RECENT EVENTS

FMA’S 72rd ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION HITS ON ALL CYLINDERS

Federal Managers Association (FMA) members from across the country descended on the nation’s capital during the Association’s 73rd annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar held March 13-16. Featuring exceptional speakers, informative training sessions and a day devoted to meeting with elected officials on Capitol Hill, the conference proved an overwhelming success and mobilized delegates in support of the Association.

Built around the theme, Federal Managers – Turning Policy into Action, FMA’s Convention opened with a keynote address by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), an established advocate of the civil service. Congressman Connolly discussed the difficult climate facing the federal workforce, but reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the vital role played by federal managers and pledged to stand against malicious attacks by the media and many of his colleagues.

The Convention’s first full-day focused on internal FMA business, ultimately culminating in the election of Katie Smith of Chapter 28 (Naval Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake) as the Association’s National Treasurer and George Smith, formerly Region 2 Director, as National Vice President. The day featured presentations by FMA National President Patricia Niehaus, then-National Treasurer Sherie Lewis and National Vice President Jim Mahlmann, and National Secretary Dick Oppedisano, all focused on building upon the Association’s past successes. FMA’s Government Affairs Director Jessica Klement and Government Affairs Representative Karl Gruss also detailed the Association’s 2011 legislative priorities during the first session of the 112th Congress. Reinforcing the message delivered by Congressman Connolly, the pair urged FMA’s membership to reach out to lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advance the Association’s commitment to strengthening the civil service.

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Chairman Susan Tsui Grundmann kicked of the Convention’s training day on March 15 by providing the audience her insight into the challenges presently facing the federal workforce and steps managers and supervisors must take to generate a high-productivity work environment. MSPB routinely produces studies and reports focusing on strategies to bolster employee engagement while protecting merit principles, and the agency’s findings have routinely demonstrated the critical role played by first and second line supervisors in this effort. Grundmann emphasized the need to maintain focus on the nine merit principles governing the federal workforce, values the Chairman said make the civil service “civil.”

Five talented and distinguished presenters from inside and outside government provided attendees informative training on topics relevant to managing today’s modern federal workforce. Carmen Andujar of the Office of Personnel Management’s Recruitment Policy and Outreach Office provided the latest information on the Administration’s hiring reform agenda and discussed how managers can be proactive in bringing the best talent to their agencies. Wade Hannum of the Performance and Worklife Policies Division, General Services Administration, followed with a look at how supervisors can leverage telework to boost employee productivity given new laws requiring agencies to expand telework opportunities. Rounding out the morning’s session, Zina Sutch, Ph.D., with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Virtual University, provided training on how to overcome obstacles encountered when communicating with agency superiors.

FederalNewsRadio Senior Correspondent Mike Causey joined FMA once again to keynote the Association’s annual awards luncheon, which recognizes individuals and chapters that made significant strides over the last year to advance excellence in public service.

FMA’s Niehaus and Oppedisano honored four recipients with the Association’s most prestigious awards:

• The President’s Award for Outstanding Chapter – Chapter 228, led by Chapter President Ken McDaniels;
• The O’Dell Green Award for Outstanding Executive Board Member – George Smith, Region 2 Director;
• The Gil Guidry Award for Outstanding Chapter President – Dora Quinlan, Chapter 11; and,
• FMA Manager of the Year – Dr. Carloyn Bohlen, Chapter 375.

William Bransford, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C., took the microphone after lunch to address the current state of formal managerial training in the federal government and steps managers should take to enhance their supervisory competencies. The training day concluded with a presentation on improving inter-office relationships between managers, employees and their union representatives offered by Michael Wolf of the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s Collaboration and Dispute Resolution Office.

FMA members worked their way to Capitol Hill during the final day of the Convention to meet with their Members of Congress and their staff during the Association’s annual Day on the Hill lobbying campaign. Tackling the Association’s national legislative agenda along with local agency issues, FMA’s members were encouraged by the dialogue fostered even in offices that have sought to enact federal workforce cuts. Following their House and Senate excursions, the Association’s membership wrapped up another successful event with the Windows over Washington evening reception, during which members thanked outgoing National Treasurer Lewis and Vice President Mahlmann for their years of service to FMA.

FMA REGION 1 CONFERENCE MAPS OUT YEAR AHEAD

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) Region 1, led by Region Director Mike Donovan, held its first conference on January 29, 2011, in Somers Point, New Jersey, bringing FMA representatives from ten chapters together for reports on the work of the Association and to discuss the best way to move forward in the current political climate. FMA National President Patricia Niehaus, National Secretary Dick Oppedisano and Executive Director Todd Wells joined the Region’s inaugural conference to provide updates from the FMA Executive Board and National Office.

