GovExec Daily
This daily podcast for federal audiences that address the top stories for each day ahead. Host Ross Gianfortune interviews newsmakers, GovExec staff and experts for analysis of the news of the day.
S4 E62 · Wed, May 24, 2023
The End of the Public Health Emergency Means Health Care Changes for Feds
Earlier this month, the federal government ended its COVID-19 public health emergency after three years. Nationwide, Americans likely may not notice the changes in the way the government treats the pandemic, but health insurance will not cover COVID-19 vaccines and treatment in the same way. Federal employees participating in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program will see similar changes to their coverage because of the end of the public health emergency. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees is available now. He’s also a GovExec contributor and his latest post is “ Fed Health Care Changes and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. ” He joined the podcast to discuss the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program and the ways that it is changing because of the end of the public health emergency.
S4 E61 · Tue, May 23, 2023
Rehiring Federal Retirees 'Makes Sense,' If Agencies Can Get the Go-Ahead
Hiring is a difficult task for any organization, but federal agencies have stresses that others do not. With waves of retirement happening at agencies like the IRS, Veterans Affairs Department and others, open positions go unfilled for extended periods of time. But, our guest today writes that retirees are a good source of talent for the federal government, if only it were not so hard to hire them back. Ronald Sanders was a federal civil servant for almost 40 years, serving in senior positions with the Defense Department, the IRS and the Office of Personnel Management. He is also of “ Federal Retirees Could Be a Great Talent Source, If Only It Were Easier to Bring Them Back. ” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and bring federal retirees to agencies. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E60 · Mon, May 22, 2023
The Racial Gap in the Financial Industry
The financial industry is behind other industries in adopting DEI principles. With DEI becoming more of a priority, financial organizations are grappling with both history and the present within the DEI framework. Jim Casselberry is CEO and Co-Founder at Known Holdings, LLC and has more than thirty years of experience in the financial advising and investment management industries. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about diversity in the financial industry.
S4 E59 · Fri, May 19, 2023
There is No Firm Plan Yet for Feds' Pay in a Debt Ceiling Breach
The debt ceiling hangs over federal employees as an unprecedented default could come as soon as the first week in June . Negotiations remain ongoing as President Joe Biden attends the G7 summit in Japan this week, but Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that the two sides are still far apart. Still, both sides remain optimistic that a deal will be struck before a default. GovExec reporter Eric Katz joined the podcast to talk about the debt ceiling negotiations and how they continue to affect federal employees. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E58 · Thu, May 18, 2023
What Public Health Lessons Need to Be Learned from the COVID Crisis?
In the last few weeks, both the World Health Organization and the U.S. federal government have lifted declarations of COVID-19’s crisis status. As the U.S. public health infrastructure moves away from that period, preparing for the next public health crisis will be paramount. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 response can provide better response to the next pandemic or emergency situation. Dr. Richard Stone is an Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the Army and as the Executive in Charge at the Veterans Health Administration during the COVID-19 crisis. He is the author of the recently released Save Every Life You Can: A Reflection on Leadership and Saving Lives During the COVID-19 Pandemic . He joined the podcast to talk about public health systems, leadership and his experience during the pandemic. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E57 · Wed, May 17, 2023
Remote Work Has Been Controversial For Decades
Before maximum telework, there was flexiplace and telecommuting. Agencies in the late 20th century had a version of telework, though that version seems like it belongs in the stone age to modern eyes used to VPNs, Slack and other modern components of telework. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He is also the author of a post in his “That Time” series headlined “That Time Even Minimum Telework Was Viewed With Wonder and Fear.” He joined the podcast to talk about the history and evolution of telework at agencies. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E56 · Tue, May 16, 2023
The General Schedule is Stuck in the 20th Century
The General Schedule was enacted into law in 1949 and remains to this day. Of course, much has changed in government since 1949 and the changes to the General Schedule have not kept up with the time. Our guests today write that the GS system has been described to them by feds as trying to work while wearing cement shoes. Doris Hausser and Kimberly Walton are former federal human capital senior executives. They are both Fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration, where they serve on the Standing Panel on the Public Service. They’re also co-authors on the latest in a series of posts on GovExec addressing the challenges that face government modernization headlined “ The General Schedule System Needs An Upgrade, Now .” They joined the podcast to discuss their post and the General Schedule. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E55 · Mon, May 15, 2023
A Debt Ceiling Breach Could Mean the Federal Government Decides Not to 'Pay Any Government Employees This Week'
The United States Treasury Department reached the $31.3 trillion debt ceiling in January, prompting “extraordinary measures'' to keep the U.S. from a default. Economic experts have predicted an unprecedented default as soon as June. Negotiations around the debt limit are slow going, increasing the likelihood of major disruptions to government operations and dire consequences to the world economy. Dr. Patrick Gourley, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of New Haven. He joined the podcast to discuss the debt ceiling landscape. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E54 · Fri, May 12, 2023
Remote Work Can Bring Tensions, but Managers Can Calm Them
Since the COVID-19 pandemic came into our lives in 2020, remote work has become the norm in many organizations. Remote work gives hiring managers the ability to cast a wider net, it gives employees more flexibility and it is popular with the workforce. But, remote work can bring some heartburn, too and some organizations are slow to adapt to it. Shane Spraggs is the Forbes Books co-author, with Cynthia Watson, of The Power of Remote: Building High-Performing Organizations That Thrive in the Virtual Workplace . He is the CEO of Virtira, a completely virtual company that focuses on remote team performance. He joined the podcast to discuss remote work. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E53 · Thu, May 11, 2023
The Public Health Emergency Is Ending… And Taking Maximum Telework With It
After more than three years, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency expires Thursday. While FDA and NIH officials have said that the end of the PHE will have minor impacts on their agencies, it has both symbolic and practical value for public servants. Telework and data collection will change, as well as things like free vaccines and tests for the public. GovExec's Courtney Bublé, Eric Katz and Erich Wagner have been covering the COVID-19 pandemic since before the public health emergency began in 2020. they joined the podcast for a reporters' roundtable on the end of the PHE and how it will affect government. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E52 · Wed, May 10, 2023
Hiring For Skills Against Hiring For Education
According to recent research, fewer employers see a meaningful relationship between a four-year college degree and job competency. According to a report from American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future, 81% of employers believe that organizations should hire based on skills rather than degrees. John W. Mitchell is president and CEO of the global electronics industry’s trade organization, IPC. He’s also the author of the upcoming book Fire Your Hiring Habits: Building an Environment that Attracts Top Talent in Today’s Workforce . He joined the podcast to talk about the connections between hiring and skills or education. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E51 · Tue, May 09, 2023
There Are Many Threats to 'the Future of the Public Service Itself'
Despite this week being Public Service Recognition Week , the professional civil service remains under threat. The conversation around bureaucracy remains fairly toxic, the courts have knocked down agencies’ abilities to executive some laws and public figures continue to talk about the end of the administrative state. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is the author of many books, including the upcoming Bridgebuilders: How Government Can Transcend Boundaries to Solve Big Problems . He is a GovExec contributor and the author of a post headlined “ The Gathering Storm Threatening the Civil Service.” He joined the podcast about his post and the threats to public servants.
S4 E50 · Mon, May 08, 2023
Celebrating 'Unbelievable Things Happening All The Time' in Public Service
Government work is often complicated and difficult, but career federal employees often work in anonymity for the American people. Each year, the Partnership for Public Service awards the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal finalists to outstanding federal employees who serve the public good. This year’s finalists work in diverse parts of the federal government, ranging from diplomacy to space research to health data in cancer research and so much more. Max Stier is the president and CEO of the nonpartisan nonprofit, Partnership for Public Service. He joined the podcast to talk about the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals and Public Service Recognition Week.
S4 E49 · Fri, May 05, 2023
With Artificial Intelligence and Leadership, There is a 'Learning Curve'
ChatGPT has generated a lot of attention not only from consumers, but also employees in both in the private and federal sector. ChatGPT is a powerful tool, with the ability to generate human-like responses to written prompts. While this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way federal employees work, it also raises important questions about privacy, employment, accountability, and the role of AI in government decision-making. Bonnie Low-Kramen is the founder and CEO of Ultimate Assistant Training & Consulting. She is a TEDx speaker and the author of Staff Matters: People-Focused Solutions for the Ultimate New Workplace . She joined the podcast to explore the promises and pitfalls of ChatGPT and its impact on the federal and private workforce. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E48 · Thu, May 04, 2023
A Lot of Managers Don't Like Working With Gen Z
The generation born after 1996, commonly called "Gen Z" or "Zoomers," are now entering the workforce and bringing with them the unique characteristics that any generation brings to the workplace. Managing across generations is never easy, but according to a new survey from ResumeBuilder.com, managers are having some trouble working with Gen Z. Stacie Haller is chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder.com. She’s spent over 30 years in staffing and recruiting, career counseling, and job search coaching. She joined the podcast to discuss the ResumeBuilder.com survey on how managers perceive the Zoomer generation in the workplace.
S4 E47 · Wed, May 03, 2023
Are Feds in and Around D.C. Going to Have to Go Into Offices Soon?
The Office of Personnel Management announced that the maximum telework edict will end this month with the cessation of the national public health emergency on May 11, though OPM chief Kiran Ahuja has said that the change will not have a significant impact on agencies. Telework for feds has been a political football and the three years of the pandemic suggest that flexibility overrides almost everything else. Still, plenty are pushing for more in-office work and the matter seems far from resolved. GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler and Ross Gianfortune discussed the state of telework in the federal government and in D.C. as the public health emergency comes to an end this month. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S5 E46 · Tue, May 02, 2023
Customer Service, Life Experiences and Technology
Earlier this year, the White House announced a series of projects that agencies are undertaking as part of an effort to reshape how government delivers services by focusing on citizens' experiences like retirement and other life events. With the Biden management agenda’s focus on customer experience, that will mean getting service to as many people as possible… in whatever ways are available. Aaron Boyd is a Senior Editor at GovExec sibling site Nextgov. He’s also the author of a post on Nextgov headlined “ The Low-Tech Side of Biden’s Push to Improve the ‘Life Experiences’ with Government. ” which is part of a series exploring the Biden administration's push to improve citizens' interactions with government. He joined the podcast to talk about his series and CX in the Biden administration. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E45 · Mon, May 01, 2023
The Debt Ceiling Negotiations Begin Again
Passed last week by the House of Representatives, the 2023 Limit, Save and Grow Act would slash discretionary spending at domestic agencies to its fiscal 2022 levels . The bill addresses the looming debt default that would have catastrophic impacts on the U.S. economy and government operations. The bill sets up debt ceiling negotiations on something that can pass to avoid the potential disaster of a default. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, Eric Katz joined GovExec Daily to talk about the debt ceiling negotiations and how they affect federal employees. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E44 · Fri, April 28, 2023
Chief Diversity Officers Need to Be Prepared to Manage
Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are principles that the Biden administration has brought forward since it came into office. In June 2021, the president signed an executive order establishing a directive to agencies to seek opportunities to establish or elevate Chief Diversity Officers. Recently, Accenture Federal Services and the Partnership for Public Service launched the Chief Diversity Officer Bootcamp to provide agencies with more of a pipeline of public servants with proper training. Adam Jones is Talent & Human Potential Senior Manager in the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Practice at Accenture and Kevin Johnson is a director at the Partnership for Public Service, where he leads the Partnership’s external diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts across the organization. They joined the podcast to discuss the Chief Diversity Officer Bootcamp and DEIA in government. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
Thu, April 27, 2023
Public Servants Don't Feel Connected in the Workplace
Recently, the Office of Personnel management announced that it will end the use of maximum telework , following President Biden’s planned May expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The implementation of necessary telework during the last three years is among the many complications involved with employee connection in public service. According to a new survey by Eagle Hill Consulting, more than a third of government employees say that their employers aren’t investing in employee connection. Andrew Edelson is Director of Client Solutions for Eagle Hill and a former GAO analyst. He joined the podcast to talk about the survey. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E42 · Wed, April 26, 2023
Biden Is Officially Running For Reelection. What Has He Done For Public Servants?
On Tuesday morning, President Joe Biden officially announced that he will run for reelection . In his announcement, he cited Social Security and echoed his faith in American government. Since his election in 2020, Biden has positioned himself as a friend to government employees, seemingly in direct contrast to his predecessor – and potential 2024 foe – Donald Trump. Courtney Bublé joined the GovExec Daily podcast to talk about the Biden announcement and what his first term has meant for federal employees. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E41 · Tue, April 25, 2023
USERRA and Federal Employees
Passed in 1994, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act is a law that, among other things, protects service members by allowing them to regain their civilian jobs following a period of uniformed service. MSPB recently refined federal employees’ rights under USERRA. Allen Shoikhetbrod is an employment attorney and the Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Albany office. He joined the podcast to talk about the Uniformed Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the new protections therein.
S4 E40 · Mon, April 24, 2023
What Feds Need to Know About Getting the Most Out of the TSP
The Thrift Savings Plan is very popular with participants. A 2022 survey found that 88% of those investing with the TSP were satisfied with it. As the TSP has seen in prior surveys, participants who contribute more are more satisfied with the plan, which suggests that the famed TSP millionaire’s club are likely among those happy with the TSP. Abraham Grungold is a financial professional as the owner of AG Financial Services , a longtime federal employee and a member of the exclusive TSP millionaires club. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about the strategies for the TSP and his experience with it. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E39 · Thu, April 20, 2023
Login.gov Has a Long Road Ahead of It
The promise of Login.gov when it was launched was to have a single, secure signon for U.S. government sites. Since it launched to replace Connect.gov, however, Login.gov has not fulfilled all of its promise, with concerns about security being highlighted in a recent GSA inspector general office report. Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She joined the podcast to discuss the latest news about Login.gov.
S4 E38 · Wed, April 19, 2023
Americans Are Interested in Digital Government Services
In the 21st century, Americans are used to having many easy interactions online, albeit mostly in the private sector. We interact with sites like Amazon and Google often and have come to expect that our interactions will be seamless and effective. Government does not have the same expectations, but many Americans do want to interact with government online and modernization is a key goal of federal officials. Deloitte Consulting recently released a report titled “ The Digital Citizen: A Survey of How People in the United States Perceive Digital Government Services ,” which examines how Americans interact with digital government and how they feel about it. Michele Causey is a Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting, where she leads digital government transformation practice. She joined the podcast to discuss the report and digital government.
S4 E37 · Tue, April 18, 2023
The Government Hall of Fame Tells 'Heroic Stories' of Public Service
Despite the negative talk of the swamp or the deep state, the last few years have shown the import of government in the lives of Americans. From the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines to disaster recovery to the other services that government and stakeholders bring forward, public servants play a huge part in our society. At GovExec’s Evening of Honors Gala on April 20 , Government Executive and FCW will honor industry stakeholders, current and former government officials who have made historic achievements and advances across government. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He joined the podcast to discuss the Government Hall of Fame and GovExec’s Evening of Honors.
