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Former PMFs — What They're Doing NowDiane Frasier What is your master's degree in? When did you graduate? My master's degree is in Public Administration from C.W. Post Long Island University, 1979.What prompted you to apply for the PMF Program? When did you graduate? It started with the Dean of my department. He thought that this would be a great opportunity for me to get into public service and receive hands-on training in the area of contracts.What personal qualities should a PMF have? The personal qualities that a PMF should have include intellectual curiosity, good communication skills, to be a learner who explores, accepts challenges, recognizes that the mundane can lead to a major project or career opportunity in the future and to be a hard worker who does the necessary research to complete the task effectively. It would also be helpful to have a good background in general administration, particularly in the areas of public service and business.What types of rotation did you do? What was your favorite rotation? Why? My rotations were primarily in the areas of contracts and budget. The focus of my internship was to become an experienced contract professional.What did you like about the program? What I liked most about the program was the opportunity to work for the federal government, vast potential for career growth, and the possibility to network with senior leadership. The individuals I interviewed with were highly visible people in government management and were the top leaders.What is your current position title and duties? Director, Office of Acquisition Management and Policy, Head of Contracting Activity, Acting Associate Director for Administration, Head of Contracting Activities.As the Director of the Office of Acquisition Management and Policy, I am responsible for the leadership and oversight of the NIH's acquisition program. This includes the NIH's R&D and non-R&D contracting, including simplified acquisition and the purchase card program. As the Acting ADA, my responsibilities have expanded to include advising senior NIH officials on NIH-wide property, supply, and transportation operations, advising the ADA, HCA, and staff on its research contracting and station support activities; planning, negotiating, awarding, administering, and closing research and development and related contracts for those NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) electing to employ this centralized service, and advising the Directors of those ICs on Research and Development contracting issues. What parts of your fellowship contributed to your decision in selecting your current career path? The Presidential Management Intern (now Fellow) program is geared toward seeking future leaders. Both my graduate program and the PMI program reinforced a path to senior positions. Discussions with senior officials at the Naval Sea Systems Command (where I did my internship) and management's attention to my career growth in the assignment of challenging programs, greatly assisted my knowledge and expertise.What is it about your current position that you enjoy the most? The many challenges - I never have a boring day. Back |