Nancy Killefer

President Barack Obama nominated Nancy Killefer to the new position of chief performance officer in his administration. On February 3, 2009, Killefer turned town the position due to a tax issue.WSJ.com: Performance Czar Killefer Withdraws Candidacy (February 3, 2009) In April 2009, Obama named Jeffrey Zients for the position.Washingtonpost.com: Obama Appoints Virginian to CTO Post (April 18, 2009)

In a letter to President Obama, Killefer wrote, "I have also come to realize in the current environment that my personal tax issue of D.C. Unemployment tax could be used to create exactly the kind of distraction and delay those duties must avoid. Because of this I must reluctantly ask you to withdraw my name from consideration."CBS News: Obama Performance Czar Withdraws Candidacy (February 3, 2009)

After President Obama announced the nomination of Killefer as chief performance officer, the Associated Press reported that there had been a $946.69 lien on her home. The lean was put in place after Kellifer failed to make required payments on "unemployment compensation tax for a household employee" for over a year. Killefer resolved the issue with the local government five months after the lean was put in place.MSNBC: Obama nominee withdraws over tax issue (February 3, 2009)

The CPO will set performance standards for federal agencies and ensure accountability. In announcing the decision on January 7, 2009, Obama said the position is "one of the most important" appointments he will make. Killefer, a senior director at a managment consulting firm, served as an assistant secretary of the Treasury during former President Bill Clinton's administration.CNN: Obama names pick for 'chief performance officer'

"Change and reform can't just be election year slogans. They must become fundamental principles of government."CNN: Obama names pick for 'chief performance officer'

"When Nancy was offered her first position at Treasury, she responded, 'If you're willing to embrace significant change, then you're looking at the right person. But if you just want to keep the trains running on time, don't ask me to do this job.' When I heard that, I knew I'd chosen exactly the right person for the challenges we face."Forbes: Text: Obama Introduces 'Chief Performance Officer'