Washington, D.C. - During a recent one-day ‘boot camp' at Blacks in Government's (BIG) 26^th National Training Conference, U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Clarence C. Crawford, Joseph S. Kennedy, and Hughes S. Turner, who represented OPM Director Kay Coles James, discussed the importance of training and preparation for those wanting to enter the ranks of the federal government's Senior Executive Service (SES). This was the first SES ‘boot camp' for BIG.

"I am proud OPM is participating in such a ground-breaking event," James said in anticipation of the conference. "We are dedicated to working with organizations such as BIG to not only prepare individuals for leadership positions, but to ensure they understand the importance and significance of their contribution to the United States Civil Service."

Acting on James' behalf, Crawford, Kennedy, and Turner individually stressed the importance of being properly prepared for admission to the SES, and stated the qualities necessary to do the work of the American people.

Crawford, associate director of OPM's Division for Management and Chief Financial Officer, coached individuals who are preparing themselves for SES positions; Kennedy, OPM's outreach coordinator, gave a point presentation on training, interviewing and leadership skills; and Turner, OPM's deputy associate director for Leadership and Executive Resources Policy, spoke on Executive Core Qualifications for the SES.

This unique event included an intensive session on how to prepare Executive Core Qualifications; a workshop on self-marketing with ‘mock' interviews; and executive coaching by members of the SES.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.