OPM’s Kay Coles James Names Dr. Thomas J. Towberman to Staff
Will assume position of Senior Advisor for Learning and Knowledge Management

Washington, D.C. – In her continuing effort to provide the American public with the best service possible, the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kay Coles James, has appointed Dr. Thomas J. Towberman as a Senior Advisor for Learning and Knowledge Management.

Among Dr. Towberman’s chief responsibilities will be to review and coordinate OPM training efforts across government to make certain that the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the President’s Management Agenda are made available to those responsible for implementation. Dr. Towberman will also be involved in Director James’ efforts to reinvigorate the Presidential Management Intern program and other programs that provide aspiring and proven leaders with the opportunity to learn about the federal government and to serve their country in the civil service.

“I am extremely pleased Dr. Towberman accepted the opportunity to join our team and to work on important matters that directly affect OPM and the federal workforce,” said James. “He brings a wealth of expertise and experience on issues such as leadership development, training, and knowledge management. Tom will be a key player in OPM’s efforts to shape a citizen-centered, results-oriented, and market-driven federal government.”

As a recognized leader with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Towberman has created and directed high performance organizations in both the public and private sectors.

His most recent appointment was as Commissioner of Virginia’s Employment Commission, where he oversaw Virginia’s workforce development, training and employment programs. He was responsible for a budget of $600 million, 1,200 employees and a $1 billion unemployment insurance trust fund. Dr. Towberman also served under Virginia Governor George Allen as the Executive Director of the Commission on Government Reform.

Dr. Towberman has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration and has served on the faculties at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

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.