Scott Kupor, sworn in as Director of the OPM on July 14, 2025, brings nearly 30 years of private-sector experience, primarily as a managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, a $45 billion venture capital firm. With a B.A. and J.D. from Stanford, Kupor has no prior federal experience but was selected to align OPM with the Trump administration’s goal of streamlining government operations.
Workforce Reductions
Under Kupor, OPM is reducing its workforce by one-third, from 3,110 to about 2,000 employees by late 2025. Most cuts (940) are voluntary (retirements, buyouts), with 129 via reductions in force (RIFs). Contractor positions have dropped from 1,200 to 600, aiming for efficiency but risking service gaps, prompting plans to rehire selectively. Kupor has vowed to continue streamlining through restructuring and technology, balancing cuts with service needs, and asserting OPM’s independence from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Performance Management
Kupor criticized the federal performance system, where 60% of employees are rated above “meeting expectations” and only 0.4% below. He revised Senior Executive Service standards to align with a Trump executive order emphasizing accountability and is exploring bonuses to reward innovation. Future plans include developing rigorous performance reviews and incentives to reward high performers and address underperformance, potentially reviving Schedule F for easier hiring/firing, reducing hiring time from 100 to 80 days, and building a talent system that fosters innovation and accountability.
Policy and Technology
OPM issued guidance promoting telework and religious accommodations. Kupor is testing AI to streamline regulatory processes, enhance workforce efficiency, and modernize retirement services, though cautiously to avoid disruptions. The technology workforce is expected to shrink from 389 to 170 by 2026.
Transparency
Kupor launched a weekly blog, Secrets of OPM, to communicate reforms and pledged to protect the Office of Inspector General’s independence, prioritizing data privacy. He aims to promote a culture of service, innovation, and ethics, supported by transparent communication.
Strategic Objectives
In a message to his team, Kupor outlined his strategic objectives for OPM.
“First, we must strive to attract and retain the best and the brightest individuals for the federal government. Simply put, the government does lots of important things on behalf of the American people, and we need great team members who show up to work able to deliver all of those services.”
“Second, we are stewards of American taxpayers’ dollars, so we will strive to deliver the highest quality services with maximum efficiency.”
“Third, we will be a leader in the adoption of AI in our everyday work and, most importantly, we will help ensure that the federal government is prepared for the skills and job implications of a post-AI world.”
Kupor’s lack of federal HR experience may hinder navigating complex regulations. Workforce cuts risk service disruptions, and union resistance could complicate reforms. His transparency and cautious approach aim to balance efficiency with employee rights, aligning with Trump’s agenda while maintaining OPM’s autonomy.
