Robert C. Tapella

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honorific-prefix = The Honorable
name = Robert C. Tapella
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term_start = October 4, 2007
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appointer = President George W. Bush
predecessor = Bruce James
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President of the United States George W. Bush nominated Robert Charles Tapella, [White House Press Release [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070524-1.html] ] of California, to be the Public Printer of the United States in May 2007. After being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Tapella was sworn in as Public Printer on October 4, 2007. Tapella filled the position vacated by former Public Printer Bruce James, who retired in January 2007. Mr. Tapella previously served as Chief of Staff of the United States Government Printing Office. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Government Printing Office.

From 1996 to 2000, Tapella served as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure Tapella supervised the Office of Member Services for the Committee on House Oversight where he advised members of Congress in interpreting and applying the rules and regulations governing the operation of their congressional office; served as Chief of Staff to a Member; and developed a strategic plan for the Clerk of the House to re-engineer the information technology infrastructures within the legislative process. From 1986 to 1993, Tapella was the District Representative for Congressman Bill Thomas, who later chaired the House Ways and Means Committee. He managed the Congressman’s interaction with political and public groups in local and state politics.

Earlier in his career, he ran Kelly Communications. Mr. Tapella received his bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University. [ US Government Printing Office Press Releases [http://www.gpo.gov/news/press.htm] ]

U.S. Government Printing Office

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thumb|left|250px|">Robert C. Tapella is sworn is as the United States Public Printer----Hundreds gather in the U.S. Government Printing Office's Harding Hall for the swearing in ceremony of the nation's 25th Public Printer, Robert C. Tapella. The event took place on November 6, 2007 in Washington D.C. Nancy Erickson, Secretary of the U.S. Senate, administered the oath of office. Tapella's mother, Bernadette Tapella, is holding the Bible.

As Chief of Staff, Robert C. Tapella was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the executive offices of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) which include: Innovation and New Technology, Public Relations, Congressional Relations, General Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity and the Inspector General [U.S. Government Printing Office website [http://www.gpo.gov/management/cos.htm] ] . He also directs strategic planning for the GPO and serves as the chief adviser to the Public Printer of the United States on all aspects of GPO’s business. Tapella returned to government service after a two year stint in the private sector as a strategic communications consultant in 2002 to serve as GPO’s Deputy Chief of Staff. In June 2004, Tapella escalated to the rank of Chief of Staff. He brings to the agency a unique combination of skills that includes extensive legislative experience and an education and practical business background in graphic communications and printing management.

Education and industry background

Tapella also has an extensive background in graphic arts. At the age of 12, he learned the art of calligraphy, illumination and bookbinding. Two years later Tapella became a freelance designer with The New Scribes in San Jose, California. During his teen years, he worked in the area of menu design, production and first encountered a printing press. During the 1980’s, Tapella began to build his own design business. His business ventures included work in print brokering, direct mail, corporate communications and strategic planning.

A California native, Tapella is a past National Board member of the Young Republican National Federation, Inc., an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and an alumnus of Leadership Sunnyvale’s Class of 1995. He is a 1991 graduate of California Polytechnic State University, one of the country’s leading schools in printing and graphic communications.

References