Polly Hall was appointed acting director of the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) in July 2026. She brings over 16 years of acquisition leadership experience to this role.
Polly leads the FAI team in transforming federal acquisition through a workforce that is prepared, innovative, and mission-driven. Her team bridges the gap between complex policy and real-world execution, ensuring acquisition professionals are ready to navigate today’s principles-based environment and deliver results for the American taxpayer. Supporting the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, FAI is driving cultural adoption through expanded learning resources and partnerships that empower professionals to achieve mission outcomes.
Polly joined GSA’s Office of Government-wide Policy in December 2025 as chief advisor for acquisition, innovation, and policy integration. Before joining GSA, Polly served as senior advisor to the chief procurement officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She supported planning for its 15,000-member acquisition workforce and advised on a $23.9 billion annual procurement portfolio. She led budget, performance, emerging technology, and service delivery initiatives.
Polly founded and led the DHS Procurement Innovation Lab, a nationally recognized model for acquisition innovation and application-based learning. Her programs and tools reached thousands of professionals and influenced acquisition practices across federal agencies.
Polly holds a master’s in public policy from The George Washington University, a post-baccalaureate certificate in assessment and evaluation from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s in political science from Roanoke College. She serves as a faculty associate at Arizona State University.
