Secretary Bassette Strengthens Executive Leadership Team

General Services Secretary Gail Bassette announced today that John H. Thornton, formerly with the Maryland Port Administration, has joined the Department as Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Logistics.

Mr. Thornton, an attorney, had been Manager of the Office of Procurement at the Port Administration since 2005. From 1986 to 2005, he was Assistant Attorney General, and later Deputy Counsel, for the Department of General Services (DGS).

“John has a wealth of experience in procurement law and logistics,” Secretary Bassette said. “As a primary procurement agency for the State, DGS will benefit tremendously from his expertise and leadership.”

The Secretary also announced two management changes: Wendy Scott-Napier was named Assistant Secretary for Real Estate, and Monique Anderson was named Assistant Secretary for Administration.

Ms. Scott-Napier has over 20 years of experience in real estate. Prior to being named Assistant Secretary, she was Chief of Land Acquisition and Disposal in the Office of Real Estate.

Before coming to DGS in January this year as Special Assistant to the Secretary, Ms. Anderson served in executive-level management positions in the private sector with expertise in the areas of human capital management, business operations, financial and benefits administration, training, and organizational development.

“I’m confident that with the strong, knowledgeable and experienced executive team at DGS, we will see positive change through more efficient use of tax dollars, greater transparency and more responsive customer service,” said Secretary Bassette.