FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Katherine Archuleta, the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, spoke to members of the Alamo Federal Executive Board March 5 at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club about the direction she wants to take the federal work force during her tenure.
"My major priority as the director of OPM is to build an engaged, inclusive, diverse and well-trained federal work force for the 21st Century," said Archuleta as she began her speech. Archuleta was sworn in as the 10th director of OPM on Nov. 4, 2013. She is the first Latina to head this agency.
She said that in order to meet the goals, the federal government needed to retain quality employees and recruit new skilled workers.
"We need diversity in our workforce, both ethnic, racial and gender," she said. "I want to make sure everyone has opportunities."
Robert Naething, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), said that the director's comments about diversity in the work force really hit home for those on the Army North team.
"This command, starting at the top with our commanding general is totally committed to not just hiring the right people, but ensuring we challenge them intellectually and develop them professionally so they stay with our team as valuable members throughout their career," he said.
One of the keys to keeping and recruiting new employees are the FEBs, which are located in 28 cities around the United States. The FEB was established in 1961 as a forum for communication and collaboration among federal agencies working outside the beltway with Washington D.C.
"You are engaged with the local community. Fifty-eight percent of our federal work force is outside Washington D.C.," said Archuleta.
She also discussed the need to develop and train current employees so they can remain competitive in today's environment.
Army North has taken that idea to heart.
"U.S. Army North has recently instituted a much more robust training, education, and professional development initiative within our great civilian work force," said Naething. "We are excited that we are among the lead organizations in following the guidance of Ms. Archuleta."
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