NEWS RELEASE

Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, today said that the human resources agency would "set the cadence" for the rest of the federal government in delivering a world-class, human resources model that Fortune 500 companies will emulate.

"I cannot imagine a greater honor than being entrusted by the President to protect the integrity of the merit system for the people of America," said James, who was in Annapolis, Maryland, for the annual business meeting of the agency's Office of Merit Systems Oversight and Effectiveness branch.

As she has indicated during discussions with Members of Congress, and employee and management groups, James sees the current public mood and government's ongoing staffing situation as an "incredible" human capital opportunity.

"In large part because of the professional and courageous response of our federal work force to the events of September 11 and their aftermath, trust in government today is at the highest levels we've seen since the mid-1960s," said James, referring to recent polls that indicate young people are more open to public service careers.

James also referred to the recently released President's Management Agenda and its five interlinking strategies, including managing human capital, expanding e-government and enhancing financial performance, for improving government services.

"All of these thingsthe positive recruiting environment, the President's emphasis on human capital, the national attention on the changing demographics of the federal work force and their implications they combine to make this an extraordinary time of opportunity."

James also said the President's "Freedom to Manage" initiative now before Congress would allow agencies to adopt demonstration projects on pay and classification, for example, which have shown positive results elsewhere in government.