FMA CELEBRATES PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK - May 2, 2008

Federal Managers Association National President Darryl Perkinson urges all U.S. citizens to recognize the work of America’s public servants and the vital role they play in ensuring our country’s health and security.

Alexandria, VA – Darryl Perkinson, Federal Managers Association National President, will be in attendance for Public Service Recognition Week festivities, lending support and praise for the work of our many dedicated civil servants.

FMA National President Darryl Perkinson will kick-off the week by attending the Opening Ceremony. This event will include a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony, where 25 people will become U.S. citizens on the National Mall. This will be followed by visits to the more than 100 federal civilian and military agencies that will be exhibiting. The exhibits are a great way to learn about the many exciting developments taking place in government. Later that evening, he will have the pleasure of attending the GEICO Public Service Awards Ceremony. Perkinson is especially proud to note that 2007 FMA Manager of the Year Award winner Ileen Wong will be honored for her physical rehabilitation work with children.

May 6th gets started with The Washington Post Breakfast and Panel Discussion where “Generation-Y’s Thoughts on Politics, Government and Public Service” will be discussed. The esteemed panelists will include: Stephen Barr, Columnist, The Washington Post; Warren Wright, Managing Partner, The Gallup Organization; Linda Washington, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation; Adam Lustin, Management Analyst, U.S. Department of State; and, Patricia McGinnis, President and CEO, The Council for Excellence in Government.

On Wednesday, May 7th, the day begins with the GEICO Breakfast Celebration. Linda Springer, Director of the Office of Personnel Management will deliver the keynote address. The breakfast will take place in the brand new Newseum Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. New this year is FedPitch – a forum where 20 finalists will have the opportunity to offer ideas for improving the government in various ways. Perkinson, as well as FMA Zone 2 President Jackie Bell, and FMA Government Affairs Assistant Josh Russin were among the finalists who will offer innovative ideas on how to attract quality young professionals and make government work more efficiently. Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first week of May since 1985, is a time set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state and local government employees. Throughout the nation and around the world, public employees use this week to educate citizens about the many ways in which government serves the people and how government services make life better for all of us. This year, the celebration takes place May 4-7.

“Having been a public servant at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for more than 20 years, I sincerely appreciate the fact that the Council for Excellence in Government coordinates Public Service Recognition Week every year. What a great way to be reminded of just how many agencies are working together everyday to keep the work of government running smoothly. These “Silent Patriots” have dedicated their lives to working on behalf of their fellow citizens. That makes one’s job all the more meaningful,” Perkinson commented.

FMA is proud to serve on the executive committee of the Public Employees Roundtable of the Council for Excellence in Government, which is coordinating the week’s activities. The public will have the opportunity to learn just how critical government employees are to the safety, well-being and progress of our county. In addition, the week serves as a way to showcase careers in public service to those talented individuals who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

“The country will always face challenges, but citizens can count on our civil servants to show up to work every day and deliver quality product. I urge everyone to take notice of the public employees they interact with during any given week and offer him/her a heartfelt ‘thank you,’” Perkinson continued. “PSRW reminds us all to appreciate the work of government at all levels and the stellar employees we rely on every day.”