THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES EDWARD FRANCIS MEAGHER AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY

FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

President Clinton today announced his intent to nominate Edward Francis Meagher as Assistant Secretary for Information Technology at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Edward Francis Meagher, of Great Falls, Virginia, is currently the President and Chief Technology Officer of Entertainment News Service. Prior to this, he was the Executive Vice President of Y2K Enterprises. Mr. Meagher brings almost 20 years of experience in various senior positions within the information technology industry. Mr. Meagher has worked for several systems integration firms delivering large, complex information systems to both the public and private sectors. Most recently he has consulted with Internet start-up companies assisting with the development of their business and technology architecture plans. As the head of the newly established Office of the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, Mr. Meagher will serve as Veteran Affairs Chief Information Officer and will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the computer and telecommunication systems.

Mr. Meagher attended the University of Dayton and served in the U.S. Air Force in the Philippines and Vietnam.

The position of Assistant Secretary for Information Technology, was established on July 1, 1998, to focus on information and technology management. Prior to the creation of this position, the Assistant Secretary for Management performed the duties of the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information Officer. Based on discussions with the Administration, a review of the Information Technology Management Reform Act and views expressed by Congress, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs decided to separate the CIO functions from the CFO functions.

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