Donovan opened the conference by welcoming attendees and expressing his satisfaction with representatives from the former FMA Zones 1 and 2 in attendance to help set the Region off to a strong start. Under the reorganization plan adopted during the 2010 National Convention, the former eight Zones were absorbed into four Regions. Niehaus followed Donovan's introduction with a summary of the work she has undertaken on behalf of the Association since taking office in March 2010. Niehaus explained the role that FMA plays as an active participant in the monthly National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations meetings in Washington, D.C. She also noted that a committee will be formed to assist with the planning of FMA’s 100th anniversary in 2013. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with preparing for the celebration. If you are interested in participating in the preparation, please contact Region 2 Director George Smith (nothome@comcast.net) or Region 3 Director Pat Spade (pspade_1@hotmail.com).

Executive Director Wells next provided a report on the upcoming 73rd annual National Convention and Training Seminar in March. Wells continued his discussion with a brief overview of the duties of the National Office staff, cost-saving measures undertaken, and FMA’s corporate partners and new ventures planned for the coming year. Wells ended his presentation by reviewing the efforts made to implement the membership recruitment plan that was adopted in March. Membership recruitment projects are ongoing and have shown promise.

Jessica Klement, FMA’s Government Affairs Director, joined the meeting to provide a legislative update via Skype – a free Internet-based communications program. She began her remarks with an overview of the draft 2011 Issue Briefs that will be finalized and presented during FMA’s National Convention in March. The elections in November changed the composition and atmosphere in Congress, and already lawmakers have introduced several legislative proposals targeting federal employees' pay and benefits. While no bills have reached the House of Representatives or Senate floors, Klement assured conference attendees that FMA remains vigilant in defending its members.

To round out the day’s work, Tony Armentani, Chapter 208 President, was elected Region 1 Deputy Director, and Robert Marino, Chapter 261 President, was elected Region 1 Treasurer. Both were sworn in by National President Niehaus immediately following the close of the conference.

FMA REGION 2 MAINTAINS FOCUS ON FUTURE DURING INAUGURAL CONFERENCE

Federal Managers Association (FMA) Region 2 followed a very successful Region 4 conference in September with its own gathering in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Saturday, November 6. With Region Director George Smith steering the conference around the theme Focusing on Tomorrow’s Government, participants from a range of chapters in the Southeast utilized the day-long meeting to reflect on the positive work of the Association in 2010 and the steps necessary to build on that success during 2011. Representatives from Region 2 were joined by FMA National President Patricia Niehaus along with her predecessor Darryl Perkinson, a current member of the Region.

Conference attendees launched into discussions on FMA’s work and the current political climate even before the meeting officially commenced, sharing their thoughts and opinions of federal workforce matters during an evening reception on Friday. The enthusiasm carried over to the main event the next morning as each chapter present provided the group with a report on their efforts to spread FMA’s message of promoting excellence in public service. Popular topics of discussion during the reports included chapter recruitment efforts and various events held to improve awareness of the Association. Smith encouraged conference participants to bring ideas shared during the session back to their chapters to capitalize on strategies that have proven successful in promoting FMA. Niehaus echoed many of Smith’s recommendations during her report to the group as she highlighted all of the positive work conducted by the Association on a daily basis and the growing recognition FMA is receiving in the federal community because of it.

National Security Personnel System (NSPS) Transition Office Director John James, Jr., joined the region conference to discuss the repealed Department of Defense personnel system and his thoughts on the future of performance management in DOD. James spoke on the challenges encountered during the implementation of NSPS and provided an insider's account of how Department officials sought to correct many of the problems identified. While debunking several myths associated with the system’s failure, James praised Smith and Niehaus for their work at the September New Beginnings Conference, during which 100 DOD management representatives and 100 DOD labor representatives gathered to discuss development of a future performance appraisal system.

Underscoring the need to build the Association’s grassroots coordination during the 112th Congress, FMA Government Affairs Representative Karl Gruss led a discussion on the legislative direction FMA will take in the near future. While acknowledging the numerous threats posed by lawmakers who continue to unfairly target federal employees as a means to address federal deficit concerns, Gruss encouraged chapter delegates to remain proactive in the development of policy and legislative proposals to improve the efficacy of the civil service. As FMA’s members serve as the Association’s voice, Gruss urged participants to continue their push to build the membership by sharing the successes FMA has enjoyed over the years and informing non-members of the battle the Association will continue to wage on behalf of the federal workforce.

