Bill Haslam

NASHVILLE - Gov. Bill Haslam today named State Architect Robert E. Oglesby to head the Department of General Services, replacing Steve Cates who plans to leave Aug. 20.

"Bob has done a great job as our state architect, and his experience will be uniquely valuable as we continue the important work of effectively managing our assets and leveraging the state's buying power to save taxpayer dollars," Haslam said in a news release.

General Services is a staff agency providing a range of support services for other departments in areas ranging from equipment and material procurement to building management.

Cates, who recently led controversial administration moves to outsource state building management and leasing of commercial space through a contract with Jones Lang LaSalle LLC, is returning to the private sector.

Oglesby called his appointment "an exciting opportunity to lead the administration's effort to take a more holistic approach to real estate management and procurement."

He said his 2 1/2 years experience as state architect "will be key in working to further improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of the department's work."