The Federal Managers Association’s (FMA) Region 4 held its annual conference on October 6 in San Diego, California to discuss best practices at chapters within the region and issues that managers are facing at their agencies, as well as concerns affecting federal employees nationally. FMA Region 4 Director Leonard Lew organized the event, and it was hosted by FMA Chapter 143, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton.

Lt. Col. Greg Seaman, USMC, presented the keynote address, sharing about the extraordinary partnership between Marines and “Civilian Marines” at Camp Pendleton. They have teamed to not only provide the necessary training to shape our men and women in uniform into highly-skilled warfighters, but also protect the environment, ecosystems and endangered species in the region. His inspiring presentation demonstrates the remarkable achievements that are possible when federal managers are given the tools they need and are united in a common mission.

FMA National President Patricia Niehaus presented an overview and report on issues affecting FMA, including membership retention and recruitment and her efforts on the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations. She stressed the need for FMA members to stay active and involved with efforts such as sending action letters to their representatives. FMA Director of Government Affairs Greg Stanford presented a legislative report, detailing challenges FMA can expect in the 113th Congress and how the FMA team will address them on behalf of our members.

FMA President Emeritus Mike Styles attended the conference and shared insights from his previous years of service to FMA. Region 4 members also heard from Margie Sone-Doehner, a regional representative of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), regarding changes to health benefits for 2013.

Topics discussed throughout the conference included details regarding FMA’s national budget from FMA Treasurer Katie Smith, initiatives at chapters throughout Region 4, and consideration of potential nominees for the Gil Guidry and Manager of the Year awards. Region 4 also contributed $1,000 to the FMA-PAC fund. Thank you for your generosity and service to FMA!

The conference concluded with an invitation for all to gather in Washington, D.C., March 3-6, 2013, to help celebrate FMA’s 100th anniversary.

For more information about upcoming FMA activities, please visit: www.fedmanagers.org.