News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 2003

Contact: Michael Orenstein (202) 606-2402

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Wm. Edward Flynn Retires From OPM

Washington, D.C. - Wm. Edward (Ed) Flynn, III, widely respected within the Executive Branch and on Capitol Hill for his knowledge of civil service issues, and admired by his peers and associates for his wit and genteel nature, retires today from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management after three decades of public service.

Flynn, an army veteran and career member of the Senior Executive Service, serves as Senior Policy Advisor to Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. James called Flynn "a linchpin of so much good that has happened at OPM over the years," and likened his retirement to the departure of a "trusted advisor and dear friend.

"Ed is a consummate professional and a patriot for his service to the nation," said James. "He has earned my deepest respect. With his institutional knowledge and keen perspective on so many issues, Ed possesses a quiet, inner confidence that enables him to let you know when something will fly policy-wise and when it won't. Ed will be missed, and I wish him well."

As James' Senior Policy Advisor, a position he accepted in early 2002, Flynn was a fixture during the torrent of activities at OPM that enabled the Bush Administration to get legislation passed establishing the Department of Homeland Security. He also advised James during the year-long study that concluded recently with the announcement that OPM would be restructured based on professional staff recommendations to better serve internal and external customers.

Before serving as Senior Policy Advisor, Flynn was the Associate Director of OPM's Retirement and Insurance Service, where he was instrumental in getting the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program passed and implemented. He also made greater use of automation to revive the agency's Retirement Information Office, which receives more than one million letters and telephone calls each year.

Flynn has been recognized by the President on two occasions: in 1999 with the Distinguished Senior Executive Award, and in 2002 with the Meritorious Senior Executive Award.

Flynn, an army lieutenant and a decorated Viet Nam veteran, was a paratrooper with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. He has held several executive positions at OPM, including Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director in the Atlanta and Chicago regions, and as Assistant to the Director for Regional Operations in Washington, D.C.

From 1989 to 1992, Flynn was a partner and Executive Vice President of Schroeder, Flynn & Co., an Atlanta-based outplacement services firm.

Flynn and his wife, Judy, live in Arlington, Virginia, and are active in community affairs. They have two adult children and have served as foster parents for about a dozen children.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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