Tillerson’s Grand Renovation Plan in State Department Gets Assistance
Mr. Tillerson has said he expected to come up with a reorganization plan by the end of the year and begin putting it to work next year, an unusually long process for such an effort but one
that reflects his commitment to a top-to-bottom review.
Among the committees are those dedicated to ensuring
that foreign assistance programs align with national priorities, that there is a balance between the work done in Washington and in the field, and that the department’s computer system — famously poorly functioning — adopts cutting-edge technology.
By GARDINER HARRISJULY 17, 2017
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson is moving ahead with plans to restructure his department,
and has hired two consulting groups to assist with the process, according to a cable sent to embassies around the world.
In an interview last week, he said he was surprised at how poorly the government’s decision-making process compares with
that of Exxon Mobil, where he worked for 41 years, leaving as the chief executive and chairman.
Among the survey’s recommendations was that the issuance of visas, passports and other travel documents be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, an effort
that would require a wholesale transformation of the government’s overseas work force.
In the cable, Mr. Tillerson said he had hired Deloitte and Insigniam to help oversee the reorganization.
