FMA members gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, for the association’s 85th National Convention & Management Training Seminar March 26-29, 2023. This year’s event included an open house of FMA’s national office, steps away from the hotel.

FMA National President Craig Carter gaveled in the convention and provided opening remarks. Members then heard from Susan Tsui Grundmann, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), for this year’s keynote address. Chairman Grundmann offered an inspiring and insightful talk about the important role of management in the federal workforce and how the FLRA works to govern labor relations for the 2.1 million non-postal federal employees in the United States.

Members then heard reports from national officers and the government affairs team, approved a resolution changing the national by-laws, and held elections for National Vice President and National Treasurer. Ron Gryga was reelected to a two-year term as National Vice President, while Christine Parker was reelected as Treasurer. Regions met in break-out sessions to discuss region business and network.

Day Two saw impressive training sessions with FMA’s own Jason Sargent (Chapter 6) on Change Management, Barbara Haga on Navigating the Complexities of Title 5 Leave Programs, and Mika Cross on the Changing Nature of Work and the Future of the Federal Workforce. In the afternoon, FMA members toured the Library of Congress.

At the annual awards luncheon, sponsored by FMA corporate sponsor GPIS, many recruitment awards were given out for those who have helped build the ranks of FMA. Ms. Linda Lentjes received the Manager of the Year award. You can read more about Linda in a separate article in this issue of the Washington Report. Jason Sargent, President of Chapter 6 (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) received the Gil Guidry Award for outstanding chapter president. Chapter 125 (Corpus Christi Army Depot) received the President’s Award for outstanding chapter, and National Vice President Ron Gryga received the Odell Green Award for outstanding Executive Board member.

On Wednesday, FMA members headed to Capitol Hill for FMA’s annual Day on the Hill, where members walk the halls of Congress and meet with their elected representatives. Members reported a rewarding and fulfilling experience advocating for FMA priorities and for their agencies and installations in Washington, D.C. The event closed that night following a lively reception.

We are grateful to those who attended the convention this year, and we look forward to seeing members at future events, including regional conferences this fall. Keep an eye out for future events on FMA’s webpage at: https://fedmanagers.org/Events.