People: Software expert lands at FAA

Every Monday on GovExec.com, the People column announces the arrivals and departures of top federal managers and executives. To submit an announcement, e-mail it to ksaldarini@govexec.com or fax it to 202-739-8511.

Leanna K. Rierson, a software development expert, is lending her smarts to the Federal Aviation Administration as the agency's new chief scientific and technical advisor for aircraft computer software. Rierson has been the program manager for Aircraft Certification Service's Avionics Branch since 1997, but formerly worked at the FAA as an avionics software engineering specialist. In her new role, Rierson will lead FAA's national software standardization program.

Erica S. Lepping is returning to the Education Department as the new press secretary. Lepping most recently served as special assistant to presidential press secretary Joe Lockhart. Prior to that, she was a press assistant and then deputy press secretary at the Education Department from 1997 to March 1999.

A former associate commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education, Kenneth R. Warlick has been named director of the U.S. Education Department's Office of Special Education Programs. Warlick will assume his new post Jan. 3. He will oversee the office that administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the law that protects the education rights of students with disabilities.

Congratulations to the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Inspection Service. APHIS' veterinary services program was recently awarded the W. Edwards Deming Outstanding Training Award for its innovative use of satellite technology in training. APHIS simulated a foreign animal disease outbreak using satellite technology to link more than 2,000 employees around the nation and in several foreign countries for a week-long training session.

Kudos to various Department of Housing and Urban Development individuals and programs, which were recognized at a recent employee appreciation ceremony. Those honored include:

• Joseph F. Smith, general deputy assistant secretary for Administration, a Presidential Rank Award winner
• Frank L. Davis, director of the Office of Departmental Operations and Coordination and David M. Gibbons, acting chief financial officer. Both received Meritorious Executive Rank awards.
• The Office of Community Planning and Development's Continuum of Care program, which received a 1999 Innovations in Government Award.
• The Real Estate Assessment Center, which received a Technology Leadership Award from Government Executive.
• Elizabeth K. Julian, former assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, who recently left the agency.