News Release

OPM Director Speaks to Norfolk Academy Alumni Association

Norfolk, Virginia – U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James, a Hampton Roads native, spoke today to the Norfolk Academy Alumni Association on the new human resources operations of the Department of Homeland Security and the future needs of the Federal workforce. James highlighted the e-Government initiative contained in President George W. Bush's Management Agenda, and focused on the launch of the new e-scholar website, www.studentjobs.gov/e-scholar.htm.

"One of the biggest jobs I am now working on did not exist before September 11. At the Office of Personnel Management, we are well underway in combining 22 Federal agencies and 170,000 people into the new Department of Homeland Security. There are new concrete barrier walls amidst the cherry trees in Washington this spring. We would all prefer they not be there. But if freedom's enemies think we will not protect our government and her people, they are wrong," James said.

In reference to the war in Iraq and her ongoing commitment to the nation's veterans, Director James stated "We are responsible for the protection of the Merit System principles and ensuring veterans' preference. I believe that the fighting men and women of our country who stood in line to sign up and protect our country deserve to go to the head of the line when it comes to government jobs."

Another sign of Director James' support for America's armed services is the OPM adoption of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, adopted to ensure that the men and women serving in the military know they are cared for and thought about while they serve.

"When we decided we wanted to support our troops right after September 11, 2001, we 'adopted' the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, and they have become our family. We are there when they ship out, when they return to port and every minute and mile in-between," James said. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"It makes a great difference to them to know that we support them and their families while they are so far away – and in harm's way. They have told us that a hundred times and more," James remarked.

Director James also spoke about the new e-Scholar website, one of the critical components of the 24 e-Government programs under President Bush's Management Agenda. The website, linked through OPM's USAJOBS website, contains hundreds of Federal government-funded education scholarships, fellowships, grants, internships, and cooperative programs.

"By providing instant access to Federal educational programs through one website, the opportunities for students interested in serving the nation are instantly available," James said. "This initiative is another important step in President Bush's efforts to make Government more efficient and opportunities more accessible."

Kay Coles James was appointed OPM director in July 2001 by President George W. Bush. Director James is the President's principal advisor in matters of personnel administration for the 1.8 million members of the Federal civil service. She is an advocate for Federal employees and leader of a dynamic agency with over 3600 employees across the country.

- END -

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