Washington, DC - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director, Kay Coles James, asked agency Chief Human Capital Officers to submit hiring estimates for the Fellows and new Senior Fellows components of the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program for fiscal years 2005 and 2006.

"Those individuals selected as Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) finalists have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding leadership skills, but it is an intense love of country and a true calling to civil service which distinguishes those seeking to be an active part of the PMF team," James remarked.

On November 21, 2003, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13318, replacing the Presidential Management Intern (PMI) Program and naming it the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program to better reflect its high standards, rigor and prestige. The Executive Order charges the Director of OPM with developing, managing, and evaluating the PMF Program.

The Executive Order also eliminates the annual cap of 400 PMF hires, and establishes a Senior Fellows component within the PMF Program. The implementing regulations will require the OPM Director to determine the maximum number of Fellows and Senior Fellows that may be appointed during the fiscal year. These determinations will be based on input from the CHCO Council, as well as input from agencies not represented on the Council. A copy of the proposed regulations is available for review at www.opm.gov/fedregis/2004/69-012604-3533-a.htm.

"It has been our goal to more strategically align the new Presidential Management Fellows Program with today's work force needs," stated James. "The PMF Program is one of many Bush Administration initiatives to modernize and expand federal leadership development programs in order to address the human capital needs of the Federal government as outlined in the President's Management Agenda."

OPM estimates 5,000 applications will be received and processed in the 2004/2005 open season for PMF applications.