Arlington, VA - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James addressed members of the Council of Former Federal Executives (COFFEE) at a luncheon in Arlington, VA on September 27, 2004.

James highlighted the "true transformation and reform" taking place in the civil service and discussed new initiatives as well as results being achieved by her agency in several critical areas of the Federal Government.

"President George W. Bush has charged OPM with achieving results while making sure that merit system principles and veterans' preference are protected governmentwide," James said. "Our team at OPM is focused on results now - today - and in the future. We are producing results for the American taxpayer. And the successes we are achieving today will ensure that the government of tomorrow is more efficient, more flexible, and better at serving the American people."

James assured the COFFEE members that the agency is taking a pro-active role in creating a Federal Government that is more citizen centered, results oriented, and market based.

"At OPM, we take seriously our role as a protector of merit system principles, guardian against prohibited personnel practices, and enforcer of veterans' preference," James said. "We are a safeguard and will continue to provide a consistent framework and context for all reforms."

In closing, James shared with the COFFEE members a glimpse of future reform for the Federal Government.

"As we look ahead, we are going to continue to drive transformation by preserving our ideals, maximizing hiring flexibilities, leveraging our buying power and collaborating and coordinating our efforts governmentwide," James said.