News Release

Task Force on Hispanic Employment in Federal Government Meets to Review Progress and Map Plans

OPM Director Kay Coles James says Hispanic representation in the federal government at an all-time high

Washington, D.C. - The fifth meeting of the Interagency Task Force on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government, under the leadership of U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James, was held today in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House with representatives from across the executive branch in attendance.

In her opening remarks, Director James pointed to a number of positive trends found in a new report to the president which reveals the highest percentage ever of Hispanics in the federal work force. "Hispanic representation in the federal government increased over fifty-eight percent in FY 2002," James stated. "Our job here today is to continue this trend through new and innovative programs to make Hispanic representation as prevalent at all levels of responsibility and authority." James told the task force that much needs to be done.

To help achieve this, OPM is executing a succession planning strategy to fill the leadership pipeline with qualified candidates. Composed of three government-wide programs, the President's Management Intern (PMI); Executive Readiness Program (ERP); and the Candidate Development Program (CDP), the strategy is designed to create a diverse pool of qualified applicants using merit principles. In addition, OPM plans an aggressive summer and fall campaign to reach out to Hispanics in cities across the nation. Local recruitment fairs, extensive media activity and a new series of Spanish-language recruiting materials will highlight the effort. "We hope to encourage Hispanics of all ages and stages in their professional careers to serve their country by working for the federal government," James remarked.

Mr. Ruben Barrales, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, told the task force that President Bush has assembled the most diverse cabinet in history with a number of high ranking Hispanics.

Under the President's Management Agenda, government agencies are held accountable for results in diversity, not just in numbers, but in mission-critical occupations and in leadership positions.

Also addressing the task force was Manuel Oliverez, president of the National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives (NAHFE). "I want to continue working closely with OPM to develop solutions...  not recommendations," he stated. "NAHFE pushes hard to get Hispanics in the SES (Senior Executive Service) ranks not because of money or glory, but because if you sit at the table, you can have an input and by being [at the table] you have the opportunity to give an opinion." James thanked NAHFE for participation in a close and results-oriented partnership.

The Interagency Task Force on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government was created by Executive Order 13171. Director James convened its first meeting in October 2001.

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.

Other Current News  |   What's New on Our Site  |   Speeches  |   Events