Peck, who has worked with Washington, D.C., Mayor's Anthony Williams to use technology to address the multifaceted challenges of the nation's capitol, said she is on "short term" loan to Pennsylvania.
"I am there as his counselor and am organizing a management and productivity group for him," she said. "I remain a full time district executive with Pennsylvania appropriately reimbursing the district for the cost of my time."
Rendell is focused on procurement reform, cost reductions and revenue enhancements to offset budget deficits that plague nearly every state. To support these efforts he created an executive order that authorizes a "detailed analysis and evaluation of programs and functions of state government."
The Pennsylvania Management and Productivity Improvement Initiative includes the creation of an office of the same name and a council of 11 cabinet members.
"Finding ways to maximize revenue from sales tax and unpaid business tax collections; finding ways to squeeze more value from state assets; finding ways to take advantage of the economy by refinancing certain state debt to lower the state's debt costs -- all of these are due for a review and are exactly what the new Office of Management and Productivity is all about," the governor said in his announcement. "By this executive order, I'm empowering the OMP office to tap into the full resources of state government to make sure we spend every one of Pennsylvania's dollars wisely and well."
Peck will provide guidance as the OMP develops its strategy to carry out the governor's vision.
"I am recommending the project management approach and that the actual revenue enhancing and cost cutting initiatives be managed from these cabinet agencies," Peck said. "It is the building of a very small office to do project management of a very large office."
Peck has had similar responsibilities during her five-year tenure with the district, where nothing seems simple. The district has state-like responsibilities (without commensurate benefits), acts like a city, plays a role in the federal sector and has strong regional collaborations as well -- particularly in the arena of homeland security.
Peck has played a large role in the streamlining of communications systems, development of emergency preparedness systems and the fostering of intergovernmental relationships during her time at the district.
"Imagine the governor of the sixth largest state asking the mayor of the second smallest 'state' for an adviser," she said. "It speaks volumes about the caliber of people Mayor Williams has been able to attract."
Peck said she plans to spend a few days each week on her new assignment, which she anticipates will last no more than a couple of months, while maintaining the full responsibilities of her D.C. post.
