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FMA Washington Report: May 10, 2021
Biden Nominee for OPM Director Shines in Confirmation Hearing
On April 22, Kiran Ahuja, President Biden’s pick as Director of OPM, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in a confirmation hearing. FMA National President Craig Carter endorsed Ahuja’s nomination to lead OPM.

In a February press release applauding her selection, Carter said, “FMA is pleased with Kiran Ahuja’s nomination as Director, and believe she is an exceptional choice to lead OPM. Her previous experience and service – including several years as chief of staff at OPM – ensure she has the background and qualifications to effectively lead this agency at this critical time.” 

Carter noted the career staff members at OPM have worked admirably under challenging circumstances, “but the agency needs stability and a Senate-confirmed leader who can establish a clearly marked direction on behalf of the agency and managers across the government.” OPM has lacked consistent leadership in recent years, with the two most recent Senate-confirmed directors serving tenures of approximately six months each. Ahuja received endorsements from Acting Director Kathleen McGettigan and former Acting Director Beth Cobert. “Kiran Ahuja is a proven, capable, seasoned leader who will provide the guidance and management necessary for an effective and efficient federal workforce,” Carter said. 

Ahuja addressed dealing with poor performers in the federal workforce during her confirmation hearing. She said, “Oftentimes poor performance shows up because of a lack of employee engagement or a mismatch of skills and talents for that position, or there just isn’t real clear metrics for performance evaluations . . . Relating to focusing on poor performers, I think it’s key to think about and to focus on what OPM can do on supporting agencies with performance management guidance, supporting managers and their understanding of those processes . . . Oftentimes, managers, they’re focused on their work, not as much on the day-to-day of supervision, and that’s equally important.”

The Senate committee has not yet finalized a date to vote on Ahuja’s confirmation. FMA works closely with OPM and will follow all actions closely.

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