NEWS RELEASE

Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, today told human resources professionals of the nation's environmental agency that human capital should be viewed as "an asset to be managed," and not as "a cost of doing business."

The OPM Director emphasized to managers and HR professionals of the Environmental Protection Agency that private and public companies that "get" the paradigm shift will succeed. James' remarks were made in Washington at the EPA's People Conference 2001.

As OPM Director, James serves as President Bush's principle advisor on federal human resources issues. She also is a member of the President's Management Council, where she engages Deputy Secretaries in discussions on the paradigm shift in human resources.

"Back many years ago when I first started work, there was usually someone in the office knows as the 'personnel bunny.' That was the secretary who filled out forms and processed paperwork. As the company grew, that personnel bunny became a personnel director. That's no longer true today. A new profession has developed - human resources professionals who are involved in helping their employers manage their human capital."

James noted that modern HR employees strategize with corporate executives on future work force needs and to develop recruitment, retention, compensation and training programs.