S4 E36 · Mon, April 17, 2023
A Bill Would Repeal an Expensive Tax Rule For Public Servants
The Social Security Amendments of 1983 brought forward, among other things, the windfall elimination provision and government pension offset, two rules that impact public servants and their retirement. In the forty years since, concerns about the rules have come forward and this year, Rep. Abigail Spanberger asked her constituents how they experience the GPO and WEP, with thousands responding to a survey. Rep. Spanberger is a Democrat representing Virginia's 7th district in the United States House of Representatives. She recently reintroduced the Social Security Fairness Act to eliminate the WEP and GPO. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to discuss the windfall elimination provision, the government pension offset and the results of her survey of her constituents.
S4 E35 · Fri, April 14, 2023
Workforce Priorities in the Intelligence Community
Intelligence agencies are prioritizing a number of workforce initiatives this year, including thousands of job openings at the National Security Agency and DEIA efforts at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. As part of ongoing hiring initiatives, intelligence agencies are looking for strong candidates for open IT and cyber positions. As part of a recent Federal Computer Week webcast , FCW reporter Chris Riotta interviewed Christine Parker, acting senior adviser to the Chief Human Capital Officer for NSA. And LaLisha Hurt, industry advisor for the public sector federal at Splunk. In this episode, you’ll hear part of their conversation about workforce and hiring priorities in the intelligence community. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E34 · Thu, April 13, 2023
The Social Security Administration Workforce is Burning Out
With a workforce of approximately 60,000 Social Security Administration administers retirement and disability benefits. But, union officials representing the agency’s workforce have noted burnout and poor service delivery at SSA . The union has also called for more funding for the agency in the wake of inflation and national economic conditions. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to talk about the Social Security Administration’s workforce concerns. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E33 · Wed, April 12, 2023
The Feds are Getting More Accurate Processing Timelines for Clearances
A common complaint about the security clearance process is the incongruity between the timelines promised to applicants and the actual timeline of the process. But, new reporting benchmarks are underway right now, with the potential to make things clearer. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. Her latest post on our site is headlined “ Say Good-bye to the Security Clearance Status Quo. ” She joined the podcast to discuss her post and the way the clearance process may change. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E32 · Tue, April 11, 2023
The 'New Normal' of Morale at Agencies
Recently, a prominent good government group released its first batch of rankings stemming from its analysis of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. The Partnership For Public Service found that some of the best performing agencies experienced a decline in employee morale in 2022 after a small uptick over the past few years . *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E31 · Mon, April 10, 2023
How IRS Plans to Hire Thousands of Employees
Last August, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which included billions of dollars for IRS modernization. Last week, the tax agency released “Internal Revenue Service Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Operating Plan,” o utlining the ways that the agency plans to use the money, including hiring thousands, upgrading capacity and other changes. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the IRS. He joined the podcast to analyze what’s in the strategic plan and how it will affect the agency.
S4 E30 · Fri, April 07, 2023
Americans' Changing Views of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The years of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken their toll on American institutions, including the public health infrastructure tasked with dealing with the pandemic. The media and information ecosystems brought forward a lot of incorrect information that have contributed to dangerous myths that remain today about vaccine safety, the virus and public health. Feng Hao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of South Florida, where one of his areas of research is the COVID-19 pandemic response in the U.S. He is one of the lead researchers of a new study from USF on American attitudes toward COVID-19 . He joined the podcast to discuss the survey.
S4 E30 · Thu, April 06, 2023
Job Programs Help Communities During Tight Labor Markets
It seems almost too obvious to say, but inadequate employment levels play a huge role in poverty levels of communities. In a time of staggeringly disparate economic indicators in the pandemic-era United States, the question of low unemployment rates demands further examination. Our guests today have co-authored a forthcoming book that explores just this topic and more. Coming in April, Moving The Needle: What Tight Labor Markets Do for the Poor looks at what happens when jobs are ample, but workers are harder to find. Katherine S. Newman is Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of California. She is the author of fourteen books. And Elisabeth S. Jacobs is Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute and cofounder of WorkRise, for which she serves as deputy director. They are the authors of Moving The Needle and they joined the podcast to discuss the book and tight labor markets.
S4 E29 · Wed, April 05, 2023
Military Readiness, the Pentagon and DEI Programs
Governmentwide DEI efforts have faced a fair amount of criticism and such programs at the Defense Department are no different. Critics of DEI – often using the term "woke" – have most recently tied it to military recruiting and readiness concerns at the Pentagon, though officials dispute those claims. Kevin Baron is Executive Editor at GovExec sibling site Defense One . He joined the podcast to discuss readiness and DEI efforts at the Pentagon. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E28 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Fixing Veterans' Preference Can Fix Federal Hiring
Nearly anyone who has dealt with it agrees that the federal hiring process is broken. Years of court fights, legislative fixes and special interests have produced a hiring system that frustrates hiring managers and applicants alike. There may be ways, however, to modernize the hiring process. Angela Bailey and Jeffrey Neal are both former Chief Human Capital Officers for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as current fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration. They’re also co-authors on the latest in a series of posts on GovExec addressing the challenges that face government modernization, “ The Federal Government Can Expand Opportunities for Veterans and Simplify Hiring, Too. ” They joined the podcast to discuss veterans preference, hiring and how the two things can intersect to further workforce modernization. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E27 · Mon, April 03, 2023
Paying Your Taxes Is Complicated. Here's Why.
Americans have to fill out various forms and enlist accountants or software like TurboTax or H&R Block. The time tax – as Professor Donald Moynihan has noted – that Americans spend on doing taxes is an administrative burden in and of itself and non-IRS software or online options are only free to a point. Anna Massoglia is OpenSecrets' Editorial and Investigations Manager, where she researches the influence on money in government and politics. As part of our #moneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to talk about the influence of private industry money on the administrative burdens that Americans face while dealing with the IRS. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive *** Read Anna's work at OpenSecrets: https://www.opensecrets.org/news/tag/anna-massoglia/
S4 E26 · Fri, March 31, 2023
TikTok, Security and Government Devices
Since its introduction to the American market five years ago, concerns about video sharing app TikTok have been constant. The spotlight on massively popular mobile application has culminated in TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifying in front of Congress last week. Tom Guarente is VP of external and Government Affairs at Armis, a FedRAMP certified asset-management platform. He joins me now to discuss the current discourse around Tiktok. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E25 · Thu, March 30, 2023
Improved Flexibility and Cooperation Are Among the 2023 Government Trends
The world is changing rapidly, with government having to face new crises with different and more innovative solutions. COVID-19 has changed the work landscape and the ways that Americans relate to work, but government challenges remain, even as boundaries fade. A new report by Deloitte outlines more trends that agencies must adjust to, in order to better face the coming years. William D. Eggers is the executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. He’s also one of the co-authors of the Deloitte report titled Government Trends 2023 . He joined the podcast to discuss the report .
S4 E24 · Wed, March 29, 2023
There Are Ways to Improve the System of Classifying Documents
As with many things in the federal government the systems by which documents are classified could use some tweaks. Modernizing the classification is overdue, from the overclassification problem to the funding of agencies tasked with administering the system to the ways penalties are brought down for running afoul of the rules. Two members of the House last week introduced a bill to shore up part of the system , including increasing civil penalties for those who mishandle classified information. Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to talk about the ways to fix the classification system. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E22 · Tue, March 28, 2023
Coach, Cop and Fire Warden: Financial Overseers Wear a Lot of Hats
The recent collapse of three banks has brought up questions about the environment and where government’s role is within the financial industry. Since 2008, the issue of overseeing the financial industry has evolved, but an incident in 2018 may shed some light on the questions that come up about our current situation. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He is also the author of a post in his “That Time" series headlined " That Time Federal Bank Examiners Were Told to Play Nice. ” He joined the podcast to talk about the financial environment from just a few years ago. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E23 · Mon, March 27, 2023
Improved Fertility Coverage from FEHB Plans Is Coming
Earlier this month, the Office of Personnel Management outlined some goals and initiatives federal employees can see from FEHB plans coming next year. Included in the carrier call letter are some added fertility benefits. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees is available now. He’s also a GovExec contributor and his latest post on our site is headlined “ Feds Can Expect to See Improved Fertility Coverage from FEHB Plans in 2024 .” He joined the podcast to discuss fertility coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E21 · Thu, March 23, 2023
Should Feds Be Afraid of a Second Trump Term?
The tension between politics and governance is an all-too-common part of the lives of federal employees. But, the Trump presidency mainstreamed terms like “drain the swamp” and “Deep State, ” putting the federal bureaucracy into the spotlight. In any discussion of the role of civil service during the Trump presidency, neutral competence and expertise in public service need to be examined. Stuart Shapiro is the Interim Dean at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public at Policy Rutgers University. He’s the author of the book Trump and the Bureaucrats: The Fate of Neutral Competence . He joined the podcast to discuss the book and the role of the professional civil service. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E20 · Wed, March 22, 2023
'Work From Anywhere' Works for Workers
According to a new study in Personnel Review , organizations that have strategic and effective HR and IT departments are better set up for success when shifting to remote work. As the new American work-life normal becomes clearer, effective telework becomes more important to organizations. On Wednesday's podcast, GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler and Ross Gianfortune discussed what makes effective telework and what has changed about remote work since 2020. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E19 · Tue, March 21, 2023
Empathy Can Be Part of a Leader's Toolkit
While women make up half the population, women are underrepresented in leadership roles at large organizations. According to research, women face challenges when leading teams that men do not, including many stereotypes about leadership style. But, as social mores change, traits often associated with femininity like empathy may become more a part of leadership. Dr. Nicole Price is the author of Spark the Heart, Engineering Empathy In Your Organization , which will be released in April. She also is the CEO of Lively Paradox, a professional coaching business that focuses on practicing empathy in leadership. She joined the podcast to discuss how traits associated with women can help shape organizations and leadership. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E18 · Mon, March 20, 2023
National Security Pay Increases in New Survey
A security clearance is a key part of many jobs in the federal government and in the federal contracting world. Not only does it give someone access, but it also can help a job seeker’s financial prospects. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. Her latest GovExec post is headlined “National Security Compensation Sees a Significant Increase.” She joined the podcast to discuss compensation and security clearances. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E17 · Fri, March 17, 2023
Building a Government Leadership Talent Pipeline
The challenges to building a talent pipeline in government are not new, but they remain a huge part of human capital management in the public sector. Though its opportunities for career development and relative security separate public service from the private sector, government continues to struggle to cultivate young leadership. Building a talent pipeline will be crucial for the federal government to continue to modernize and serve the public mission. As part of Government Executive Media Group’s Workforce Summit event recently , GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler spoke to Michelle Amante, Vice President, Federal Workforce Programs, Partnership for Public Service. In this episode, you’ll hear part of their conversation about building a talent pipeline. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E16 · Thu, March 16, 2023
Better Data Is Needed for Evidence-Based DEIA Policies
Systemic racism continues to be a part of American society, particularly in the workplace. Measuring inequality with better data will produce better analysis of – and solutions to – inequalities in systems like education, economic development and human capital. Temilola Afolabi works with the Center for Open Data Enterprise. She has a post on our site headlined “Needed: More and Better Data for a More Equitable Federal Workforce.” She joined the podcast to discuss data equity.
