News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2003

Contact: Brendan LaCivita (202) 606-2402

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OPM Encourages Hawaiian and Pacific Area Federal Executives to Share Information on Federal Jobs

OPM Associate Director Marta Perez Discusses President Bush's Human Capital Management Agenda
Federal Executives updated on new OPM Website USAJOBS

Honolulu, HI - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James was represented at a regional meeting today of the Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board (FEB) by OPM Associate Director Marta Brito Perez. Perez discussed major developments regarding OPM efforts to streamline federal recruitment, hiring, and workforce retention.

During the course of the past two years, OPM has worked closely to elevate the role of FEB's in a number of issues including regional emergency planning. OPM has hosted several sessions to more closely integrate FEB's Executives and their communications networks within existing federal communications' protocols in the event of national emergencies or threats to the homeland.

"Director James is committed to the development and implementation of human capital strategies, based on proven Merit System principles, that will allow agencies to be more successful in their efforts to reshape their work forces to meet new missions and challenges to the nation's security," Perez remarked. "Through a strategy outlined in President Bush's Management Agenda (PMA), the strategic management of human capital through new and existing personnel flexibilities will help transform the federal government. As federal officials and agency executives, our responsibility is to create a more citizen-centered, results-oriented, and accountable government."

Speaking to members of the Honolulu-Pacific FEB, human resource professionals, and agency directors, Perez emphasized the need for personnel practices that allow for greater responsiveness and accountability. "President Bush wants federal agencies to ensure that flexibility and accountability go hand-in-hand at the agency and component level, but not at the expense of time-honored Merit System principles.

We must continue to guard against prohibited personnel practices, honor veterans' preference, and promoting diversity in the federal work force."

Perez highlighted the revamped USAJOBS website features, such as a quicker job-search engine, sorting capacities, and accessibility for disabled users. The updated website also allows users to store up to five online resumes, create a personal career management home, and create and save application letters. Perez said the website, which can be reached at www.USAJOBS.opm.gov, will allow citizens greater access to federal jobs and, in turn, provide managers with access to a potentially more diverse pool of job applicants. Perez said, "Director James has reached out to Asian Pacific Islanders and other segments of the population to encourage greater interest in federal employment. I would encourage each of you to highlight this powerful new web tool to our fellow citizens who have heard the nation's call to public service."

As managing partner for the human capital initiative under the PMA, OPM is leading the effort to transform human resource operations within federal agencies. In collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget and the General Accounting Office, OPM has developed a uniform set of standards that form an integrated, results-oriented vision of what constitutes effective human capital management.

Today's luncheon gave Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board members an opportunity to gather and discuss common human resource concerns, identify current hiring trends and opportunities in the federal government, and how to best implement components of the PMA.

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.

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