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Federal Executive Boards Impact and Insights Brief Edition 1 | September 2024
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Igniting Excellence Nationwide: FEBs Drive Record Collaboration and Impact |
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Kelly L. DeGraff, Deputy Associate Director, Federal Executive Boards
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I am thrilled to share with you the inaugural edition of our quarterly impact brief, highlighting the value and results that the Federal Executive Boards (FEB) deliver to the 85% of federal employees who live and work outside of Washington, DC, and to the communities they serve.
As the Deputy Associate Director for the FEBs (FEB-DAD), I have the privilege of partnering with an exceptional network of public servants representing over 140 agencies and subcomponents. The FEBs are a nationwide network of 26 interagency Boards, each comprised of the highest-ranking federal officials responsible for delivering agency services to local communities. With the support of the Center for FEB staff at OPM, the Boards foster robust interagency collaboration, forge strong connections with local stakeholders, and provide support to implement agency and Administration priorities at the regional level.
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In FY 2024, the FEBs made significant strides in advancing federal government priorities including:
- Our 26 Board locations served as hubs for over 780,000 federal employees and facilitated seamless coordination and information sharing among an average of 140 federal agencies components per location.
- The Boards led more than a dozen multi-agency Continuity of Operations exercises, like the one hosted by the New York City and Newark Boards. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2, over 30 federal, state, and local agencies participated including the NYPD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NY Dept of Health, and many others, highlighting the importance of collaboration across all levels of government.
- Senior leaders from 22 federal agencies including FEMA, AmeriCorps, NOAA, DOE, USACE, USDA, BIA, DOJ, and SBA, piloted a framework known as FedREACH to expand the delivery of government services to underserved communities, taking federal collaboration to the last mile of service delivery.
- Boards hosted congressional forums, like the one organized by the Chicago FEB, connecting 30 congressional staff across 5 states to 18 federal agencies, to foster understanding and collaboration.
I encourage you to explore this brief, as well as our website www.feb.opm.gov and LinkedIn pages (FEB National Operations, FEB Central Region, FEB Eastern Region, FEB Southern Region, FEB Western Region), to learn more about our initiatives, successes, and the exceptional staff and the federal leaders who serve as Chairs and Vice Chairs, making it all possible.
Kelly L. DeGraff
Deputy Associate Director, Federal Executive Boards
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FEB Centers for Excellence for Cross Agency Outcomes and Expanded Partnerships
Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Labor host the 2024 Annual Federal Executive Board Conference “Navigating Forward: Charting Our Course for Success”
In July 2024, 77 senior leaders and staff from 28 federal agencies, representing 19 Federal Executive Boards (FEB) nationwide, convened in Washington, DC, for the 2024 FEB Strategic Conference. The conference focused on maximizing the impact of FEBs through enhanced cross-agency engagement and collaboration.
The conference fostered interactive discussions on optimizing the impact of the Boards and expanding the reach of federal programs and opportunities to underserved communities. Participants engaged in small group sessions, providing real-time feedback on core FEB program areas and developing cross-regional relationships. These collaborative efforts aimed to ensure that FEBs remain an indispensable resource for federal agencies and employees nationwide.
100% of post-event survey responses indicated that the content was relevant, valuable, and useful for their local FEBs and overall supportive of agency missions. Attendees left the conference equipped with new strategies and connections to enhance cross-agency collaboration and drive the continued success of the FEB network.
OPM Acting Director Rob Shriver, OMB Associate Director for Performance and Personnel Management Loren DeJonge Schulman, and GSA Deputy Administrator Katy Kale—serving as principal strategic advisors for the FEB program—provided keynote remarks on OPM’s vision for the future of the federal workforce, the President’s Management Agenda, and Presidential transition.
Conference materials can be found here: FEB Connect Page.
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In the Heartland, a groundbreaking interagency collaboration known as the Federal Regional Enterprise for Agency Coordination in the Heartland (FedREACH) is transforming how federal agencies deliver services to underserved communities. Senior leaders from 22 federal agencies, including AmeriCorps, USDA, USACE, NOAA, DOE, HHS, OASH, DHS, FEMA, HUD, BIA, USFWS, USGS, DOJ, DOL, DOT, OCC, VA, EPA, FDIC, GSA, and SBA have joined forces to pilot a framework that expands the delivery of government services to those who need them most.
FedREACH, formally launched in March 2024, establishes an interagency coalition committed to regional service delivery. By bringing together the expertise and resources of multiple agencies, FedREACH aims to provide a whole-of-government approach to implementing federal initiatives that "increase access to all federal resources intended to address underserved community needs."
During the FEB Annual Conference, Department of Homeland Security's Andrea Spillars (FEMA Region 7 Administrator) presented on the progress and potential of FedREACH. The program has garnered widespread support, with 22 federal agencies committing to participate in this innovative effort to improve customer service and increase the impact of federal programs for the American public.
By fostering cross-agency collaboration and leveraging the collective strengths of its partners, FedREACH is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of underserved communities in the heartland. This pioneering initiative serves as a model for how federal agencies can work together to deliver more effective and efficient services to the people they serve.
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[From Left to Right]: Acting OPM Director Rob Shriver, NYC FEB Chair Dennis E. Gonzalez, Newark FEB Chair Thomas Carter, and FEB-DAD Kelly L. DeGraff.