S4 E16 · Thu, March 16, 2023
Better Data Is Needed for Evidence-Based DEIA Policies
Systemic racism continues to be a part of American society, particularly in the workplace. Measuring inequality with better data will produce better analysis of – and solutions to – inequalities in systems like education, economic development and human capital. Temilola Afolabi works with the Center for Open Data Enterprise. She has a post on our site headlined “Needed: More and Better Data for a More Equitable Federal Workforce.” She joined the podcast to discuss data equity. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E15 · Wed, March 15, 2023
Inside a Federal Prison Facility
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the U.S., prisons and jails were hit particularly hard. Not only were staff members getting sick, but the nature of incarceration meant that social distancing and mitigation efforts were ineffective. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the agency is also facing a staffing shortage, putting extra pressure on the BOP. GovExec’s Courtney Bublé recently visited FCI Cumberland , a federal facility in Maryland that houses more than one thousand people. She joined the podcast to discuss staffing at the Bureau of Prisons and her trip to FCI Cumberland. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E14 · Tue, March 14, 2023
The Pay Raise and Other Workforce Provisions in Biden't Budget
President Joe Biden released his budget last week and re-emphasized his want for the federal government to become a “model employer” that can compete with the private sector in the race for talent. The budget document contains a series of other workforce and customer service provisions backing up this goal, including a pay raise proposal for federal employees. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the workforce provisions in White House fiscal 2024 budget request released last week. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E13 · Mon, March 13, 2023
Annuitants Will Feel the Impact of Medicare Part D Changes
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 50 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Part D plans. With the passage of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, reforms to Medicare Part D will be enacted, so everyone – including federal annuitants – enrolled in the plan will have to pay attention to the changes. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees is available now. He’s also a GovExec contributor and his latest post site is headlined “How Changes to Medicare Part D Will Impact Federal Annuitants.” As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the changes to Medicare Part D. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E12 · Fri, March 10, 2023
The Budget Document is a Priority Document and a Political One
Joe Biden released his $6.9 trillion budget proposal for fiscal 2024 on Thursday. The White House is trying to sell the budget as one that makes government “equitable, effective and accountable” and one that cuts waste, fraud and abuse in spending. Eric Katz and Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to discuss the FY24 budget documents released by the White House . *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E11 · Thu, March 09, 2023
'Flexibility of Time' Is Key to Remote Work Culture
The way people work and manage has changed over the last few years, with hybrid and remote work becoming an increasingly important part of life. Creating a culture that works in remote environments will be key to the future successes of any remote team. Our guests today have a recently-released book on the ways that leaders can design teams and culture from a distance, as well as ways to nurture employee engagement in those environments. Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel are the authors of the T he Long-Distance Team: Designing Your Team for Everyone's Success , the latest in the Long-Distance Worklife series. They joined the podcast to discuss the book and building a team culture for remote work. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E10 · Wed, March 08, 2023
Biden Is Rebuilding the Federal Workforce… Slowly
Joe Biden campaigned for the presidency with a promise that he would rebuild the federal workforce that the Trump administration had “hollowed out.” Two years later, that promise has been mostly unfulfilled, with some agencies reversing the trend and others still rebuilding at a sluggish pace. Eric Katz joined the podcast to discuss his series on Biden's attempts at rebuilding the workforce and his three - part series examining those attempts. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E9 · Tue, March 07, 2023
Remote Work is 'Good For The Workplace and The Hunt For Talent'
As public officials declare that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer controlling American life, big organizations like Disney and Amazon are asking their employees to come back to in-office work. With the shift to remote work over the last three years, employees and management may not see eye-to-eye on return-to-office policies. Stacie Haller is chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder.com. She has spent over 30 years in staffing and recruiting, career counseling, and job search coaching. She joined the podcast to talk about a new ResumeBuilder.com survey on return-to-office policies. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E8 · Mon, March 06, 2023
To Expand Your TSP Investments, Think of the I Fund
The rocky financial environment of the last year has left some Thrift Saving Fund participants frustrated. With the different options available for TSP participants, the International Fund might be overlooked as compared to other funds. W. Lee Radcliffe is the author of the book TSP Investing Strategies: Building Wealth While Working for Uncle Sam. He has a post on our site headlined “Don’t Overlook This Unloved Fund When Investing in the TSP.” He joined the podcast to talk about the TSP and the I Fund. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E7 · Fri, March 03, 2023
A Shorter Workweek Isn't Just Desirable, It's Achievable
Forward-thinking organizations have bandied about the idea of a four-day workweek for years, but a new study out of the United Kingdom has brought some insight into the implementation and implications of the possibility . With the constantly-changing workplace and the COVID-19 changes affecting work-life balance, the four-day workweek experiment demands further scrutiny. Kathleen Quinn Votaw is the CEO of TalenTrust, a strategic recruiting and human capital consulting firm. She’s also the author of two books, Dare to Care in the Workplace: A Guide to the New Way We Work , and Solve The People Puzzle: How High-Growth Companies Attract & Retain Top Talent . She spoke to the podcast about the U.K. four-day workweek study. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E6 · Thu, March 02, 2023
The 'People Who Make Government Go' Are Affected by the Vacancies Act
The Vacancies Act allows an incoming President 300 days in which to temporarily and unilaterally fill positions with "acting" officers. Recently, the Government Accountability Office found that Charlotte Dye, the General Counsel for the Federal Labor Relations Authority and two other officials in other agencies were in violation of the Vacancies Act rules. In Dye’s case, this could affect federal employees with business before the FLRA. Dan Meyer is an attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. Before the Merit Systems Protection Board, he has successfully represented special agents and law enforcement personnel. He joined the podcast to discuss the Vacancies Act. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E5 · Wed, March 01, 2023
The Ohio Train Crash Happened While The Hazardous Material Regulatory Agency Had No Permanent Leader
Early in February, a train carrying toxic chemical material derailed in eastern Ohio, starting a fire with smoke that engulfed the town of East Palestine. A series of decisions by authorities created an evacuation zone in the community, as well as a controlled release of toxic fumes. Cleanup is ongoing, but questions remain about the safety of the train, the tracks and the conditions. One of the agencies tasked with safety regulations around hazardous materials, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, has been without a confirmed head since the end of the Trump administration. Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to discuss the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E4 · Tue, February 28, 2023
The Spoils System Still Threatens the Civil Service
The future of public service work is unclear. Just in the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended in-office work, the way people meet and communicate. But, the merit system and its reinforcement of expertise in government work is – and will remain – key. Daniel Chenok is the executive director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government and Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus and former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Both are fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration. They’re also authors of “The Federal Workplace Is Changing Rapidly, But Merit Principles Must Remain Untouched,” the latest in a series looking at the challenges and urgency of modernizing the civil service. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E3 · Mon, February 27, 2023
Safety Net Benefit Access is Uneven
Public assistance programs, while technically accessible to those who need them, are often confusing, demanding, and stressful to access. Administrative burdens, including time and paperwork commitments, can be overwhelming and disparate for those who may be least-equipped to handle them. In a new paper, our guests today explore the discrepancies across programs. Last month, the Urban Institute published Customer Service Experiences and Enrollment Difficulties Vary Widely across Safety Net Programs , a paper exploring these topics. Marla McDaniel, Michael Karpman, Genevieve (Jenny) Kenney, Heather Hahn, and Eleanor Pratt joined the podcast to discuss their research. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E2 · Fri, February 24, 2023
The Workforce Is Constantly Changing and HR Is, Too
Human capital management has changed a lot in the last few years. A new generation entering the workforce, a presidential transition and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic have made the job that much harder. Representation, performance management and other aspects of workforce management are changing, forcing government’s HR officials to keep up. As part of Government Executive Media Group’s Workforce Summit event recently, GovExec Daily host Ross Gianfortune spoke to two senior human capital leaders: Jessica Palatka, the Director of Human Resource Management and Chief Human Capital Officer at the Department of Commerce, and Erin Moore, who serves as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the Department of Energy. They talked about the challenges and opportunities in human capital management. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S4 E1 · Thu, February 23, 2023
Fauci Hopes More Young People Are Called to Public Service
A third of all American workers are over the age of 50. But as much as the broader workforce is aging, the federal workforce is surpassing it, with more than 43 percent of federal employees over the age of 50. The retirement wave that hangs over the federal workforce has been slow going, but attrition without replacing those workers with younger workers means a loss of institutional knowledge, professional experience and, ultimately, mission delivery. Anthony Fauci spent more than 50 years in government service, including as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Max Stier is the president and CEO of the nonpartisan nonprofit, Partnership for Public Service. They are co-authors of a Washington Post op-ed headlined “The federal workforce is aging. It’s time for a new generation.” They joined the podcast to talk about how to recruit more young people into government service. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E238 · Wed, February 22, 2023
Drugs, Asian Carp and COVID: The History of Government Czars
More than one hundred people have held the colloquial title of “czar” in the U.S. federal government, from the commonly-known drug czars to the COVID-19 czars of recent vintage. The proliferation of czars has ebbed and flowed over the years, with Barack Obama being accused of having more than three dozen czars by his political opponents. Since, the term has fallen off a bit. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He is also the author of a post in his “That Time” series headlined “That Time the Federal Government Was Ruled By Czars.” He joined the podcast to discuss czars in American government. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E237 · Tue, February 21, 2023
Going Paperless Is Harder Than It Seems For Agencies
In 2019, the Office of Management and Budget and the National Archives and Records Administration brought forward the government-wide directive M-19-21 as a way to move forward how government records are managed. In moving toward going paperless in recordkeeping, modernization remains a priority, but agencies are still behind on the process. Melissa Carson is Vice President and General Manager of Iron Mountain Government Solutions where she leads a portfolio for the public sector. She joined the podcast to discuss the M-19-21 memo and how government records are managed. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
Bonus · Sun, February 19, 2023
How Presidents Influence Their Successors
Every presidential administration is different, but many issues that American leaders face are similar or influenced by the ones that came before. Nationalism, immigration and a deeply divided electorate are a few of the issues that presidents going back to George Washington have faced in their terms. Ronald Gruner founded and served as chief executive of three technology firms and is the author of We The Presidents: How American Presidents Shaped the Last Century , a book examining presidents’ effects on the lives of Americans. He joined the podcast to discuss the book and how presidents influence their successors. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E236 · Fri, February 17, 2023
A Broken Civil Service System Could Break Government
Nearly everyone in the public administration world says that the civil service system is far from perfect and needs to be fixed. The rules governing the system have not been updated in decades, leaving the federal government’s workforce systems in the proverbial stone age. The bifurcated political landscape has not helped, with more elected officials proposing more so-called solutions that would cut, degrade or otherwise hamstring the professional civil service. Jeffrey Neal is former chief human capital officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. In this episode, you’ll hear the second part of Neal's conversation with GovExec Daily about the reasons that modernization has been so slow going, how it can be accelerated and the Academy’s role in moving modernization forward. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E235 · Thu, February 16, 2023
Modernizing the Civil Service isn't Exciting, but It Is Important
The federal government depends on its workforce to serve the public. The civil service system relies on its merit-based foundation to bring in hire, retain and engage its highly-skilled workforce. But, the last major changes to this system came decades ago in 1978. Since then, the world has changed a lot, and modernization of the civil service system is overdue. Over the coming months, the National Academy of Public Administration will release a series of white papers that address the challenges that face government modernization. Jeffrey Neal is former chief human capital officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He also is the author of “ The Challenge of Modernizing the Civil Service. ” In the first part of a two-part interview, he joined the podcast to discuss the challenges inherent in trying to update the civil service rules for the 21st century. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E234 · Wed, February 15, 2023
Transitioning into the New 'Normal' of Post-Pandemic Life
Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced that the national public health emergency will expire on May 11. Enacted in early 2020, the cessation of the declaration will also sunset many of the policies designed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed 1.1 million Americans in three years. GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé has been covering the pandemic since it began in 2020. She joined the podcast to discuss the end of the emergency declaration. *** Follow GovExec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/government-executive
S3 E233 · Tue, February 14, 2023
When Disasters Hit, Governments Need to Mobilize
When a disaster hits a community, the people affected have to get trustworthy information quickly. Whether it’s an earthquake, a pandemic or some other crisis, people have questions about finding shelter, how to stay safe or where to get medical care. Government agencies are among the first to help out in a crisis, so providing good communication is paramount for government. Marc Mancher is a principal at Deloitte Consulting, where he founded and continues to lead the federal, state, local, and higher education Contact Center business. He joined the podcast to talk about Deloitte’s latest paper on establishing crisis contact centers during an emergency.
S3 E232 · Mon, February 13, 2023
Public Servants Want to Be Paid Well… And Valued
Data presented at a meeting of the Federal Salary Council in November Indicates that the gap between the wages of federal employees and their private sector counterparts is once again widening. With this as a backdrop, it’s easy to wonder what, if not pay, keeps public servants in their jobs. Dr. Gordon Abner is an assistant professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He has a post on our site headlined “What Keeps Public Employees In Their Jobs? It’s Not Just Pay” based on his research in a soon-to-be-published paper titled What makes public employees want to leave their job? A meta-analysis of turnover intention predictors among public sector employees. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about his research and what public servants value in their work.
S3 E231 · Fri, February 10, 2023
How do You Oversee Money That's Hard to Track?
The federal government, through a variety of grants, purchases and other avenues, spends trillions of dollars each year. Oversight of that spending can be spotty, whether from agencies themselves, from oversight bodies like inspector general offices or from Congress. The Project on Government Oversight recently posted a report outlining 13 issues that policymakers can tackle to increase efficacy and oversight in government. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette is a Government Affairs Manager at the Project on Government Oversight and one of the authors of the report. He joined the podcast to discuss government oversight. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E230 · Thu, February 09, 2023
Want to Modernize? Make Sure You Hire People With Digital Skills
The digital revolution of the last few decades has moved and evolved at a pace unseen. As such, the workforce has had to evolve with the pace of tech. Many hiring managers need to find candidates with specific digital skills that may not be available. Jeff Campbell is Senior Vice President & Chief Government Strategy Officer for Government Affairs and Public Policy at Cisco. He joined the podcast to discuss the digital skills shortage in the U.S.
S3 E229 · Wed, February 08, 2023
In Speech, Biden Says The U.S. is 'Unbowed and Unbroken'
President Joe Biden gave his Second State of the Union address on Tuesday night , touting his economic record as president, proposing programs supporting veterans and mental health and declaring that “Today, COVID no longer controls our lives.” On Tuesday night after the speech, GovExec Daily recorded live with GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé, GovExec Daily's Adam Butler and GovExec editor at large Tom Shoop to discuss Biden’s address. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E228 · Tue, February 07, 2023
Bring on the Chatbots: How AI Can Assist Government Customer Service
Wait times for government customer service is an issue nearly all Americans can relate to. The Biden administration has made improving the customer experience a part of its agenda, so using new technologies like artificial intelligence can be part of the solution. James Isaacs is President of Cyara, a customer service assurance platform. He joined the podcast to discuss how government can use artificial intelligence to improve customer service. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E227 · Mon, February 06, 2023
The TSP Transition is Still Giving Users Some Problems
Millions of federal employees, military members and retirees are enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan. This past June, the TSP moved to the new recordkeeper vendor Accenture, touting better security and functionality for these users. Those same users reported many problems with the recordkeeper transition, including excessive customer service wait times and issues with usability. While there have been improvements, the transition was a slog and there are still outstanding issues. Abraham Grungold is a financial professional as the owner of AG Financial Services, a longtime federal employee and a member of the exclusive TSP millionaires club. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about the TSP site transition and where things stand now. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E226 · Fri, February 03, 2023
Building a Work Culture Where Everyone Can Succeed
Not every work situation is perfect, for sure, but there is a lot that we can do to improve our own situations. Toxic managers and toxic systems can affect employees negatively and make the work experience far worse. There are tactics and strategies, however, that people can use to improve their own experiences, even in bad situations at work. Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin is one of the authors of the workbook Y our Unstoppable Greatness: Break Free from Impostor Syndrome, Cultivate Your Agency, and Achieve Your Ultimate Career Goals , released in December. He joined the podcast to discuss the book and how people can better manage their careers and aspirations. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E225 · Thu, February 02, 2023
The Federal Government Classifies Too Many Documents
During a conference last week in Texas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, said in her remarks that over-classification is a problem that ”undermines critical democratic objectives.” Her comments come as two special counsels have been assigned by the Justice Department to examine the mishandling of classified documents by President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé is covering the classification story and Haines’ comments regarding classification . She joined the podcast to talk about document management. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E224 · Wed, February 01, 2023
IOUs, Furloughs and More: Feds' Concerns About a Debt Default
The federal government is expecting to run up against a default on its debt as soon as this spring, as Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen told Congress in January. While Congress has not yet raised the debt limit, as has been customary, some federal employees are understandably asking how this situation might affect their pay and benefits. Eric Katz is covering the debt ceiling story. He joined the podcast to talk about the negotiations and how the debt limit will affect federal employees. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E223 · Tue, January 31, 2023
Fed Managers Shouldn't Distance Themselves from Remote Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted much of the government workforce to a remote work reality over the last few years. Agency officials need to learn how to balance remote work in whatever constitutes the new normal that the U.S. work culture is settling into. Workers love working remotely, so how can that be leveraged for human capital strategy? Bob Westbrooks is the former Executive Director of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, an independent committee within the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. He has experience as the Deputy IG at the Small Business Administration and is the author of the GovExec post headlined “Remote Work: Transitioning from a Social Distancing Measure to a Human Capital Strategy.” He joined the podcast to talk about his post and remote work. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E222 · Mon, January 30, 2023
Fixing The Fraud Problem in Government is Going to be a Heavy Lift
Most Americans and most elected officials agree that waste, fraud and abuse of government programs are bad things. But, agreement on defining and measuring these common problems does not come as easily. With COVID-19 relief money moving around via the levels of government over the last three years, fraud has once again come into the public consciousness. As such, the Government Accountability Office recently released two reports on fraud measurement and, specifically, unemployment fraud numbers during the pandemic. Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to talk about the GAO reports and fraud measurement. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E221 · Thu, January 26, 2023
The Debt Limit 'Shouldn't Even be Controversial.' And Yet, It Is.
