U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

OPM Director Kay James Names Steven R. Cohen
as OPM's Homeland Security Liaison

   
  
Washington, D.C. – Director James said that Cohen will serve as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s representative to the White House, Office of Homeland Security, and Congress.  His essential role on behalf of OPM will be to work with the White House Transition Team and the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate OPM advice and expertise on a full scope of personnel matters relating to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.  

“I am extremely happy to announce that Steve Cohen is going to rejoin my team of experts on personnel matters,” said James.  “Steve brings with him an invaluable wealth of knowledge about what makes a successful organization.  His extensive personnel experience, knowledge of the merit system principles, experience with labor management issues, and his previous service as my senior advisor during the critical period following September 11, 2001, has more than prepared him for this important position at OPM,” said James.  

During a previous tenure in the federal government that spanned 39 years, Cohen established an outstanding reputation among his peers for his strong leadership and human resources expertise.  One of Cohen’s many accomplishments included serving as the Acting Director of OPM during the transition to the new Administration.  During that time, he led the development of legislative proposals that eventually formed the Federal Employee Management Reforms that are included in the President’s Managerial Flexibility Act.  Upon Director James’ arrival at OPM, she appointed him as her Senior Policy Advisor.   

In addition, Cohen worked with the Office of Management and Budget and members of the President’s Management Council on HR flexibilities.  As Associate Director, Office of Merit Systems Oversight and Effective, and Director, Office of Workforce Relations, Cohen played a key leadership role in shaping governmentwide human resources policies in a variety of functional areas.  He also ensured that all merit system principles, including whistleblower protections, were protected within federal agencies.

“I feel very fortunate to have Steve’s seasoned abilities and skills available to us, to fill this very critical OPM position,” said James.  

Cohen begins his duties at OPM at the beginning of October.

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.