral College, serving as the contact between the States and the U.S. Congress, as well as planning and directing the establishment and maintenance of emergency systems and facilities for the dissemination of laws and regulations of the Government in the event of a national emergency.

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For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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