The United States Treasury Department reached the $31.3 trillion debt ceiling last week, prompting the department to implement “extraordinary measures” to buy more time until a default on the government’s obligations. The new Republican-led House of Representatives has vowed to cut spending in connection to the debt limit, but has not committed yet to raise the debt limit, as has been standard. Doug Criscitello is a former official with the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget. He is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He joined the podcast to discuss the debt limit. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E220 · Wed, January 25, 2023
To Mask or Not to Mask? CDC's Mixed Messages During the Pandemic
The three years of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the United States’ scant public health infrastructure. The federal system’s flaws have been on display, with inconsistent guidelines and lawsuits between federal, state and local governments, all aided by a media environment that is deeply divided by tribalism. The Center for Strategic and International Studies recently put forward a report titled Building the CDC the Country Needs with recommendations for modernizing the agency, but the report is hardly the final word. On Wednesday's podcast, GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler and Ross Gianfortune discussed what the CDC pandemic response has been and how it could have been executed more effectively. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E219 · Tue, January 24, 2023
How Public Sector Unions Are Adjusting to a Post-Trump World
Six years ago, the election of Donald Trump as president sparked a wave of federal employees becoming dues-paying union members. In the years of Trump’s presidency, the White House brought forward a plan to merge OPM and GSA, stepped up rhetoric about “deep state bureaucrats” and rolled out a series of executive orders making it easier to fire federal workers and clamping down on unions’ role at federal agencies. It has been, in short, a roller coaster. Senior reporter Erich Wagner is the reporter behind the GovExec feature story headlined “State of the Unions: A New Normal." He joined the podcast to talk about the state of organized labor. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec Read Erich's story here: https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2023/01/federal-employee-unions-new-normal/381812/
S3 E218 · Mon, January 23, 2023
'There's a Lot of Work to be Done' to Even the Gender Playing Field in Business
Another year of the COVID-19 pandemic has come and gone, with a healthy dollop of inflation and economic uncertainty added. Women continue to be affected by the economic atmosphere in the United States and the world. In the wake of this, the National Women’s Business Council, a nonpartisan federal advisory council, recently released its annual report. As women business owners and entrepreneurs move with the economic changes, the report has recommendations for 2023 and the years ahead. Jaime Gloshay is member of the National Women's Business Council and Co-Founder of Native Women Lead . As part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to discuss the NWBC’s annual report and women in business. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E217 · Fri, January 20, 2023
Expect Legal Challenges to the Proposed FTC Noncompete Rule
Hiring and retaining workers are challenges every organization has to face, but a new proposed rule may further complicate the process. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule that would ban noncompete provisions as well as some training repayment agreements. While such a ban could expand the pool of potential employees to hire, it could also severely hurt retention. Michael Fallings is the Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Austin office, where focuses on federal sector labor and employment law. He joined the podcast to discuss the proposed rule concerning noncompetes. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E216 · Thu, January 19, 2023
The IRS Has More Things to Do and Less Staff to Do Them
As its first legislative act in the 118th Congress, the House approved a repeal of $71 billion in IRS funding. Money and staffing for the tax agency have been key points of contention in Congress over the last few decades, resulting in longer wait times for anyone seeking customer service from the agency. After last year's funding promises and a recent bill introduced to defund the IRS entirely, the question of the efficacy of the tax agency is once again at the front of the national conversation. John Koskinen sits on the board of the National Academy of Public Administration and was the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service from 2013-2017. His decades of experience in government include work at the Office of Management and Budget and the President's Council on Y2K. He’s also a 2021 inductee to the GovExec Government Hall of Fame. He joined the podcast to discuss the fight over the tax agency. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E15 · Wed, January 18, 2023
COVID-19 and How the CDC Can Change Before the Next Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into the spotlight like it has not been before. The agency’s role in messaging, guidance and research has been criticized across the political spectrum and across academia, politics and analysis. Recently, the Center for Strategic and International Studies released a report titled Building the CDC the Country Needs with recommendations for modernizing the agency. Courtney Bublé is a reporter here at GovExec. She joined the podcast to discuss the CSIS report and the future of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E214 · Tue, January 17, 2023
From Microfilm to Digital Archives: How NARA Modernizes
Modernization has been a keyword for agencies throughout government in the 21st century. Paper records are a big part of the digitization effort, but what if your agency’s role is to be a steward of the preservation and documentation of government and historical records? In the case of the national archives and records administration, it means that the agency has an extra responsibility to make its work accessible to the public and be responsible in its digital record preservation of records. As part of GovExec Media’s Genius Machines event series recently, Nextgov Senior editor Aaron Boyd spoke to NARA Chief Innovation Officer Pamela Wright, about how the agency is modernizing. In this episode, you’ll hear part of their conversation about NARA as it remakes itself into a digital-first agency. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E213 · Fri, January 13, 2023
It's OK to Feel Optimistic About Governing and Democracy
While critics allege that federal civil service protections exist to protect lazy or useless bureaucrats, the professional civil service does the actual work of administration of public policy programs. In recent years, rhetoric that focuses on the deconstruction of the administrative state has had a deleterious effect on the civil service and government. But, the Biden administration has used its time to rebuild government and confidence in governing, perhaps leaving room for optimism. In the second part of a two-part discussion, Lisa Parshall spoke to the podcast about the legacy of Trump-era policies like the Schedule F Executive order, the new edition of her book Directing the Whirlwind: The Trump Presidency and the Deconstruction of the Administrative State and her optimism about the state of government administration in the post-Trump era. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E212 · Thu, January 12, 2023
Why Do Americans Fear Government So Much?
Healthy skepticism toward public institutions can be welcome in a civil society that allows for conversation and debate power structures. But, the last few decades of anti-government sentiment have proven to truly degrade trust in government across the board, culminating in President Donald Trump’s four years of his administration that attacked “root and branch” the legitimacy of the administrative state and government itself. Dr. Lisa Parshall is a Professor of Political Science at Daemen University. She’s one of the authors of the book, Directing the Whirlwind: The Trump Presidency and the Deconstruction of the Administrative State , now in its second edition. In the first part of a two-part discussion, she joined the podcast to discuss how the Jan. 6 insurrection affected the public’s view of government and the different approaches to administrative power. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E211 · Wed, January 11, 2023
D.C. Wants to Move Beyond COVID-19 Telework. What's Taking The Federal Government So Long?
The COVID-19 crisis effects on work-life culture has been vast, from the ways we interact with one another to the hybrid work environment that has become synonymous with the pandemic. For feds, hybrid is the new normal, which has had a major impact on businesses. In D.C., the federal government accounts for a quarter of pre-pandemic jobs and owns or leases one-third of D.C’s office space, which doesn’t just affect public servants, but also downtown businesses. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently called on the Biden administration to get feds back into offices or change its relationship with property in downtown D.C. On Wednesday's podcast, GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler and Ross Gianfortune analyzed the telework situation in D.C. for public servants, businesses and everyone else. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E310 · Tue, January 10, 2023
Effective Leaders Need to Manage Personal Growth
Stagnation can be extremely dangerous for any leader, but for public servants in a constantly-evolving workplace, it can be even more precarious. Self-reflection and thus growth can be excellent tools for managers. Andrew Feldman is the founder and principal consultant at the Center for Results-Focused Leadership, which helps public agencies use evidence, data and strategy to improve their results. He also hosts the Gov Innovator podcast. He has a piece on our site right now headlined “ A Personal-Growth Strategy for Effective Leadership.” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and how public service leaders can manage personal growth. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E209 · Mon, January 09, 2023
Retirement, Savings and Learning from Financial Classes
In an era of chaotic politics, roller coaster economic indicators and historic inflation, individuals would be smart to keep an eye on their holistic financial situation. For many public servants, financial wellness programs can be a way that they get more in touch with their finances and many agencies offer these programs for employees. Sidney and Saundra Curry are co-founders BC Holdings of Tennessee , a financial wellness and workforce training company. BCH has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Labor and the Defense Department to provide financial literacy training programming. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, they joined the podcast now to discuss financial literacy programs for public servants. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E208 · Fri, January 06, 2023
USPS Will Make Mistakes and Learn From Them
In the two and a half years that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has been in that role, he’s rankled members of Congress, the public and industry groups with his operational changes. But, he presses on, telling GovExec that he’s going to make mistakes, but ultimately learn from them. Senior Correspondent Eric Katz spoked to DeJoy recently for a story headlined headlined " USPS Prepares for a ‘Year of Implementation,’ and the Shaping of Louis DeJoy’s Legacy. " He joined the podcast to talk about DeJoy’s plans and the construction of his legacy as Postmaster General. *** Eric's story on DeJoy: https://www.govexec.com/management/2022/12/usps-prepares-year-implementation-and-making-louis-dejoys-legacy/381307/ *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E207 · Thu, January 05, 2023
How Public Sector Women Lead
The history of patriarchal society on which much of American culture is built relies on a set of characteristics that bring masculinity and leadership together. To gain access to these higher rungs of hierarchy, women have to navigate, adjust and break the constraints of these concepts. As gender equality becomes more a priority for society, understanding and deconstructing these connections becomes is paramount In a series of papers, the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has conducted research on women leadership in government. Emily Kalnicky is the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at the Partnership for Public Service and has been working on this research. She joined the podcast to discuss women and leadership in public service roles. *** Partnership for Public Servic'e LeadHERShip series: https://ourpublicservice.org/read-watch-listen/reports/leadhership-in-the-federal-government/ *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E206 · Wed, January 04, 2023
The Jan. 6 Committee Report and the Legacy of the Insurrection
Before the new Congress was seated this week, the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol wrapped up its business by releasing its 800-plus-page report and hundreds of interview transcripts. With the second anniversary of the attack upcoming and recent intelligence community warnings of domestic extremism, the committee’s findings are as important as ever. Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to discuss the January 6 report and the committee’s work. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E205 · Tue, January 03, 2023
How Social Media Can Come Back to Bite You During the Security Clearance Process
Even compared to widespread internet adoption, social media is pretty new. Despite its relative newness, at least seventy percent of Americans use one or another social media platform regularly, according to Pew Research. The internet is forever, of course, so the digital paper trail is a part of the security clearance process. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and, as a GovExec contributor, has a post right now headlined “Social Media Monitoring in the Security Clearance Process. ” She joined the podcast to discuss her post and the social media vetting process for security clearances. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E204 · Thu, December 29, 2022
Fauci: Federal Service is 'Something That all Government Workers Should Be Proud Of'
The COVID-19 crisis thrust Dr. Anthony Fauci into the spotlight in ways even he could not have imagined. As the pandemic became more deadly, he became a political villain for many in the anti-science movement and the sole hero for those who saw villainy in the Trump administration’s fumbling early pandemic response. As vaccines and science became a political football, Fauci became another of the many avatars on which Americans hung their political tribalism. Fauci has been a guest on GovExec Daily twice this year. He spoke to Courtney Bublé in February about the “all-of-government” approach to COVID-19 policy and he later joined to talk about his career in September after he announced his impending departure from government . In this episode, you’ll hear the highlights of the podcast's conversations with Fauci from this year. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E203 · Thu, December 22, 2022
The Spending Deal Saga Nears Its Conclusion
Lawmakers met late into Wednesday night following a joint session address by Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the omnibus spending bill and hit a roadblock overnight. But, Thursday morning, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a deal to advance the plan before Christmas weekend. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz has been covering the spending bill negotiations. He joined a special edition of the GovExec Daily podcast from the U.S. Capitol to discuss the omnibus negotiations.
S3 E202 · Thu, December 22, 2022
2022 In Review
2022 did not feature a presidential election or the start of a catastrophic global pandemic like 2020 did. It did not begin with an attack on the United States Capital as 2021 did. But, this year was hardly boring. COVID-19 has become a regular part of our lives, as has record inflation. Student debt was canceled and then it wasn’t. Vaccine mandates came and went. Federal employees had to deal with it all while navigating a chaotic political climate. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He joined the podcast to discuss the past 12 months in our coverage and the biggest stories of the year. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E201 · Wed, December 21, 2022
Is the Pandemic Over? This Year in COVID-19
As 2022 winds down, we’ve reached the end of another year of public sector COVID-19 response. Funding is drying up, boosters have become a mainstay of public health messaging and the populace is learning to live with the pandemic as we head into another year of COVID-19’s presence in our lives. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on GovExec.com. She joined the podcast to talk about another pandemic year as 2022 comes to a close. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E200 · Tue, December 20, 2022
Women Bring Skills – and Face Different Challenges – in Government
Despite making up approximately half the U.S. population, women are wildly underrepresented in the highest levels of American government. Women candidates face different and more difficult barriers than most men in American politics, though voters don’t often reckon with those feelings. Debbie Walsh is director of the Center for American Women and Politics, a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. She joined the podcast o discuss women in the political and government spheres. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E199 · Mon, December 19, 2022
How Inflation Shaped the Economic Year
As the COVID-19 crisis heads into another year, the financial effects of the pandemic have been felt throughout the American economy. With fuel prices fluctuating during the holiday season, Americans are increasingly worried about the economy in the coming year. Dr. Patrick Gourley, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of New Haven. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the economic outlook for 2023. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E198 · Fri, December 16, 2022
The Omnibus, the Shutdown Threat and the New Congress
This week, Congressional negotiators reached a bipartisan framework agreement for a full-year funding plan for the remainder of fiscal 2023 . But, a framework is not a bill and, simultaneously, Congress is working on a weeklong continuing resolution that would avert a government shutdown when funding runs out on Friday night. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz has been covering the spending bill negotiations. He joined the show to discuss the state of things in Congress. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E197 · Thu, December 15, 2022
Can the Federal Government Just Dismiss Whistleblower Cases?
