Federal Managers Association
Washington Report
- FMA REGION 2 MEMBERS WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE ASSOCIATION
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) Region 2 members joined together in Warner Robins, Georgia on October 17 for discourse on the state of the Association and its future. As FMA members continue to meet barriers of diminished federal budgets and dwindling workforce morale, it is helpful to hear advice on what other FMA chapters are doing about these problems that federal managers face across the country. FMA Region 2 members and Region 2 Director Renee Johnson were grateful for the generosity of FMA Chapter 121, Robins Air Force Base, which hosted the event.
To start off the conference, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Charles Stenner, Jr., from the 21st Century Partnership discussed how to improve the civilian Department of Defense workforce as they continue to meet the demands for national security while facing reduced budgets. Prior to working for 21st Century Partners, Lt. Gen. Stenner was the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C., and Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base. Currently, he advocates for the success of Robins Air Force Base as it has a deep economic impact not only in the surrounding Georgia counties, but also the entire state. In addition to promoting the wellbeing of the base, conference speakers also spoke to the need for the wellbeing of employees. Dr. Christopher Jackson, of Georgia Chiropractic Health and Wellness discussed the need to promote a healthy work environment as the workforce becomes more and more sedentary.
Further speaking to the wellbeing of federal managers and FMA members, FMA National President Patricia Niehaus video-conferenced with the group to discuss budgetary issues facing the Association and how members can improve their Association and promote the federal workforce. Additionally, FMA Deputy Director of Government Affairs Katie Maddocks spoke to the legislative events that impact FMA members, such as the breach of personal identifying information at the Office of Personnel Management; threats of another government shutdown; and, the passage of the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act, a homegrown FMA Region 2 initiative. At the end of the day, attendees shared their chapters’ activities, including charitable events and barriers they are facing. Through a combined effort of promoting the Association, members can create a stronger FMA. Region 2 members also showed their generosity by donating $425 to FMA-PAC. Thank you to all who contributed!
For more information on FMA and upcoming events, please visit www.fedmanagers.org.