ISOO Director Bosanko Promoted to New Role

William J. Bosanko, the director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), has been appointed to lead a new organization at the National Archives called Agency Services.  In that capacity, he will “lead the National Archives efforts to service the records management needs of Federal agencies, and represent the public’s interest in the accountability and transparency of these records,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero in a news release yesterday.

As the new Executive for Agency Services, Mr. Bosanko will be responsible for several existing Archives components, including Records Management Policy & Oversight, the Federal Records Center Program, the Office of Government Information Services, the National Declassification Center, and ISOO.  It is a large and important portfolio, and the appointment reflects the high regard in which Mr. Bosanko is held inside and outside of government.

But it also means that he will no longer be the Director of ISOO.  Although he will now be the ISOO Director’s superior, he will no longer possess the Director’s classification oversight authorities and responsibilities, which derive from an executive order.

A new ISOO Director will have to be chosen and put in place.  At a time of profound transformation of the classification system (one may still hope), the transfer of leadership at ISOO could create some worrisome instability.

“I have committed 12 years to ISOO and believe deeply in its mission,” Mr. Bosanko said.  “Please know that I will do my best to look out for it in my new role.”