"The federal government takes very seriously the needs of women -- needs like maintaining a decent home and work life," said Lachance. "And I will do everything I can to make sure women have the options that help them perform their best at work and at home."

"As female leaders, we must all remember and celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of women throughout history who have enriched all of our lives, and laid the foundation for our current successes. And we must honor those women by rededicating ourselves to setting ever-higher goals and building an ever-brighter future." added Lachance.

At the conference, Alberto Rocha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Image Inc., presented Lachance with the Image Executive Award for supporting partnership agreements, policies, and business practices that have enhanced the federal governments ability to recruit Hispanics. This is the third award that Lachance has received from a national Hispanic organization for her efforts to improve the representation of Hispanics in the federal work force. "This award really means a lot to me -- I am deeply touched by it," said Lachance.

-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. Information on OPM responsibilities, programs and initiatives may be found at http://www.opm.gov