Whistleblowers are a fundamental part of transparency, but are often misunderstood. While high-profile whistleblowers because cause célèbres, there are thousands who face retaliation from higher ups. These include government contractors, grantees who work with and are adjacent to government, as is the case in United States, ex rel. Polansky v. Executive Health Resources, Inc. , which recently came before the Supreme Court. Richard Renner is a partner in the law firm of Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch and Kate Krems is an associate at Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch. They joined the podcast to talk about the case and whistleblowers. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E196 · Wed, December 14, 2022
A Politicized Civil Service is Coming, if Congress Doesn't Act
Former President Donald Trump's Schedule F executive order is long-rescinded, but its supporters continue to bring up its ghost in the guise of accountability for bad federal employees. While the House-passed Preventing a Patronage System Act and a similar, though stalled, Senate plan both would work against similar policies, the threat of a patronage-style civil service system remains. Joe Spielberger is policy counsel at the Project On Government Oversight and the author of an op-ed in the Hill headlined “Congress must protect the nation from a politicized civil service.” He joined the podcast to discuss his op-ed and the future of Schedule F-style policy. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E195 · Tue, December 13, 2022
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Is Still In Limbo
Student debt has been a point of conversation for years and President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive $10,000 of student debt of non-Pell Grant recipients has brought the arguments surrounding forgiveness to the fore. After a federal court put a hold on the plan, the program is paused but so are student loan payments, leaving borrowers awaiting the news. Dr. Cliff Robb is faculty director for the Consumer Finance and Personal Financial Planning programs at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He joined the podcast to discuss the federal student loan forgiveness plan and financial decision-making. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E194 · Mon, December 12, 2022
The Only Certainty is That Cryptocurrency is Here to Stay… And Will Be Regulated
Cryptocurrency advocates have claimed that the technology could revolutionize monetary policy in the U.S. and worldwide, but the actual application of crypto has more closely resembled an investment asset since crypto became mainstream about five years ago. Regulation of cryptocurrency has been slow compared to its adoption and recent volatility in the cryptocurrency markets have brought more scrutiny to crypto exchanges and users. Alexandra Kelley is a reporter for GovExec sibling site Nextgov. She joined the podcast to discuss cryptocurrency, regulations and the future of money. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E193 · Fri, December 09, 2022
Meet Me in the Metaverse: Tech Trends for Next Year
The ways that governments use technology is constantly changing, from the adaptation of technology and systems to the ways in which agencies secure their networks and data. As the year comes to an end, 2023 approaches with new technologies and strategies are coming forward for government to heed. Scott Buchholz is the chief technology officer for Deloitte’s Government and Public Service practice. He joined the podcast to discuss the 2023 Government Tech Trends forecast. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E192 · Thu, December 08, 2022
Making Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work for the Federal Workforce
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing a comprehensive reimagining of how the federal government encourages diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility among the federal workforce. The phrase “diversity, equity, inclusion and inclusion” is often misunderstood, but the Biden order brings forward policy and establishes pathways for DEIA goals to be achieved at agencies. As part of Government Executive’s State of the Federal Workforce event recently ,I spoke to Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Office of Personnel Management. In this episode, you’ll hear a conversation about the ways that the federal government is implementing the Biden EO on diversity, equity and inclusion. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E191 · Wed, December 07, 2022
Vacancies, Inspectors General and Oversight at the Pentagon
On November 30, the Senate voted 92-3 to confirm Robert Storch to lead the Defense Department’s office of the inspector general . The Pentagon had only acting IGs since early 2016, including Glenn Fine, who was removed front hat position by President Donald Trump in the spring of 2020. GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé is covering the Defense Department IG story. She joined the podcast to discuss vacancies, IG offices and what Robert Storch has ahead of him. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E190 · Tue, December 06, 2022
Learning from Elon Musk's Twitter Management Mistakes
The recent acquisition of Twitter by billionaire Elon Musk has been controversial. Layoff, resignations, loss of advertisers and an overall unpopular culture shift has brought up more questions than answers about the future of the social media giant. There are lessons in the situation for managers and leaders. If you find yourself talking over an organization or team, what can you learn from Musk's mistakes? How do you support your organization through change? Does your company value employee feedback without objection? How do you demonstrate that you trust your employees? Business leaders need to ask themselves these questions if their organization is making employee experience a priority. Kathleen Quinn Votaw is the CEO of TalenTrust ) she joined the program to discuss Musk’s acquisition, leadership and how managers can guide their teams through big change. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E189 · Mon, December 05, 2022
What Still Needs to Happen for Feds to Get Their 2023 Pay Raise
As a government shutdown looms in a few weeks, there is increased pressure on lawmakers to make deals on appropriations bills. As the end of the year approaches, it also means that the clock is ticking on Congress and the White House to act on a pay raise for feds in 2023 . GovExec reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to talk about the next steps needed for feds to get their pay raise before the year ends. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E188 · Fri, December 02, 2022
Holiday Parties in the Age of COVID-19
As the month turns over, we’re into the December holiday season. Most organizations eschewed traditional, in-person holiday parties since the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly three years ago, but more organizations are bringing them back for 2022. A host of safety and legal issues can face companies that have in-person events, though. Michael Schmidt is a labor and employment attorney with Cozen O’Connor. He joined the podcast to talk about holiday parties and how organizations can stay on the right side of safety – and the law – this holiday season. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E187 · Thu, December 01, 2022
The Calls to Eliminate Cabinet-Level Agencies Have a Long History
Every so often, small government advocates call for the elimination of various federal agencies like the Department of Education. In a new post for his series “That Time,” Tom Shoop outlines the first time members of Congress called for Education’s elimination… a scant one year after it was established . Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He joined the podcast to discuss his “That Time” post about the Education Department. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
Wed, November 30, 2022
COVID-19, Anxiety and the Workplace
The COVID-19 crisis created a massive shift in the way Americans think of mental health. For many, the fear of catching a dangerous virus created a level of anxiety that was previously unheard of. As a result, many agencies and employers were forced to adjust, making remote work the norm. Mental health is complex and looks different for each individual. Managers and organizations have had to adjust to this new reality as conversations about mental health became a bigger part of workplace culture. Managers have to ask questions: What steps should you take to adjust? If an employee is requesting time off, or is simply asking for help, what’s the process? David Barron is a labor and employment attorney at Cozen O’Connor. He joined the podcast to discuss to how employees can request reasonable accommodations and how employers can offer support. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E185 · Tue, November 29, 2022
Why Women Execs Are Leaving Their Jobs During the 'Great Breakup'
The "Great Resignation" has not affected everyone equally across the American workforce. According to data from Leanin.org, the gap between women and men in senior roles quitting their jobs is the largest it’s ever been. Things like burnout and workplace stress have affected women leaders quite a bit since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Barbie Winterbottom is a Forbes council member, HR and talent acquisition expert and the author of the book The Five Imperatives. She joined the podcast to discuss how women are experiencing the pandemic in the workplace. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E184 · Mon, November 28, 2022
More Open Season Tips for Feds and Annuitants
It’s Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, so participants have until December 12 to choose a health plan for next year. While not everyone may be in the market to change plans, it’s worth looking into what is available and what will work best for feds, annuitants and their families. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s 2023 Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees will be available on the first day of Open Season, Nov. 14. He joined the podcast to discuss health plan options. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E183 · Wed, November 23, 2022
The White House Continues to Ask for COVID-19 Funding
Next month marks the third anniversary of the first identification of the COVID-19 virus and the pandemic continues to take the lives of thousands of Americans each week. While President Joe Biden recently said that the pandemic no longer controls our lives, the administration has asked for more money and an extended emergency declaration. With the cold winter weather and the holiday season upcoming, the threat of COVID-19 looms over the U.S. still. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Update on GovExec.com. She joined the podcast talk about the state of COVID-19 funding going into the new year and other stories she’s been covering.
S3 E182 · Tue, November 22, 2022
Will the Lame Duck Session Prevent a Government Shutdown?
The government’s current funding is set to expire December 16, the last day the September-passed continuing resolution will be in effect. But that upcoming deadline is not the only pressing issue for Congress to tackle during its lame duck session before the new Congress is seated in January. Eric Katz is a senior correspondent for GovExec. He joined the podcast to talk about the lame duck session and the incoming Congress. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E182 · Mon, November 21, 2022
Where Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Stands
The retooling of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program done by the Biden administration has brought loan forgiveness to many, but the program still has some issues. Because everyone’s loan situation seems to be different, many miss deadlines or consolidation. While members of congress have suggested restructuring parts of the program and expanding who qualifies, there has not been much movement on PSLF program changes. Tobin Van Ostern is one of the co-founders of Savi. He joined the podcast to discuss the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and student debt. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E181 · Fri, November 18, 2022
How To Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season
With Thanksgiving and the December holidays approaching, travel and family gatherings are on the itinerary for many Americans. At this stage of the year and at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, protection against illnesses is key to staying healthy. Dr. Laurie Forlano is the Deputy Director of the Office of Epidemiology and Deputy State Epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health. She joined the podcast to discuss what Americans need to know to protect themselves and stay healthy during the holiday season. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E180 · Thu, November 17, 2022
Leadership, Workforce Development and OPM
Managing people is often an exercise in constant learning. Especially during a time of upheaval across government, constant development in leadership is a key component of managing people, especially in the federal government. The Office of Personnel Management is one of the places for such development via its Center for Leadership Development, which provides development and education programs for all career levels based on the Executive Core Qualifications. As part of Government Executive’s State of the Federal Workforce event recently , GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Eric Katz spoke to Bahar Niakan, the Deputy Associate Director at the Center for Leadership Development at OPM. In this episode, they discuss the role of workforce development and modernization in the federal workforce. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E179 · Wed, November 16, 2022
What Musk's Twitter Purchase Means for National Security
Elon Musk’s stewardship of Twitter has been chaotic, with Musk changing longstanding policy nearly every day or laying off employees en masse. Last week, President Joe Biden said that it might be worth looking into Musk’s international relations with foreign countries, being that Musk’s SpaceX operates its Starlink satellite internet access service to 40 countries. Additionally, SpaceX is a key private sector partner of the Pentagon and NASA, so Musk is deeply connected to the federal government. GovExec Daily's Adam butler and Ross Gianfortune discussed the information ecosystem under Musk's Twitter era and how it affects security. Dan Meyer, Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office, also joined the podcast to discuss what kind of national security questions Musk could face.
S3 E178 · Tue, November 15, 2022
Keeping Public Sector Workers Engaged Across Generations
The federal workforce is a diverse tapestry of identities, including that of many different generational cohorts. As more Gen Z workers move into jobs, agencies must learn how to hire and retain them while also managing workers from Generation X and Millennials. In a new report, the Partnership for Public Service outlines the ways of managing an intergenerational workforce consisting of Generation X and Generation Z workers. Paul Pietsch is a Senior Manager at the Partnership, where he oversees the federal workforce research portfolio. He is one of the authors of the report titled, “Retaining My Generation Retention Strategies for Generation X and Generation Z Federal Employees.” He joined the podcast to talk about the report.
S3 E177 · Mon, November 14, 2022
The Future of Federal Pay and Benefits
With inflation affecting all Americans, issues affecting pay and benefits are a key concern at the top of current and retired federal civil servants’ minds. The Social Security Administration recently announced the highest cost of living adjustment in decades, affecting millions of federal retirees and the pay increase for current federal employees remains a point of concern for the 2 million plus public servants in the federal government. As part of Government Executive Media Group’s State of the Federal Workforce event recently, I spoke to financial planner Dallen Haws and retired fed and financial planner Abraham Grungold about the ways that federal pay and benefits are changing. In today's #MoneyMonday episode, you’ll hear part of a conversation about what federal employees need to know about the TSP, retirement and other pay and benefits issues. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E176 · Thu, November 10, 2022
Agencies Need to Take Better Care of their Working Dogs
Dozens of federal agencies use working dogs to help them fulfill their missions, including law enforcement and security. Keeping these dogs healthy and effective is paramount and a recent report from the Government Accountability Office suggests that agencies are falling short of those responsibilities. Steve Morris is a Director in GAO's Natural Resource and Environment team. He directs work related to agriculture and food safety. He joined the podcast to discuss the GAO report titled Working Dogs: Federal Agencies Need to Better Address Health and Welfare. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E175 · Wed, November 09, 2022
What the 2022 Midterms Mean for Feds
Historically, midterm elections favor the opposition to the party controlling the White House, but the last decade of politics suggest that history may not always be a perfect predictor. With control of Congress on the line, a lot was still up in the air when GovExec Daily went live on Twitter Spaces for an election results conversation with GovExec reporters Eric Katz and Courtney Bublé. In this episode, you’ll hear our conversation about the midterm elections and the races that affect federal employees and the business of government.
S3 E174 · Tue, November 08, 2022
How to Ace a Virtual Interview
The remote work revolution has changed the way people work, including the ways that organizations bring on new hires. It may seem intuitive, but a job interview via teleconference software is quite different from an in-person interview and those differences can make or break an interview. Amanda Augustine is career expert for TopResume and a certified professional career coach . She joined the podcast to discuss how to nail the remote interview process. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E173 · Mon, November 07, 2022
Do Organizations Care About Workers' Financial Wellness?
The relationship between employees and employers is constantly shifting and the COVID-19 crisis has amplified some of the changes of recent years. According to new research by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, employees increasingly feel that their employers are not making enough effort in caring for workforce wellness needs. Dr. Paul Fronstin is Director of Health Benefits Research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute, where he also oversees the Center for Research on Health Benefits Innovation. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the results of the EBRI/Greenwald 2022 Workplace Wellness Survey.
S3 E172 · Fri, November 04, 2022
Diversity and Inclusion Are Key Parts of Modern Management
Talent acquisition is one of the most important aspects of any organization and finding the right people is far more than just getting the same type of people over and over. Creating a successful and inclusive culture requires finding the best people possible, casting the widest net. Donald Thompson is a Certified Diversity Executive and the CEO of The Diversity Movement, a firm that helps organizations deliver real-world business outcomes through diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s also the author of the book Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success . He joined the podcast to discuss diversity and inclusion in organizations.
S3 E171 · Thu, November 03, 2022
The Fight to Codify Civil Service Protections
Late in the Trump administration, the Schedule F executive order sent shockwaves through the public administration community, as the action struck at the heart of the professional civil service. This week, Senator Tim Kaine said that he is "optimistic" he'll get a floor vote on the Preventing a Patronage System Act, a law that would codify bedrock merit-based civil service protections and prevent a future Schedule F-type executive action from future presidential administrations. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is also one of the experts who signed onto a recent letter to Congressional leaders urging Congress to enact legislation that would prevent Schedule F-like actions . He joined the podcast to talk about the civil service system and the future of anti-Schedule F policy.
S3 E170 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Bureau of Prisons Director Wants to Address Workforce Issues in a 'Meaningful Way'
Last year, the Justice Department inspector general’s office noted that “maintaining a safe, secure and humane prison system” was a top management and performance challenge for the Bureau of Of Prisons because of its issues with staffing, security and infrastructure. In August, Colette Peters was sworn in as the agency’s director and swore to “address these deficiencies” in the interest of those who work and live within the Bureau of Prisons environment. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Peters about her plans for the Bureau of Prisons. In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with Peters about keeping staff and incarcerated people safe during the pandemic, the agency workforce and managing the bureau of prisons.
S3 E169 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Student Loan Forgiveness and Customer Service
The Education Department unveiled its online student loan forgiveness application recently and users found the process to be shockingly simple. With customer service an issue in government, the loan forgiveness application perhaps can lead the way to fewer administrative burdens for citizens to get benefits to which they’re entitled. Dr. Donald Moynihan is McCourt Chair and Dr. Pamela Herd is a professor, both at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. They are also co-authors of a piece recently published in the New York Times headlined “Turns Out Sometimes the Government Can Get Things Right” and the 2018 book Administrative Burden: Policymaking by Other Means . They joined the podcast to discuss the student loan forgiveness process and administrative burdens.
S3 E168 · Mon, October 31, 2022
Countdown to Open Season
Recently, OPM announced that federal employees and annuitants will, on average, pay 8.7% more in FEHB premiums next year. With Open Season nearing in a few weeks, feds and annuitants need to be prepared and do their homework to make the right insurance choices. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s 2023 Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees will be available on the first day of Open Season, Nov. 14. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss health care options for federal employees. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E167 · Thu, October 27, 2022
The Space Industry Workforce and Financial Outlook
The space industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. With projects spanning the United States and emerging markets, the global space business ecosystem will likely continue to grow. Richard Cooper is Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach at the Space Foundation. He joins me now to discuss his organization's third quarter 2022 Space Report. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E166 · Wed, October 26, 2022
The State of the Contractor Vaccine Mandate
In a 2021 executive order, the Biden administration issued a vaccine mandate for federal contractors. Since then, the mandate has been the subject of various court cases. Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit lifted the nationwide injunction on the contractors vaccine mandate, but the federal government told agencies not to enforce it just yet, pending further guidance. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup. She joined the podcast now to talk about the status of contractors, the vaccine mandate and other coronavirus stories.
S3 E165 · Tue, October 25, 2022
The Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
You may not know it, but artificial intelligence applications are all around us. From search algorithms to speech recognition, we are surrounded by AI and machine learning. The federal government uses AI, of course, in its initiatives in various agencies. Dr. Lynne Parker serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor and director of the AI Tennessee Initiative at the University of Tennessee. Previously, she filled various roles in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, including as founding director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative office. As part of Defense One’s and Nextgov’s Genius Machines event series recently , Nextgov editor Aaron Boyd spoke to Parker about AI policy and her roles in government. In this episode, you’ll hear part of their conversation about machine learning and artificial intelligence.