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Dennis E. Gonzalez, Chief of Staff, HHS and the Chair of the NYC Board and Thomas Carter, Federal Security Director, DHS/TSA and Chair of the Newark Board were recognized as co-recipients of the 2024 Chair of the Year award for their leadership in significantly expanding the reach of their Boards, increasing active Board membership, and establishing an unprecedented partnership across their cities to host joint quarterly Full Board meetings. |
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These Board meetings are held both in-person and virtually across both jurisdictions to create cross-cutting partnership and collaboration, facilitating the transition to the Regional FEB model. Thank you, Dennis and Thomas for your innovation, leadership, and service!
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We would like to highlight and thank the following individuals who serve on the FEB Field Advisory Council (FAC): Heather Kilbride (GSA), Tatum King (DHS), Tony Lordo (DOI), Michael Polsinelli (HUD), Gina Rodriguez (DOL), and Michael Horvath (HUD). The FAC is an elected body that represents all Boards and provides crucial feedback and insights on the strategic direction of the FEBs. The Council provides crucial feedback and insight on the FEBs strategic direction. Specifically, this year the Council played a lead role in advising the FEB-DAD on the five-year strategic goals, objectives, and in refining the new mission and vision statements.
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FEB Chairs, Vice Chairs, Staff from across the nation pose on the steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington, DC, during the FEB Annual Conference.
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Group photo of FEB Chairs, Vice Chairs, and staff from across the nation at the Department of Labor following the leadership recognition ceremony held during the FEB Annual Conference.
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The Center for FEBs is launching a new initiative "FutureFeds"! The FutureFeds Fellowship program pilot cohort, comprised of high potential federal employees embedded in the FEB regions, will build and strengthen connections between the federal government, colleges and universities, and local communities, while attracting a diverse and talented workforce to careers in public service. By sponsoring employees in this fellowship program, agencies can develop a pipeline of future leaders with broadened perspectives, diverse networks, and enhanced skills to drive innovation and effectively serve the public.
Throughout the development assignment, fellows broaden the scope of their knowledge and expand their professional networks within their local communities and across the federal government. Fellows drive outreach and recruitment efforts within their assigned geographical area of responsibility and come together as a cohort for virtual career development sessions in leadership, communications, and interagency collaboration. The pilot cohort experience begins on October 21, 2024.
For more information: FEBNationalOps@opm.gov.
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FEB Strategic Plan (FY2025-FY2029)
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Center for FEBs at the Office of Personnel Management will unveil the Federal Executive Boards (FEB) Strategic Plan for FY2025-FY2029, charting an ambitious course for the future of the FEB network.
The FEB Strategic Plan aims to center around three transformative goals:
- Establishing a sustainable, cohesive, and high-performing network: This goal focuses on strengthening the foundation of the FEB network by fostering greater collaboration, consistency, and best practice sharing among the 26 FEBs nationwide.
- Positioning FEBs as centers of excellence for cross-agency outcomes and expanded local partnerships: By leveraging their unique role as local connectors and facilitators, FEBs will become hubs of innovation, driving improved outcomes through enhanced interagency collaboration and strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.
- Elevating FEBs as models and influencers for effective governance and impact: FEBs will serve as exemplars of good governance, demonstrating the tangible value they bring to the federal government and the communities they serve. By showcasing their successes and impact, FEBs will inspire and influence positive change across the federal landscape.
These strategic goals will catalyze a new era of collaboration, innovation, and excellence for the FEB network. By aligning their efforts with these overarching objectives, FEBs will be well-positioned to effectively address key local and national priorities, deliver meaningful results, and demonstrate their vital contributions to the federal government and the American people.
To operationalize the strategic plan, Center for FEB staff will work closely with the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the local Boards to develop tailored FY2025 Operating Plans. These plans will translate the high-level strategic goals into concrete actions, initiatives, and performance metrics, ensuring that each FEB is equipped to drive cross-agency mission delivery and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.
The FEB Strategic Plan for FY2025-FY2029 represents an exciting new chapter for the FEB network, one that will empower FEBs to reach new heights of collaboration, innovation, and impact in service to the nation.
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“The Federal Executive Board is an outstanding organization that fosters collaboration, information sharing, and the proliferation of best practices. As an Executive with the Transportation Security Administration, and an FEB Chair, I can attest to tangible benefits. For example, our Explosive Detection Canine Team program saw a 36% increase in persons available to serve as training decoys due to the FEB advertising and supporting the need. These decoys are critical to the sustained success of our Teams, and the FEB members were made aware of the opportunity via regular FEB messages and meetings. The support helped TSA teams train effectively while giving other federal employees exposure, understanding and awareness of this vital program.”
Thomas Carter, Federal Security Director, Transportation Security Administration
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Roundup of OPM Issued Memos
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Federal Executive Boards
The Federal Executive Boards (FEB) are a nationwide network of 26 interagency boards and growing, each comprised of the highest-ranking federal officials from up to 140 agencies and subcomponents field offices. Across the nation, these Boards provide a forum for senior leaders to share best practices, strategize solutions, and collaborate on the delivery of government services at the local level. The Boards are supported by a team at OPM’s Center for FEB (Center Staff), which provides national, regional, and field leadership to ensure seamless coordination across all boards.
Mission: Ignite government excellence nationwide by fostering interagency collaboration and connections with local communities.
Vision: Raise the standards for interagency collaboration, public service, and community partnerships.
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For additional information, please contact:
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This message was sent from the Center for Federal Executive Boards.
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