Smith continued the discussion on membership recruitment as he brought the conference to a close, suggesting members reach out to their local newspapers or pursue other exposure opportunities to propel FMA into the public eye. Dora Quinlan, President of FMA Chapter 11, Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, recommended each chapter in the region write a one-page story on a contribution to the public’s welfare made by the civil servants they represent. Quinlan’s suggestion to build a library of anecdotes to share with those who may not know the critical functions performed by the federal workforce received the support of those in attendance. Perkinson endorsed the proposal while emphasizing the need to combat the negative perception of civil servants promoted by select lawmakers with real stories conveying the true value of federal employees.

Elections were held during the conference to fill various leadership positions in the region, and FMA would like to recognize Lori Simpson, Chapter 3, who will serve as Region 2 Recording Secretary; Annie Pitchford, Chapter 3, who will serve as Region 2 Treasurer; and, Dora Quinlan, elected as Region 2 Vice Director. Conference attendees also raised $510 for FMA-PAC, and Chapter 3 President Andy Anderson pledged another $443 for the cause on behalf of his members! 

REGION 4 LEADS FIRST ROUND OF CONFERENCES FOLLOWING REORGINIZATION

The first series of Federal Managers Association (FMA) regional meetings following the Association’s structural reorganization kicked off with Region 4’s gathering in Napa, California. Led by Region 4 President Leonard Lew and built around the theme Celebrating our Past, Preparing for our Future, the conference provided delegates from chapters throughout the region an opportunity to discuss the Association’s efforts over the past year and strategy moving forward. FMA National President Patricia Niehaus joined attendees at the inaugural conference, which ran from September 24-25.

Following a manager’s reception on Friday evening to welcome delegates to the area, Lew officially opened the conference with remarks focusing on the need to spread the message of FMA’s work and the vital role played by the nation’s civil servants in the face of attacks from select lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Lew invited representatives from each chapter to address the group on their efforts to recruit members following a banner legislative year for federal employees, and attendees shared a range of tactics with the group, highlighting strategies that worked and those that proved less effective. Lew stressed the need to strengthen communication within the region and with the National Office to ensure Region 4 members are equipped with the latest information regarding the Association’s business. Niehaus backed Lew’s petition for consistent dialogue, emphasizing that maintaining open lines of communication enable the FMA National Office to best serve the entire membership. Touting FMA’s strong presence in the federal employee community, the Executive Branch, and in Congress, Niehaus urged delegates to work even harder moving forward to bring the Association to new heights.

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Administrative Judge Franklin Kang joined the conference following Niehaus’ address, providing training on procedures federal managers should follow in the event action must be taken due to an employee’s office conduct. Judge Kang illuminated ten common mistakes managers make when seeking to discipline employees exhibiting misconduct and provided suggestions they should keep in mind to effectively administer their rights as managers. Delegates peppered Judge Kang with hypothetical scenarios involving employee actions, which he answered with insight and consideration for numerous variables, providing the audience with a framework to approach such situations in the future.

FMA Government Affairs Representative Karl Gruss took the floor next to bring delegates up to speed on issues under consideration in the nation’s capital impacting federal employees. After walking the audience through the Association’s accomplishments during the 111th Congress, Gruss discussed the numerous proposals issued by lawmakers seeking to freeze or reduce civil servants’ pay, cap the number of federal employees serving the public at arbitrary levels, furlough federal workers in fiscal year 2011, and other efforts that would negatively impact the quality of services provided to the American taxpayers. Gruss reiterated the theme of communication underscored by both Lew and Niehaus, emphasizing the critical role grassroots coordination will play moving forward.

Mr. Harl H. Sanderson, Jr., Deputy for Installation Support, 9th Mission Support group, Beale Air Force Base (AFB), provided the group a detailed overview of the critical work conducted at Beale AFB and the most recent efforts to improve efficiencies throughout the Department of Defense. An active member of FMA, Mr. Sanderson served as a senior Air Force logistician, registering over thirty years of active duty service before joining the civil service in 2004. As an Assistant City Manager of Beale AFB, Mr. Sanderson has intimate knowledge of the resources required to maintain operations on the base, and he stressed how the government’s most important resource are the men and women devoted to the public’s welfare and how it is imperative to capitalize on human effectiveness to achieve collective missions.

Lew concluded the conference with a look at the current state of Region 4 and strategies he planned to employ to draw members to future conferences and events to strengthen the voice of the group. Lew encouraged conference delegates to spread FMA’s message during these challenging times, underscoring the importance of the Association’s goal to protect the interests of federal managers, supervisors and retirees while building a more efficient and responsive federal government.

A special “thank you” goes out to the FMA members at Beale AFB for arranging a fantastic tour of the base for Lew and Gruss. The pair was treated to a breathtaking display of the U-2 spy plane and Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft. FMA would also like to thank all of those who contributed to FMA-PAC; the conference raised $420 to assist its efforts.