Washington, D.C. -- Kathie Ann Whipple, Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, this week convened the first meeting of the Chief Human Capital Officers Council under the Administration of President Barack Obama and offered support to agencies implementing provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Members of the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council work closely with agency leadership to shape human resources policies and programs. Council members also communicate best-practices between agencies in human capital management.

"You are members of a vibrant leadership community," said Whipple. "I want you to remain relevant and to continue the momentum you have made on the strategic management of our outstanding federal work force."

Yesterday's Council meeting focused on the important role OPM will play with agencies that anticipate intense hiring over the coming weeks to fill jobs deemed critical to the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

OPM noted that "grants specialists," for example, likely will have a large presence in agencies' ARRA implementation. To meet the demand, OPM is looking at ways to expedite the advertising and hiring for these jobs. In addition, OPM will deploy teams of experts to agencies upon request to help solve their specific hiring challenges.

Agencies also can expect OPM's vigilance with background investigations of employees needing security clearance or suitability determinations.

The meeting was held at OPM headquarters in the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building. By Executive Order, the Director of OPM chairs the Council, which is comprised of 24 member agencies. Six Council subcommittees tackle issues ranging from hiring and succession planning to performance management and emergency preparedness.