WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Aurene M. Martin today announced that James H. McDivitt, Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (Management), will retire this month after a 35-year career in the Federal government. His retirement will be effective June 13, 2003. “Jim McDivitt has been a tremendous asset to the Bureau of Indian Affairs because of his experience as a Federal manager and dedicated public servant,” Martin said. “He proved himself invaluable to the Bureau and the Department, and he will be sorely missed.”
Prior to being named Deputy Assistant Secretary in 2000, McDivitt served as Chief of Staff to former Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin Gover. McDivitt’s experience in Indian Affairs began in September of 1995 when he became Budget Officer for the BIA. He held that position until May of 1998. McDivitt also served as Acting BIA Director for Management and Administration from May of 1996 to November of 1997. He continued as Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (Management) under President George W. Bush.
McDivitt began his Federal career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1968. In 1969 he left Federal civilian service to become an officer in the U.S. Army for two years. He returned to Federal civilian service after leaving the Army to work first for the Economic Research Service (1972-1981) and then the U.S. Forest Service (1981-1990). In 1990, he joined the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Executive Office of the President where he served as primary examiner for several bureaus of the Department of the Interior (DOI), including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. While at OMB, he also held positions as Deputy Branch Chief and Acting Branch Chief over all DOI programs included in Interior Appropriations legislation.
McDivitt received a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. in Financial Management from Michigan State University in 1968 and 1972, respectively.
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