Meet our Executive
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Kelly L. DeGraff
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the Federal Executive Boards (FEBs) – a dynamic network of federal leaders working together to develop integrated solutions and support to local communities, making government stronger and more responsive nationwide.
As th…
About the FEBs
Enhanced Interagency Collaboration: FEBs enable government agencies to tap into an extensive network of peers, encouraging the sharing of insights and joint problem-solving. This collaboration fosters a unified front in federal initiatives, improving the effectiveness of operations and policy enactment across the board.
Strengthened Community Connections: FEBs extend the reach of federal agencies beyond the confines of Washington, D.C., facilitating a deeper understanding of and response to the unique needs of local communities. This ensures that federal initiatives are not only relevant but also supportive of the specific realities faced by these communities, strengthening the bond between the federal government and the public.
Unified Communication and Action: The improved communication and coordination among agencies, facilitated by FEBs, mean federal initiatives are rolled out more smoothly and cohesively. This leads to a more effective government response at all levels, enhancing public trust and participation in federal programs.
Empowered Federal Presence Outside Washington, D.C.: Through FEBs, federal officials stationed outside the nation's capital serve as the primary interface between the government and the American people. These officials play a crucial role in the day-to-day implementation of federal programs, directly impacting the economy and various aspects of national life. This local federal presence not only brings government closer to the people but also ensures that the execution of federal programs is attuned to the nuanced dynamics of each community.
Direct Benefits to Communities and Economy: Through the work of FEBs, cross agency programs and initiatives are better aligned with and connected to local needs, ensuring that the government's presence and actions support community development, economic growth, and the well-being of citizens.
Authority: To significantly strengthen the coordination of government activities outside of Washington D.C. President John F. Kennedy issued the Presidential Memorandum of November 10, 1961 “Need for Greater Coordination of Regional and Field Activities of the Government” establishing the FEBs.
The Center for FEB Operations, housed within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Center provides national, regional, and field leadership for the Federal Executive Boards (FEBs). It ensures seamless coordination across all boards distributed across the Eastern, Central, Southern, and Western regions of the United States. The Center is led by a member of the Senior Executive Service, who, alongside regional directors and a dedicated team of field and headquarters staff, drives the strategic alignment and operational excellence of the FEBs.
Board Structure:
The Boards are comprised of the highest-ranking members of federal agencies in each area. Each Board is led by a Chair and Vice Chair and is supported, collectively, by field staff. Field staff have multiple Boards within their portfolio.
Chair and Vice Chairs: Each Board has an elected Chair and Vice Chair. Chairs lead in setting the direction, representing the Board to external stakeholders, and coordinating interagency efforts. They engage senior leaders in government to participate in FEB activities, promoting leadership development and operational excellence. Together, they ensure the FEBs effectively serve as a conduit for enhancing the federal government's impact within local communities and across the nation.
Executive Steering Committee (ESC): Each Board has an ESC that is comprised of up to 25 Board Members who hold decision making responsibilities for the Board.
Board Members At Large: Each Board Member is made up of the highest-ranking Federal officials in each geographical area of responsibility. Boards may represent up to 140 agency components, depending upon its location.
Board Network: This term refers to the extensive community engaged with the FEB, encompassing a wide range of individuals and groups who receive FEB communications and opportunities. It includes federal employees, members of the local community, and various stakeholders.
Field Advisory Committee (FAC): The FEB Field Advisory Committee includes up to six executives and leaders from various agencies and geographic locations, voted by their peers to serve on the FAC. The FAC serves as an advisory group to the Deputy Associate Director (DAD). Committee responsibilities include:
- Provide field perspectives related to workforce policy, communications, and operational needs to the DAD to inform FEB budget prioritization and allocation decisions.
- Offer field perspectives on matters related to FEB-specific policy and operational needs.
- Advise on the development of standing committees and working groups in support of the FEB and recruiting FEB members and staff as requested by the DAD.
FAC Members:
- Michael Horvath, HUD Field Office Director, Pittsburgh FEB
- Heather Kilbride, GSA-PBS Great Lakes Region Chief of Staff, Cleveland FEB
- Tatum King, DHS-ICE Special Agent-In-Charge, San Francisco FEB
- Anthony Lordo, DOI-NPS Chief Ranger, New York City FEB
- Michael Polsinelli, HUD Field Office Director, Detroit FEB
- Gina Rodriguez, DOL Regional Administrator, Chicago FEB
While each Executive agency and its field organization have unique missions, there are many ways they intersect. This includes shared priorities like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security, as well as common operational concerns such as personnel policies, recruitment strategies, office space management, procurement processes, and public outreach. There are opportunities to pool experience and resources, and to accomplish savings. In substantive programs, there are also opportunities for a more closely coordinated approach in many activities, as on economic problems, natural resources development, and urban development efforts. By engaging in a more integrated strategy, agencies can enhance their impact on these vital areas, demonstrating the power of collaboration in advancing the public good.
Core Functions:
- Strategic Collaboration and Networking: Each Board facilitates regular meetings and networking events for federal leaders to discuss current issues and strategize on operational improvements, resource saving, and efficient service delivery.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response: Boards conduct comprehensive emergency preparedness exercises, enhancing the federal government's readiness and response capabilities, safeguarding communities and ensuring continuity of government operations during crises.
- Community Engagement and Service: Serving as ambassadors to local communities, FEBs gain a nuanced understanding of regional needs, creating opportunities to tailor and deliver services that meet the specific requirements of diverse communities.
- Cross-Agency Initiatives and White House Priorities: The Boards create platforms for agency leaders to collaborate on cross-agency priorities, fostering professional networking and enhancing partnerships with state and local stakeholders. These efforts amplify local engagement and resource sharing, thereby strengthening the federal presence nationwide.
Development and Recognition Functions:
- Professional Development and Training: The Boards provide comprehensive interagency training programs aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of federal employees. This initiative supports professional growth and contributes to fiscal efficiency by saving millions in training costs annually.
- Leadership Development: Through sponsoring leadership development programs and career skills training, the Boards strengthen leadership pipelines and support effective succession planning across the federal community.
- Talent Recruitment: Supporting agencies' recruitment efforts, FEBs partner with educational institutions to host job fairs and resume writing workshops, attracting early career professionals to the federal workforce.
- Recognition of Excellence: FEBs coordinate annual awards programs to celebrate outstanding federal employees and their service to the American public, boosting morale and retention through recognition of mission achievements.
FEB Connect is a secure collaboration space for Federal Executive Boards to share local information, including event calendars and training materials. Federal employees can log-in with their PIV/CAC credentials or their government/military email address.
National Office: FEBNationalOps@opm.gov
- Kelly L. DeGraff, Deputy Associate Director
- Anita Spinner, Deputy for Operations
- VACANT, Budget Manager
- Lindsey Griffing, Program Manager
- Amber Klemetti, Program Manager
- Elizabeth Rivera, Program Coordinator
- Lauren Avila, Pathways Student Intern
Region Directors:
- Chris Hooper, Central Regional Director - FEBCentral@opm.gov
- Edgar Delgado, Eastern Regional Director - FEBEast@opm.gov
- Sherry Williams, Southern Regional Director - FEBSouth@opm.gov
- Colby Stanton, Western Regional Director - FEBWest@opm.gov