The U.S. Digital Service’s (USDS) Matt Cutts announced he is stepping down as the agency’s administrator in a self-authored Medium post this week.
A USDS spokesperson confirmed to MeriTalk that current Deputy Administrator Edward Hartwig will take over as acting administrator, supported by USDS’ senior leadership team, until a new administrator is appointed.
The USDS is a “tech startup” agency inside the White House that hires top technologists to serve the Federal government for term-limited positions. It was founded by President Obama in 2014, to modernize government services through technology and design.
Cutts joined USDS in 2016, intending to serve only three to six months. Now almost four years later, Cutts said his service will come to an end at the end of this month.
“When technologists join USDS, they sign up for a limited tour of duty. I am no different, and it is my time to step down,” Cutts wrote in his post. “I’m so grateful to have been a part of this team. And I am enormously proud of everything our team has accomplished across two administrations.”
Cutts added that the agency is actively looking to hire even more technologists under the new administration amid increased funding. Cutts called for engineers, designers, product managers, acquisition strategists, and policy experts to apply to continue USDS’ work to make government services more equitable and accessible.
“A year of service can improve the lives of millions of people, many of whom are experiencing the most difficult moments of their lives,” he said. “Recent endorsements from the president and Congress continue to drive the movement forward. New funding allows us to continue to grow to meet the moment we are in. By partnering with even more agencies and teams across government, we can help more people navigate government and showcase government at its best.”
