Federal Managers Association
Press Release
- NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER ELECTED AT FMA'S 73rd ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION - March 14, 2011
George Smith and Katie Smith join FMA Executive Board!
Alexandria, VA - The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is pleased to announce its newest elected officers. FMA Region 2 Director George Smith has been elected as the Association's National Vice President and FMA Chapter 28 member Katherine Smith will serve as National Treasurer.
A thirty-year veteran of the civil service, George brings with him a wealth of experience as both a supervisor and employee. Shortly after joining the federal workforce at the Naval Air Rework Facility in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1982, George became a member of the Federal Managers Association, and has held many leadership positions within the Association prior to his election to Vice President.
While a member of then-FMA Chapter 85, Norfolk, VA, George served as chapter parliamentarian and held a seat on the chapter's executive board until he was relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1995 under the Pentagon's Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) initiative. George continued his work with FMA after joining Chapter 11, Fleet Readiness Center - Southeast, Florida, and was elected president of the chapter in 1998. Within his first year as president, George increased the chapter's membership five-fold. With his steadfast commitment to the Association's mission, George was elected to FMA's Executive Board as Zone 3 President in 2006, and he most recently served as Region 2 Director following FMA's reorganization effort in 2010.
"The federal workforce finds itself at a critical juncture, and it is imperative FMA stands strong and presents a unified voice in advocating excellence in public service," said George. "As Vice President, I am dedicated to spreading our message throughout government and working with Congress and the Administration to ensure federal managers and supervisors are in the best position to serve the interests of the nation. Thank you to all of those who issued their support for me during the campaign. I look forward to representing FMA on behalf of all of its members."
George has earned many accomplishments over his years of service to FMA. In 2005, George's chapter received the Association's President's Award, which recognizes the FMA chapter that has displayed the greatest dedication to the Association's cause over the course of the year. George followed this feat by earning FMA's Gil Guidry award in 2006 as the FMA chapter president who demonstrated the highest ideals of the Association. George will continue to play a critical role in many aspects of the Association's operations under his new title as he looks to build on the tremendous work of his predecessor James Mahlmann.
In his professional life, George serves as the Deputy Director for the Industrial Support Division at Fleet Readiness Center - Southeast. In this role, George oversees production support personnel, which requires extensive knowledge of full life-cycle support of naval aviation aircrafts, weapons, and systems operated by sailors and marines, including research, design, development, and systems engineering. George also serves on the oversight team charged with evaluating the work of the Department of Defense's design teams' efforts to craft the future of performance management at the agency.
Katherine (Katie) Smith is a long-time member of FMA Chapter 28, Naval Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, most recently serving as Chapter Treasurer for the past five years. Katie spent over 33 years in the civil service prior to her retirement in January 2010. She worked as a Configuration and Data Manager for four major missile programs at her NAVAIR facility, was the Lead Software Quality Engineer for the AV-8B Harrier aircraft program, and spent five years as the NAVAIR Enterprise Team Process Improvement Lead where she managed a $1.5 million annual budget. In each position, Katie was responsible for developing and executing the work plans and budget for the team she led.
"Upon learning the current FMA Treasurer did not intend to run for another term, I decided it was time to give back to the organization that has done so much for my career," commented Katie prior to the election. "Attending the annual Convention and training seminars over the years has helped me develop the skills and abilities necessary to perform my professional duties, and it is my belief that the same proficiencies qualify me to perform the assignments of the National Treasurer,"
After winning the Treasurer's election, Katie commented, "I intend to represent our wonderful organization to the best of my ability. It is truly an honor to be elected to such an important office."
Current FMA Treasurer Sherie Lewis and Vice President Mahlmann will vacate their seats on the evening of March 16, 2011, per the Association's bylaws.