U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

OPM Director Addresses ‘Diversity’ in Federal Agencies

Washington , D.C.   --  Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, today told a National Press Club audience that the abundance of opportunities for minorities in today’s economy makes it imperative the federal government “actively appeal” to members of that community.  

“Today is a different day. Minorities have options and choices they didn’t have in the past,” said James, who recalled a time of celebration in the African-American community when someone came home with “one of those ‘good government jobs’ because little else was available.  

“You are going to have to work harder to attract minority employees and have to be competitive with the private sector. You’re not going to be able to conduct business as you have in the past.”  

James ridiculed the philosophy that says ‘If you are committed to diversity, you’re not committed to excellence’. In fact, she said top managers at OPM are rated, in part, on their diversity accomplishments, which include recruiting minorities and maintaining an environment that rewards excellence. Recruiting for diversity is a component of the President’s Management Agenda.  

James’ remarks were made to a diversity summit sponsored by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.  

“Remember, there are two services in America . The military service and the civil service.” She added that civil service jobs offer young, energetic people the chance to tackle demanding responsibilities earlier in their careers than if they go to corporate America.                       

James has often noted that while the government and the private sector share common missions  --  to perform and produce results  --  they are distinctly different, however, in that government employees work for the American people, and their work is a prime avenue by which they demonstrate their patriotism and their desire to serve their country.  

On the subject of the proposed Department of Homeland Security, James said government has a “history of fairness,” and reminded the audience of President Bush’s commitment to implement merit system principles and guard against prohibited personnel practices.  

Recent OPM data show that Hispanics remain the only underrepresented minority community in government. James said recruitment programs and expanded relationships with Latino organizations will help correct the imbalance. She said mentoring and outreach initiatives should help move minority employees into mid- and upper-level positions, including the Senior Executive Service, the government’s top cadre of managers.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also 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.