S4 E164 · Mon, October 24, 2022
Choosing the Best 2023 Dates to Retire
There are many factors that can determine anyone’s retirement plans. Family, employment, economics and many other things can change a person’s plans for when and how they're going to retire. Many federal workers certainly are in line to retire this coming year and No one wants to retire at a bad time, either for their personal life or finances. Tammy Flanagan writes the weekly Retirement Planning column for us here at GovExec. She runs her own consulting business and also provides individual counseling as well as online training for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Her annual Best Dates to Retire column is online now and, as part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to discuss the best 2023 dates to retire.
S3 E163 · Fri, October 21, 2022
Partnering to Protecting Coastal Areas
The climate crisis is felt throughout the world, but the western part of this continent has particularly seen the effects of climate change. Recently, the Tribal Marine Stewards Network was launched to manage ocean and coastal territories in California . The network is an alliance of Tribal Nations working collaboratively to protect and restore coastal and marine ecosystems for future generations. Megan ROcha is Executive Director of the Resighini Ranchería, one of the four founding tribes of the network And Michael Esgro is a Senior Biodiversity Program Manager and the Tribal Liaison at the state of California’s Ocean Protection Council. They joined the podcast to talk about the Tribal Marine Stewards Network and the management of California coastal land.
S3 E162 · Thu, October 20, 2022
Lessons Learned from the Student Loan Forgiveness Site Rollout
President Joe Biden announced the opening of student loan forgiveness applications on Monday and that 8 million borrowers had already applied for loan relief during the beta launch of the site over the weekend. The president encouraged anyone eligible to sign up touting the simplicity of the process. The site received more than 13.4 million visits, according the government analytics trackers, and has received more mostly positive reviews so far. What does this mean for the future of government customer service and will the site serve as a blueprint for future for other agencies? Natalie Alms is a staff writer for our sister publication FCW, she joined the podcast to discuss the rollout.
S3 E161 · Wed, October 19, 2022
How the Midterm Elections Could Change Oversight
Based on historical evidence, the party opposite the White House will likely gain Congressional seats in the upcoming midterm elections. Indeed, according to polling aggregator sites, Republicans have a good chance of winning the House in a few weeks and, thus, the committee leadership roles. Republicans have promised extensive oversight of the Biden administration and agency business if they win, changing the ways agencies will do business. GovExec senior correspondent Eric Katz is covering the midterm elections. He joined the podcast to preview how the elections could change the way Congress will treat agencies next year. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E160 · Tue, October 18, 2022
Did SBA Bungle the Review of PPP Loans?
During the early parts of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic downturn, the federal government allocated hundreds of billions of dollars in relief in many programs. The Paycheck Protection Program was one of those programs, created to help small businesses withstand the economic crisis. More than two years out, a new Project on Government Oversight report outlines how the Small Business Administration flagged over 2 million Paycheck Protection Program loans worth at least $189 billion between August 2020 and September 2021. Nick Schwellenbach is a senior investigator at the Project on Government Oversight, a former Office of Special Counsel employee and one of the authors of the POGO report headlined “The Great Pandemic Swindle: Feds Botched Review of Billions in Suspect PPP Loans.” He joined the podcast to discuss the report and the Paycheck Protection Program. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S159 E3 · Mon, October 17, 2022
The COLA and Social Security Increase
The Social Security Administration announced Thursday that SSI benefits for millions of Americans will increase 8.7 percent in 2023. On average, Social Security benefits will increase by more than $140 per month starting in January. While the increase is historic, inflation blunts the news for retirees, as the increase will likely not track with the cost of food and other everyday necessities. Richard Fiesta is the Executive Director at the Alliance for Retired Americans. Earlier in his career, he worked in both the executive and legislative branches of government, serving at the Departments of Labor and Interior and for Senators Barbara Mikulski and Harris Wofford. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast talk about the cost of living adjustment, Social Security and other issues facing retirees. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E158 · Fri, October 14, 2022
Making Automated Customer Service More Empathetic
We’ve all experienced long wait times on the phone, hoping for a solution to a problem that we have with a government agency or public service. But, according to a new report, agencies can temper some of that frustration with empathetic, interactive voice response systems. According to a Deloitte Center for Government Insights report released last week, there are ways to employ IVR in a cost effective and positive way to improve government customer service. Marc Mancher is a principal at Deloitte Consulting, where he founded and leads the federal, state, local, and higher education Contact Center business. He joined the podcast to discuss the future of government customer service contact centers. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E157 · Thu, October 13, 2022
House GOP Promises ‘Aggressive’ ARPA Oversight, if They Take the House
The midterm elections are next month and Republicans have a good chance of winning the House and, thus, the committee leadership roles. Executive branch oversight being a key responsibility of Congress, many members of the House GOP caucus have indicated that they will use their oversight powers aggressively if they take over committees. Kery Murakami is a senior reporter covering Congress and federal agencies for GovExec sibling site Route Fifty. He joined the podcast to discuss what oversight plans Republicans have if they take back the House in next month’s elections *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E156 · Wed, October 12, 2022
Paying Attention to the Hatch Act in 2022
As the midterm elections approach, federal employees once again need to be aware of Hatch Act rules around political activity. With the COVID-19-era move to remote and hybrid work, the blurred lines between on- and off-the-job times can make the Hatch Act even more difficult to navigate. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé is the author of an ongoing series on the Hatch Act. She joined the podcast to discuss the Hatch Act and how public servants can stay on the right side of the rules as we approach the midterm elections. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E155 · Tue, October 11, 2022
Space Force Policy in Congress
Established three years ago, the U.S. Space Force is still new, but is an important topic on Capitol Hill. The space service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces contracts with aerospace firms and is staffing up as it evolves and Congress remains a part of its evolution. Recently, Defense One Senior National Security Correspondent Jacqueline Feldscher interviewed Representative Doug Lamborn of Colorado during the State of Defense online event. In this episode, Jacqueline interviews Lamborn about the future of space policy. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E154 · Fri, October 07, 2022
Can Members of Congress Trade Stocks Using Insider Information?
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple Senators sold millions of dollars worth of stock between a Jan. 24 2020 private briefing and the market crash a few weeks later, certainly bringing up questions as to whether they acted on sensitive insider information. Unfortunately, there is little to prevent members of Congress from doing this and attempts to shore the rules up have been thwarted. For example, after rejecting a comprehensive bill, the House leadership brought forward a stock-trading bill that is full of holes and likely dead on arrival… if it gets a vote. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is a Democrat representing Virginia's 7th district in the United States House of Representatives. She’s also been a leading voice for stricter rules in the legislature surrounding stock-trading and ethics. She joined the podcast to discuss ethics, congress and her role in enacting stricter rules against legislators trading individual stocks. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E153 · Thu, October 06, 2022
Rep. James Comer Talks Oversight, Midterms
Midterm elections often flip houses of Congress and the upcoming 2022 election has the potential to do so again. If that happens, the chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will change parties, putting ranking member Representative James Comer into the chairmanship of the committee. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Representative Comer about what he thinks will come of the Oversight Committee, were he to become the chair.In this episode, they talk about the midterms, oversight and government spending.
S3 E152 · Wed, October 05, 2022
The Role of SBOMs in Software Contracting
Software contracting in the federal government is very lucrative and a huge part of the government’s cybersecurity, but the import of knowing what is software is often underestimated. A software bill of materials, or SBOM, can represent an important first step in this side of software acquisition. Chris Riotta is a staff writer at FCW covering government procurement and technology policy. He joined the podcast to talk about the issues surrounding SBOMs. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E151 · Tue, October 04, 2022
Feds Will Pay More Toward Health Care Premiums This Coming Year
Each fall, the Federal Benefits Open Season comes with premiums for health insurance under the different insurance programs available for federal employees. Feds will pay 8.7% more on their health insurance premiums. The Office of Personnel Management attributed the increase to the COVID-19 pandemic and volatility of health care costs connected to the coronavirus crisis. Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce for at GovExec. He joined the podcast to discuss the FEHBP premium increase and other stories of federal pay, benefits and workforce issues.
S3 E150 · Mon, October 03, 2022
Solving the Climate Finance Problem
The effects of climate change are evident each, from floods in Asia to heat waves in Europe to a stronger hurricanes in United States. While governments have promised to act, financing within the private sector may be an underrated factor in the development of green tech and climate crisis mitigation. Bruce Usher is professor of professional practice and the Elizabeth B. Strickler ’86 and Mark T. Gallogly ’86 Faculty Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School. He’s also the author of the upcoming book Investing in the Era of Climate Change, which will be released on Oct. 11. As part of our #moneymonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the book and steps to removing friction in climate finance. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E149 · Fri, September 30, 2022
How to be a more proactive listener and Leader.
Everyone knows that communication is as crucial as any other part of management. But listening is not a passive activity but rather a skill, strategy and a practice. It takes active work to listen effectively. Today's guest has an upcoming book on the ways everyone can become a better communicator by using active listening skills. Oscar Trimboli is a keynote speaker and the host of the podcast deep listening. He's also the author of the upcoming book, How to listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication.
S3 E148 · Thu, September 29, 2022
How NOAA is working to combat the climate crisis.
The national oceanic and research administration has lots of data and research on climate and the environment. With the climate crisis in full swing and an emphasis on the federal and local level, NOAA uses and shares this information with its partners to inform investments and resilience and to combat climate change. As part of Government Executives climate summit event recently, Route Fifty's senior editor Alisha Powell Gillis spoke with NOAA representatives about how they collaborate with local, state and tribal partners to combat the climate crisis.
S3 E147 · Wed, September 28, 2022
GOP's Commitment to America" rollout.
Last week, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy unveiled a four part commitment to America plan, with the hop that it will explain to voters why they should vote republican in the up coming midterm election. The plan showcases what republicans feel should be prioritized and could potentially have an impact on federal employees if the republicans win the house. GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec daily guest Courtney Buble has been covering the midterm elections and she join the show to break down what the plan means, how it could impact the election and how it could impact government insight and accountability.
S3 E144 · Tue, September 27, 2022
Equity within the workplace.
Women in leadership often face hurdles that Men do not. Depending on their intersectional identities, such as age and race leaders can face stereotypes in the work place as they try to manage. The book "Beyond leaning in" tackles these issues in a slightly different way. Told as a novel, the book leans on research, lived experience and narratives to explore the ways Women navigate organizational structures across identities. Melanie Ho is the author of Beyond leaning in, she joins the show to discuss her book and the conversations around equity in the workplace.
S3 E143 · Mon, September 26, 2022
Preparing to 'Win' Retirement
Preparing for one’s retirement brings up a lot of questions. Are you financially and emotionally prepared to transition into your post-work life? Have you set yourself up for the best possible time after you retire? What if I have to unretire? The answers are key to a good retirement for so many people. Joe Casey is an executive coach, Managing Partner of Retirement Wisdom, and host of The Retirement Wisdom Podcast. He’s also the author of the book Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy . As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss how people can have a meaningful and successful retirement.
S5 E619 · Thu, September 22, 2022
What the inflation reduction act has in store for climate policy.
The Biden Administration and Congress have pledged to combat the rapidly worsening climate crisis. The inflation reduction act was passed into law with plenty of provisions all over it that address environmental concerns. As part of Goverment Executives climate summit, Ross Gianfortune spoke with Vickie Patton, General counsel at the environmental defense fund and Michael Gerrad, Director and General counsel at the Saban center for climate change law. They'll share thier thoughts on what the inflation reduction act has in store for climate policy.
S3 E144 · Wed, September 21, 2022
Preparing For the Midterm Elections at the Election Assistance Commission
The national midterm elections are fast approaching, with candidates campaigning for offices across the United States. The Election Assistance Commission, the federal elections clearinghouse, turns 20 this year during a midterm year and EAC chair Thomas Hicks says his group has been helping state and local governments prepare for the midterm elections using lessons learned from recent previous elections. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Hicks about the ways he and his agency are preparing for the midterm elections. In this episode, Courtney’s speaks to Hicks about the EAC’s work with other federal agencies and other levels of government to make elections fairer and more secure.
S3 E140 · Tue, September 20, 2022
Is Another Shutdown on the Horizon?
Once again, Congress is negotiating a short-term funding bill as the risk of a government shutdown looms. The Oct. 1 deadline is in less than two weeks, but lawmakers say that they have settled on a continuing resolution that would fund the government until mid-December,but they have yet to determine exactly which provisions will be in it. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz has been covering the spending bill negotiations . He joined the show to discuss the state of things in Congress as the deadline looms later this month.
S3 E139 · Mon, September 19, 2022
How Confident Are Women in Their Retirement Plans?
The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2022 Retirement Confidence Survey found unmarried women workers and retirees have lower retirement confidence than their married counterparts and are more likely to have lower incomes and assets. In a recent issue brief headlined “The Perfect Storm — Factors Contributing to Lower Retirement Confidence Among Women Who Are Not Married” our guest today unpacks the data on women’s retirement confidence. Craig Copeland is Director of Wealth Benefits Research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the survey, its findings and how women are set up for retirement. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E138 · Fri, September 16, 2022
Protecting the Professional Civil Service
The professional civil service are the ones consistent and reliable application of the law and regulations throughout the federal government. Political interference – particularly through personnel rules like the scuttled Schedule F classification – can interfere with that fair application of rules. This week, multiple organizations representing thousands of feds lent their support to the Preventing a Patronage System Act, which brings forward rules prohibiting federal employee reclassification from the competitive to the excepted service. The Senior Executives Association, the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and the Professional Managers Association all sent letters to Congress showing unified support for the bill, which passed the House on Thursday. Chad Hooper is Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association. He joined the podcast to discuss the Preventing a Patronage System Act and the civil service. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E137 · Thu, September 15, 2022
Why Aren't Public Servants Taking Vacations?
According to new research from Eagle Hill Consulting, more than a third of government employees say they haven’t taken a vacation in the last 12 months . Expenses topped the reasons given for eschewing vacation time, with self-imposed pressure coming next. Frank Konkel is the Executive Editor of Govexec sibling site Nextgov. He has a story about the survey headlined “More Than 1 in 3 Government Employees Haven’t Taken a Vacation in Last Year, Survey Says.” He joined the podcast to talk about government workforce issues like delaying or eschewing vacation. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E136 · Wed, September 14, 2022
Agencies' Office Space Plans Going Forward
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the ways that we look at office space. While many organizations have brought office workers back to physical locations, telework has become a fact of life for most of us in America. The federal government is no different, with agencies expanding telework since March 2020. The Government Accountability Office recently released a report on the state of federal office space, saying that the future will have to account for remote work and telework in the federal government. Courtney Bublé has a post on our site right now headlined “Most Agencies Plan to Cut Back on Office Leases and Square Footage in the Next 3 Years, Watchdog Finds.” She joined the podcast to discuss the story and the future of federal government office space
S3 E135 · Tue, September 13, 2022
How to Handle – or Mishandle – Classified Documents
Ever since an Aug. 8 search warrant was exercised on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the federal government’s classification process has been elevated into the national conversation. But, of course, most people who handle classified information – properly or not – are regular, non-former presidents. What happens to them? Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. She has a post on our site right now headlined “Here's What Can Happen When the Average Clearance Holder Mishandles Classified Information.” She joined the podcast to discuss her post and what happens when someone doesn’t handle classified info properly.
