New Orleans, LA - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Associate Director of the Center for General Government Kevin Mahoney recently addressed federal employees based in New Orleans. During his speech, one in a planned series, Mahoney thanked attendees for their dedication to the American people, and the important role they play in the federal government's emergency preparedness.

"I want to congratulate you on the great job you do...especially in these challenging days," Mahoney said. "As the Director of OPM often says, the importance of emergency preparedness cannot be overstated.  You play a vital role in effectively communicating with members of the federal community to ensure that everyone is informed and safe during an emergency."

OPM provides leadership by coordinating emergency preparedness forums, conducting threat assessments and issuing preparedness surveys and guidance to federal departments and agencies.

"Director James believes that everyone must be prepared during times of emergency, especially during these very uncertain times," Mahoney said.

Recently, OPM has sought the assistance of Federal Executive Boards from around the country in surveying local agencies to assess areas of special preparedness need, and it has continued to emphasize the Designation of Emergency Employees, Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place plans and drills, in addition to the use of human resource flexibilities such as Telework for emergency situations.

Agencies represented at the meeting included:

Department of Agriculture

Department of Energy

Department of Justice

Department of State

Department of Transportation

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Social Security Administration

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM 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.