FMA contributes a quarterly column for "FedForum, published on FEDmanager.com, responding to different prompts. The prompt for this quarter was "the importance of professional development for federal employees." FMA's column ran in the May 30, 2023, edition of FedManager.com. 

Professional development is a topic at the core of the Federal Managers Association (FMA) and our mission of advocating excellence in public service. Along with networking and advocacy of policy, we encourage and promote professional development for all FMA members.

At FMA we infuse professional development opportunities wherever possible, including training sessions during our annual national convention and management training seminars, regional conferences, and virtual sessions throughout the year. Most recently, at FMA’s 85th National Convention, attendees heard from Barbara Haga, President of Federal HR Services, Inc., on Navigating the Complexities of Title 5 Leave Programs, and Mika Cross, a federal workplace expert, on the Changing Nature of Work and the Future of the Federal Workforce. We also encourage FMA members who have expertise in different areas to lead development of their peers, addressing topics such as change management for federal managers, tools for ‘crucial conversations’ when stakes are high, and engaging employees to boost performance.

Route Fifty -

This week is Public Service Recognition Week. Since 1985, the first full week in May has been the annual celebration of the contributions of public servants in federal, state, local and tribal government. Across the nation, more than 21 million dedicated people serve in government, including in our public schools and universities.

FMA contributes a monthly column, "Hear it from FMA," published on FEDmanager.com on a variety of issues and topics. This month we discussed FMA's recent 'Day on the Hill,' where FMA members met with their elected officials to advocate on behalf of management in the federal workforce.

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) recently met for its 85th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. FMA’s mission is to advocate for excellence in public service, and on March 29, 2023, FMA members from across the country did just that when they went to the US Capitol and met with their Senators and Representatives.

For most attendees, the Day on the Hill is the highlight of the convention. And for good reason. Managers from the Department of Defense, the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and many other agencies and departments go to Capitol Hill. They are empowered by knowing they are part of the legislative process. They walk the halls of Congress, make their voices heard by their elected representatives, and participate directly in the ongoing story of American democracy. They meet with decision makers and their staffs, educate them on issues that impact the profession of management in the federal workforce, and work to assist themselves and their fellow managers. And by joining together, with strength in numbers and a professional, conversational demeanor when taking our message to Capitol Hill, FMA members have an exceptional track record of achievements and legislative success stories.

FMA contributes a monthly column, "Hear it from FMA," published on FEDmanager.com on a variety of issues and topics. This month we featured FMA-endorsed legislation that would protect feds in the event of a government shutdown or debt default.

Most bills introduced in Congress languish and do not advance. More than 15,000 bills were introduced in the 117th Congress and 364 of them were signed into law. But sometimes a bill is introduced that is a complete no-brainer.

That is clearly the case with the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act (H.R. 1301 / S. 640), introduced in early March by Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). Their legislation, which FMA swiftly endorsed, would protect feds from negative financial consequences from civil penalties due to situations completely out of their control, including a government shutdown or a debt default. This is about as commonsense as legislation comes.

FMA writes a quarterly column for FEDForum, published on FEDmanager.com, to share our mission and efforts. This quarter's topic was "New Year, New . . ."

New Year, new Congress, new . . . Resolve. The 118th Congress offers a fresh chance to secure a fair pay raise next year, and FMA has renewed vigor and resolve to make important changes to attract and retain the best and brightest to public service.

Federal managers, and indeed all feds, deserve to be treated with respect for their efforts and the work they have performed over many years. Every job they hold and perform daily is because of a congressional mandate. It is not too much to ask that, in return, feds be given the ability to maintain a living wage that provides for them and their families.

FMA writes a monthly column, "Hear it from FMA," published on FEDmanager.com.

We’re days away from the current continuing resolution expiring. News from Capitol Hill brings word of a standstill in omnibus appropriations negotiations, a potential full year CR, potential government shutdowns – the regular lumps of coal we have regrettably come to expect from Congress this time of year. FMA will continue to do all we can to urge Congress to do their jobs and provide managers with some measure of budget certainty for Fiscal Year 2023.