S3 E134 · Sun, September 11, 2022
The State of The Economy and Inflation
The American public has gotten a crash course in inflation over the last two years, but there are still a lot of questions about the state of the American economy. Inflation affects people’s wallets, but it also affects the national mood and it affects people’s long-term planning. Leah Hartman is the distinguished lecturer and chair of finance, accounting, and marketing at the Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven. She previously served as the head of research at both The Delaware Bay Management Company, and SKY Harbor Capital Management. As part of our #Money#monday series, she joined the podcast to discuss inflation and the state of the American economy. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E133 · Fri, September 09, 2022
Getting Things Done in a Bureaucracy
Federal employees know the word “bureaucracy” is often seen as derogatory in the popular imagination. It’s not about systems or rules, but rather a synonym for byzantine regulations that show no benefit to those experiencing them. But maybe bureaucracies, from private supply chain systems to the federal government, are necessary. Marina Nitze is a fellow at New America's New Practice Lab. Previously, she served as the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under President Obama. Nick Sinai is a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Previously, he served as U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer in the Obama White House. They joined the podcast to discuss their book Hack Your Bureaucracy , misunderstandings about bureaucracies and how to get things done. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E132 · Thu, September 08, 2022
'Public Service Is a Very, Very High Calling,' Fauci Says
Dr. Anthony Fauci announced recently that he will leave government this coming December. Though Fauci has done groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS, worked under eight presidential administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director has come into the common consciousness over the last two years as one of the faces of the pandemic response and a target for anti-vaccine activists, partisan bad actors and conspiracy theorists. Recently, GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé interviewed Dr. Fauci about his career in government and public health . In this episode, you’ll hear their conversation. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E131 · Wed, September 07, 2022
The Law That Transformed the Civil Service
The professional competitive civil service is often under attack, with many criticizing the federal workforce as just paper pushers or members of a nefarious “Deep State.” But, the import of the professional civil service is often underrated and all one needs to do is look at the era just before the 19th century Pendleton Act was passed to codify the competitive civil service. Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He has a post on GovExec.com headlined “That Time Reformers Took on Cronyism, Nepotism and Alcoholism in the Federal Workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss his post and the professional civil service. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E130 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Tackling the Climate Crisis on Capitol Hill
We see the evidence of the climate crisis in many ways, from flooding in Pakistan to the droughts and wildfires in the American west. Congress and the Biden administration have promised to enact and administer policy to combat it, but the need for action is great. As part of Government Executive’s Climate Summit event recently, GovExec Daily host Ross Gianfortune spoke to Samantha Medlock, Senior Counsel with the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. In this episode, you'll hear their conversation about recent government action on climate change, how it will be administered and the future of climate policy. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S129 E3 · Fri, September 02, 2022
The Biden Student Debt Forgiveness Plan
Recently, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. Department of Education will cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for non-Pell Grant recipients. The announcement was a culmination of a campaign promise, though the news caused the websites of loan providers and a federal agency to crash in response to an influx of web traffic. Ben Kaufman is the Director of Research & Investigations at the Student Borrower Protection Center. Prior to joining SBPC, Ben worked as a Financial Analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and in investment banking at JPMorgan. He joined the show to talk about the Biden student debt forgiveness plan. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E128 · Thu, September 01, 2022
How the Revised CDC Guidelines Will Affect Feds
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control announced new guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety rules. According to the White House’s Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, agencies can now pause asking or requiring current or potential federal employees to provide information about their vaccination status. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the podcast to talk about how the new CDC guidelines will affect the federal employee vaccine mandate. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E127 · Wed, August 31, 2022
The Contractor Vaccine Mandate Confusion
In September of last year, President Joe Biden put forward Executive Order 14042, which put in place a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. Last week, however, a court partially lifted the ban, prompting the administration to pivot its message to contractors. Courtney Bublé is a reporter at GovExec. She joined the podcast to discuss the contractor vaccine mandate and the court decision. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E126 · Tue, August 30, 2022
Can the CDC Effectively Restructure?
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring 100,000 new cases each week in the U.S. and the disease has taken the lives of more than one million Americans. Earlier this month, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that her agency must pivot much of its pandemic strategy and learn from the many mistakes it has made in the past few years. Dr. Julie Swann is the department head and A. Doug Allison Distinguished Professor of the Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State. She joined the podcast to discuss the potential CDC restructuring and how the agency can go forward. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E125 · Mon, August 29, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act's IRS Priorities
The recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act has provisions in it to hire tens of thousands of new IRS employees over the next decade. Supporters of the plan have called the surge necessary to restore the IRS after massive cuts over the last decade and to crack down on high-earning tax cheats and the Congressional Budget Office estimated it would raise more than $200 billion in tax revenue, or a net of $124 billion. Opponents have warned of burdensome tax audits for Americans as IRS staffs up. Diana Furchtgott-Roth is an adjunct professor of Economics at George Washington University, the former chief of staff of President George W. Bush's Council of Economic Advisers and has held multiple positions at the Department of Labor. She’s also the author of seven books. She joined the podcast to talk about IRS enforcement and the Inflation Reduction Act. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E124 · Thu, August 25, 2022
Looking Back at the Malheur Anti-Government Occupation
In January 2016 , a group of far-right militia members invaded the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in eastern Oregon. The group occupied the site for nearly six weeks before law enforcement made arrests. The entire ordeal is the subject of a GovExec post headlined “That Time Armed Militants Occupied a Federal Building (Not the Capitol).” Tom Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He joined the podcast to discuss his post about the Malheur occupation. *** Join GovExec live on Twitter this week! https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1BRJjngVAbBJw/peek
S3 E123 · Wed, August 24, 2022
VOA is 'Looking For Impact,' Says Chief
Voice of America broadcasts in dozens of languages to millions of people worldwide. As an arm of American diplomacy and as a journalistic enterprise, VOA has to thread a very complex and specific needle that most agencies – and news organizations – can sidestep. As journalists covering the American role in global politics, the war in Ukraine and other global instability, VOA staffers worldwide have a difficult and often dangerous job. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Yolanda López, acting director of Voice of America. In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with López on how she leads the agency in an increasingly complex time for global media. *** Join GovExec live on Twitter this week! https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1BRJjngVAbBJw/peek
S3 E122 · Tue, August 23, 2022
Who Gets To Know When You Die?
Death data in the United States are collected and maintained by state vital records offices, but the information is needed for federal agencies like the Social Security Administration to identify eligible individual survivor benefits and prevent improper payments to dead people. According to a recent report from the National Academy of Public Administration, agencies are still fighting over this data. Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She joined the podcast to discuss the report and her story headlined “Agencies Are Still Wrangling Over Death Data” about the report. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E121 · Mon, August 22, 2022
The Rocky TSP Transition is Being Investigated
Earlier this year, the Thrift Savings Plan transitioned to a new recordkeeping service and, with it, launched a series of new services for participants. But, that transition proved to be rocky, with technical issues and long phone wait times for users trying to resolve problems with their accounts. This month, the Government Accountability Office confirmed it will investigate what went wrong with the TSP’s tough transition. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. As part of our #moneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about the controversial TSP transition. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E120 · Fri, August 19, 2022
How Managers Can Avoid Self-Sabotage
Concerns about precise wording. Insisting on doing everything through proper “channels.” Referring to matters decided upon at the last meeting during a new meeting. Huge committees. These are probably familiar issues to modern public sector managers, but these problems were identified by the CIA’s precursor, the Office of Strategic Services, in its Simple Sabotage Field Manua l, published in 1944. In a new report titled “Mission Not Meetings: How government leaders could avoid self-sabotage,” McKinsey experts examine the management problems that can undermine the efficacy of government managers and hamstring mission delivery. J.R. Maxwell is a McKinsey partner and a leader in the firm’s practices focused on the public, social, and healthcare sectors. And Sarah Kleinman is a Partner in McKinsey's Public Sector practice, where she manages large-scale, end-to-end organizational transformations. They joined the podcast to talk about the report and how organizations can overcome these issues. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E119 · Thu, August 18, 2022
Don't Ignore Government Performance Metrics
Everyone wants better performance out of the federal government, but few pay enough attention to metrics like those found on Performance.gov. In fact, the federal government released quarterly performance updates for agency priority goals just this past July, but it was largely ignored. Why don’t more people pay attention to government performance metrics? Shelley Metzenbaum was the founding president of the Volcker Alliance. Before that, she served as former associate director for performance and personnel management at the Office of Management and Budget, where she was responsible for setting and implementing the Obama administration’s approach to improving the performance of federal programs. She joined the podcast to discuss her GovExec post headlined “A Missed Opportunity: The Problem With Ignoring Government Performance Information.” *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E118 · Wed, August 17, 2022
The DHS Inspector General's Office Is Under Scrutiny
Homeland Security Department Inspector General Joseph Cuffari has been accused recently of mishandling investigations into missing text messages from Secret Service agents in the lead up to the Jan. 6 Capitol violence in 2021. He is also currently under the cloud of a separate investigation by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. So far, the Biden administration has only said it is following the investigation around Cuffari. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé covers oversight. She joined the podcast to discuss the situation at DHS. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E117 · Tue, August 16, 2022
Congress Can Use Artificial Intelligence For Policymaking
Technology is increasingly a part of every American’s life, from our smartphones to our artificial intelligence-aided news and advertising experiences online via social networks. Commerce and industry uses artificial intelligence and Congress could, perhaps, use AI to modernize policymaking. Joe Mariani is a research manager with Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights. His research focuses on innovation and technology adoption. He testified recently in front of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress about how artificial intelligence can improve the legislative process. He joined the podcast to talk about AI’s potential place in policymaking. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E116 · Mon, August 15, 2022
Congress and Investment in Defense Firms
The Defense Department is the largest and most funded agency in the federal government. Its budget is measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars and some of the publicly-traded firms with which the Pentagon contracts have market caps over 100 billion dollars. The ethics around this come into play when members of congress who control the Defense budget legislation also own stocks in the very publicly-traded companies that may benefit from that Pentagon budget. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette is a Government Affairs Manager at the Project on Government Oversight and Nathan Siegel is an intern at POGO. They are also co-authors on a piece on the POGO site right now headlined “Representatives are Too Invested in Defense Contractors.” As part of our #MoneyMonday series, they joined the podcast to discuss their post and conflicts of interest in Congress. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
Bonus · Sat, August 13, 2022
The Mar-a-Lago Search, Classification and Federal Employees
A federal judge on Friday unsealed the warrant that let the FBI search Donald Trump’s Florida home earlier this week, revealing that the former president is under investigation for a series of violations of the law, including running afoul of the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice. On Friday, GovExec Daily went live on Twitter Spaces with GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé and Clearancejobs.com editor and Govexec contributor Lindy Kyzer to discuss The Mar-a-Lago search, classification and federal employees. In this episode, you will hear the unedited recording of that conversation. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E115 · Fri, August 12, 2022
IRS Hiring in the Big Climate Bill
On Sunday, the Senate passed the multi-billion dollar Inflation Reduction Act. The plan would provide funding boosts for agencies operations and staffing levels as part of the bill's $369 billion investment in energy security. bill includes $80 billion over 10 years for the Internal Revenue Service, funding that could be used to hire as many as 87,000 employees over the next 10 years. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the bill. He joined the podcast to talk about what’s in it and what it will mean for agencies. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E114 · Thu, August 11, 2022
What Happens After The Mar-A-Lago FBI Search?
Earlier this week, the FBI searched the Florida home of former President Donald J. Trump. According to reports, the search may be related to an investigation into whether Trump had unlawfully taken files when he left the White House. The news brings into focus the treatment of official government files and what kind of consequences can be brought against those mishandling official documents… from rank-and-file feds all the way up to the former president. Dan Meyer is an attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. Before the Merit Systems Protection Board, he has successfully represented special agents and law enforcement personnel. He joined the podcast now to discuss the raid and what rules exist around federal and classified information. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E113 · Wed, August 10, 2022
Getting More Women into Federal Policing
According to the Department of Justice, the percentage of women in law enforcement jobs has remained stagnant for decades, hovering around 10-15% of total officers. For federal law enforcement positions, the number is approximately the same, with 13% of the total being women. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Cathy Sanz, president of the group Women in Federal Law Enforcement, about gender issues in federal policing . In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with Sanz on how she sees the problem framed and how it can be ameliorated.
S3 E112 · Tue, August 09, 2022
Telling the Story of the Fall of Kabul
About a year ago, the United States and the world watched as Afghans scrambled toward the Kabul airport. The Taliban was taking back the city and thousands of Afghans were trying to leave the country by any possible avenue, risking their lives along the way. Releasing this month, the Kabul Falling eight-part podcast series recounts stories of people who lived through the Taliban takeover. Executive produced by Project Brazen, the series is hosted by British journalist Nelafur Hedayat who left Afghanistan as a child approximately 20 years ago. Bradley Hope is a journalist, one of the founders of Project Brazen and an executive producers of Kabul Falling . The first three episodes of the series are out now wherever you get your podcasts. He joined the show to talk about the podcast and the anniversary of the fall of the capital city. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E111 · Mon, August 08, 2022
Financial Tips From a TSP Millionaire
Federal employees have options when it comes to their retirement, including plenty of options within the Thrift Savings Plan. The TSP website provides an overview of the program, but the choices that public servants make with their TSP options should not be taken lightly and more information is always helpful. Even against the backdrop of the last few years of economic uncertainty, the TSP is a huge part of feds’ lives. Abraham Grungold is a longtime federal employee, the owner of AG Financial Services and a member of the exclusive TSP millionaires club. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about the Thrift Savings Plan and the economic climate of the last few years. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E110 · Fri, August 05, 2022
Criminal Referrals at the Border and Immigration Policy
The number of criminal referrals sent by the Border Patrol and other Customs and Border Protection officers have recently begun to rise. April 2022 saw the first month in more than two years that such referrals topped the 2,000 mark. Dr. Austin Kocher is an Assistant Research Professor in the Newhouse School of Public Communication and a researcher with the Transactional Research Access Clearinghouse, a research institute at Syracuse University that uses Freedom of Information Act requests to study the federal government. He joined the podcast to talk about his research about the increase in criminal immigration referrals at the border. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E109 · Thu, August 04, 2022
The Decision That May Upset the Administrative State
Last month, the Supreme Court decided that Congress may not authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to address an issue of great economic and political importance or significance unless Congress speaks precisely in allowing it to do so. According to analysts, environmentalists and even Presiden Biden, this “major question” issue is a step backward for the environment and for the administrative state’s ability to address problems like climate change. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is the author of many books, including the Politics of the Administrative Process, System Under Stress and The Next Government of the United States . He has a GovExec.com post headlined “How the Supreme Court’s West Virginia v. EPA Decision Will Upset the Administrative World.” He joined the podcast to discuss the EPA decision and what it means for the administration of government.
S3 E108 · Wed, August 03, 2022
The State of Women in Federal Law Enforcement
Government efforts toward better gender equity in government are not new. But, despite these efforts, the percentage of women in federal law enforcement jobs has decreased since 2008. The federal percentage of women in law enforcement jobs continues to hover around 10-15%, mirroring the numbers in police departments nationwide. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé has two stories on GovExec.com right now about women in law enforcement. She joined the podcast to discuss the issues around gender and federal policing. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E107 · Tue, August 02, 2022
Securing the Human Side of Elections
It’s been nearly a year since the Department of Justice the U.S. Department of Justice established an Election Threats Task Force to address the rise in threats against election workers, administrators, officials, and others associated with the electoral process. As the world saw during the Jan 6 hearings, poll workers like Shaye Moss faced dire threats and bogus claims of wrongdoing for simply believing in democracy. Recently the Alliance for Securing Democracy released a report headlined “Deterring Threats to Election Workers: Recommendations for the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force” that outlines some suggestions for the task to use to better fight threats. David Levine is the Elections Integrity Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy and one of the authors of the report. He joined the podcast me to discuss the efforts to subvert the administration of U.S. elections. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E106 · Mon, August 01, 2022
How the Pandemic and Economic Climate Has Affected Women
While the nation is still feeling the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the American economy is in a bit of a rut. The pandemic economy hit women particularly hard and fears that the United States may be heading toward a recession hang overhead. Firms and entrepreneurs are weathering the storm, but how can businesses deal with the economic climate we’re all experiencing? Pamela Prince-Eason is a National Women's Business Council Member and CEO/President of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. She joined the podcast to talk about the current economic climate and how it is affecting women entrepreneurs. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E104 · Thu, July 28, 2022
Get Ready for the Return of Schedule F
According to reports, a second Donald Trump presidential term would bring back and expand on Schedule F, the controversial proposal to upend the civil service. Former aides said that some in Trump’s orbit are already making lists of public servants to transfer into Schedule F and potentially fire, indicating that a second Trump term would involve massive purges of federal employees. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the story. He joined the podcast me now to discuss how a second Trump administration would use Schedule F to reshape government. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E103 · Wed, July 27, 2022
How to Oversee $1 Trillion Dollars in Relief
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, Congress has tasked the Small Business Administration with administering more than $1 trillion through relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, the Small Business Administration inspector general, is tasked with the jobs of combating fraud and alerting the SBA of the ways to prevent it. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Ware about his role in combating abuse of the relief programs and the ways his office uses information to that end. In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with Ware on how he sees data, and collaboration as tools for COVID-19 oversight. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E102 · Tue, July 26, 2022
Hybrid Work in Government is Here to Stay
In-office work and telework are often seen as a zero-sum game, but hybrid work can make offices, including in the federal government, more flexible. In a new report titled “Hybrid Work in Government,” Cisco surveyed public sector employees about their feelings about hybrid work. Marcus Moffett is Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Engineering and Architecture of Cisco's U.S. Public Sector. He joined the podcast to discuss the report and the future of public sector hybrid work. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E101 · Mon, July 25, 2022
How to Plan For Your Retirement
Federal employees have to make a lot of important choices while working in order to have a successful and pleasant retirement. No matter where they work or how old they are, feds know that a lot of decisions need to be made before federal employees retire. Some of these choices can have lifelong consequences and need to be carefully evaluated. The GovExec Daily podcast often features guests who examine some of the ways that public servants can use information to inform their decisions about the TSP and other financial issues that will shape their retirement. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the information about retirement that have been featured on GovExec Daily over the last year. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E100 · Thu, July 21, 2022
Will the Vaccine Mandate Discipline Ever Start?
Last year, President Joe Bides mandated federal workers to be fully vaccinated or request a medical or religious exemption by late november, but the deadline was pushed back, both by court injunctions and by the administration itself. A court most recently selected to hear an appeal to the vaccine mandate in September, further pushing back enforcement of the mandate. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the podcast what the vaccine mandate delays mean and what feds need to know about enforcement. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E99 · Wed, July 20, 2022
The Feds' Monkeypox Response Strategy
Monkeypox is a disease that surfaces periodically, but the current wave of it has some public health officials worried . The world is still mired in new COVID-19 variants, causing thousands of cases, so another public health emergency is certainly not welcome. The Biden administration has empowered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the monkeypox as U.S. cases of the disease rise. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé is covering the monkeypox outbreak. She joined the podcast to talk about the federal response to the disease’s spread. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E98 · Tue, July 19, 2022
USGS is Fighting the 'Blood Diamond' Trade
The term “blood diamonds” entered the popular lexicon in the past few decades, to be replaced somewhat by “blood minerals” or “conflict minerals.” In short, many armed groups and conflicts are financed and sustained by illegally selling mined resources like diamonds, gold, tungsten and other financially lucrative materials. The problem is international, and the United States Geological Survey is partnering with international organizations to track and monitor the conflict mineral trade worldwide. Peter Chirico is associate director of the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center and special advisor to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Threat Finance Countermeasures. He joined the podcast to discuss the USGS efforts to combat the conflict mineral trade . *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E97 · Mon, July 18, 2022
The G Fund is Now the Biggest Core TSP Fund
The G Fund is now the biggest amongst the five core Thrift Saving Funds funds. The fund has more than $200 billion invested in it. That’s a big deal, but what does that mean for TSP investors? Dallen Haws is a financial planner and host of the Haws Federal Advisors YouTube channel and podcast. He is also the author of the book Building Wealth in The TSP: Your Road Map to Financial Freedom as a FERS Employee. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about the G Fund and what TSP investors need to know about it. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E96 · Fri, July 15, 2022
The Pendulum Shifts Toward Workers
The last few years have seen a new labor and management environment wherein organizations and workers are navigating a changing power dynamic. In some instances, workers have wielded more agency. Organizations and workers are experiencing this pendulum shift in different ways and can certainly come away with different conclusions. Stephanie Creary is an organizational behavior scholar and assistant professor of management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her research is focused on understanding how to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces and organizations. She leads the Leading Diversity@Wharton Speaker Series and hosts the Knowledge@Wharton Leading Diversity at Work Podcast Series. She recently moderated an Academy of Management panel titled “The Pendulum Shift Toward the Worker.” She joined the podcast to discuss the change in the employee/employer relationships. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E95 · Thu, July 14, 2022
The Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Decreased Autonomy for Tribes
In a decision last month, the Supreme Court ruled that state governments have the authority to prosecute certain cases on tribal lands. As with many of the decisions this term, the ruling was not without controversy, with one tribal leader saying the decision goes against the “basic principles of congressional authority and Indian law.” M. Alexander Pearl is a law professor at the University of Oklahoma law school and an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. He is a nationally recognized scholar in the fields of indigenous legal issues and statutory interpretation. He joined the podcast to discuss the Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta Supreme Court decision. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E94 · Wed, July 13, 2022
Using Technology to Hire the Best Talent to the Public Sector
Public service is an attractive career path because of its stability, especially against the backdrop of a volatile economic situation in the United States. But, hiring has been an issue for the federal government for years and continues to struggle to bring in younger and early-career talent. Attracting and retaining such talent is key for a modern government and technology could be one of the keys to transforming government hiring. Todd Gustafson is President of HP Federal. He joined the podcast to discuss hiring and the race for young talent in government.
S3 E93 · Tue, July 12, 2022
Despite the Supreme Court, the EPA Can Still Do Its Job
After the Supreme Court's West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency decision, former agency leaders and public management experts have lamented the potential chilling effects on regulatory agencies. The decision, some have argued, marks the loss of the administrative state's ability to solve big problems like climate change. Heather McTeer Toney is Vice President for Community Engagement at the Environmental Defense Fund. From 2014-2017, she served as the Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Southeast Region. She joined the podcast to discuss the Supreme Court decision and the chilling of regulations. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E92 · Mon, July 11, 2022
The TSP, Sustainability and the Mutual Fund Window
Last month the TSP opened its mutual fund window to more options, leaving many organizations – like US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment – pleased with the announcement. Nothing's perfect and, like with most things, there are limitations around the options. Bryon McGannon is the Director of Policy and Programs for US SIF. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the program the address those issues and much more about the TSP's changes. *** Follow GovExec on Twitter! https://twitter.com/govexec
S3 E91 · Fri, July 08, 2022
The Defense Department Will Continue Reproductive Health Procedures
Last month, the Defense Department announced in a memo that the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision kicking abortion law back to the state “does not prohibit the department from continuing to perform covered abortions, consistent with federal law.” The memo also promised “no interruption to this care.” Jacqueline Feldscher is senior national security correspondent at Defense One. She joined the podcast to discuss the Defense Department and the Dobbs decision.
S3 E90 · Thu, July 07, 2022
The Supreme Court Is Limiting the Regulatory State
Last month, the United States Supreme Court severely restricted the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gasses, while also potentially setting a precedent that could severely restrict federal agencies’ capacity to create new regulations. Martha Kinsella is a senior counsel in the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, where she works on government reform, government ethics, and regulatory issues. She joined the podcast to talk about the EPA decision and how it will affect the regulatory state in the executive branch. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E89 · Wed, July 06, 2022
The Postal Service Will Continue to Deliver Abortion Meds by Mail
The Supreme Court struck down the Roe v. Wade decision late last month, taking away the national right to an abortion. However, the United States Postal Service will not proactively assist the states enforce their laws prohibiting the use of mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate pregnancies. Senior Correspondent Eric Katz covers the Postal Service. He joined the podcast to discuss the ways that USPS and the Biden administration are affected by the Supreme Court decision. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E88 · Tue, July 05, 2022
The Connection Between Mindfulness and Leadership
Leadership, particularly in the public sector, requires a slate of skills. Decision making, communication and many other strengths are key to managing people and mission. Underlying so many of these skills is mindfulness, even if it doesn’t immediately come to mind. Andrew Feldman is the founder and principal consultant at the Center for Results-Focused Leadership, which helps public agencies use evidence, data and strategy to improve their results. He also hosts the Gov Innovator podcast.Rabbi Marc Margolius is the senior program director at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He hosts the institute’s daily mindfulness meditation sessions and teaches an online program called “Awareness in Action” designed to cultivate character through mindfulness. They have a piece on our site right now headlined “ Government Leadership and the Power of Mindfulness. ” They joined the podcast to discuss how mindfulness can help leaders in their jobs and lives. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E87 · Fri, July 01, 2022
Government Has a Recent History of Big Successes
The United States has found itself facing many challenges in the decades since the turn of the century. From terrorism to a pandemics to climate change, the federal government’s work is and has been cut out for it. Government successes, however, are often less public than its struggles. Tom Shoop writes on GovExec.com that “it’s not what government has accomplished that’s significant, but what it has prevented from happening.” Shoop is editor at large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He has a post on our site right now headlined “Six Big Government Success Stories of the Last Two Decades.” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and government success stories. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E86 · Thu, June 30, 2022
The TSP Service Transition is Not Going Well
The Thrift Savings Plan recently transitioned to a new recordkeeper, partially with the goal of giving investors a set of new web-based services. The transition, however, has been rougher than TSP officials anticipated, with a torrent of complaints coming from investors and users of the new interface. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the TSP news and the transition. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E85 · Wed, June 29, 2022
Using The Citizen Experience to Increase Trust in Government
As part of its Management Agenda, the Biden administration has identified government customer service as a point of emphasis. The administration’s Management Agenda Vision document outlines how workforce improvements and customer service will go hand-in-hand to improving trust in government and mission delivery. William D. Eggers is the executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. He testified recently in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee about building trust in government through customer experience. Eggers joined the show to discuss the government customer experience. As part of its Management Agenda, the Biden administration has identified government customer service as a point of emphasis. The administration’s Management Agenda Vision document outlines how workforce improvements and customer service will go hand-in-hand to improving trust in government and mission delivery. William D. Eggers is the executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. He testified recently in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee about building trust in government through customer experience. Eggers joined the show to discuss the government customer experience. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E84 · Tue, June 28, 2022
LGBTQ+ Workers and Discrimination
For decades, June has marked Pride Month for LGBTQ+ communities across the U.S. Cities mark the month with parades and festivals, while other businesses often participate with various messages of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Federal agencies fly Pride flags, but studies show that discrimination against individuals because of their gender and sexual identities remain a problem in the public and private sectors. Dan Meyer is an attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. He joined the podcast to discuss how LGBTQ+ feds and contractors experience discrimination at the office and what can be done about it. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E83 · Mon, June 27, 2022
The Federal Government Role in Student Loan Servicing… And How It Can Be Fixed
Total student loan debt in the U.S. is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. College debt affects millions of borrowers. And according to the Federal Reserve, the average student loan debt per borrower is more than $30,000 per student. The federal government has a role in the way that student debt is administered, especially as forgiveness has come to the front of the broader political conversation. Ben Kaufman is the Director of Research & Investigations at the Student Borrower Protection Center. Prior to joining SBPC, he worked as a Financial Analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and in investment banking at JPMorgan. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the show me to discuss student debt and the governments role in administering it.
S3 E82 · Fri, June 24, 2022
Congress is Finally Addressing Burn Pits
The Senate is close to passing a measure to expand benefits offered to veterans who became sick due to burn pits while on active duty . The plan would also authorize sweeping new authorities to hire employees and lease new facilities to handle the resulting uptick in usage of the VA health care system. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the story. He joined the podcast to discuss the status of the bill and what it will mean for the Veterans Affairs Department. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E81 · Thu, June 23, 2022
The People Behind the CPSC Memes
If you spend a lot of time online, you have probably seen social media posts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency responsible for consumer product recalls has carved out a place somewhere between weird twitter and brand twitter with its memes and posts towing the line between absurdist humor and just plain surrealism. The agency’s social media team has redefined what the agency’s online presence can be on social media. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé spoke to the CPSC’s Joseph Galbo , a social media specialist at the agency. In this episode, Courtney interviews Galbo about how the social strategy evolved, the reaction to the CPSC’s social media presence and, of course, memes.
S3 E80 · Wed, June 22, 2022
Will This Court Decision Gut the Regulatory State?
Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a 2-1 opinion in favor of hedge fund manager George Jarkesy and investment adviser Patriot28. Their case contested the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision to charge them with wide-ranging securities fraud. The decision’s text appears to argue against or, at least, minimize the role of subject matter experts and the administrative law power of federal agencies. Conor D. Dirks is an attorney at the firm of Shaw Bransford & Roth, where he has represented federal officials and employees in all aspects of federal personnel employment law. He joined the podcast to talk about the decision and what it will mean for the administrative state. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E79 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Your Stories of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
In October, the Biden administration revamped the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program , involving a waiver program and changes to the Education Department’s processes. The changes brought more than a hundred thousand people into the program, though they were needed for a 15-year-old program that was rife with confusion about communication, eligibility and breadth. GovExec Daily spoke to public servants employees from across the country about the program and their experiences within it. Some people had their loans forgiven, while others are still in purgatory. In addition to our Q&As with borrowers , we spoke to people who fought to have their loans forgiven, with varying levels of success. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E78 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Fixing Culture Clashes in the Office
Much has been written and said about the “Great Resignation” and its effects on American work culture. But, ultimately, organizations and employees need to see eye-to-eye on issues like respect, values and communication. How can organizations and employees work together to keep work culture clashes at a minimum for the best possible outcomes? Lee Frederiksen is an author, business strategist and the Managing Partner at the Hinge Research Institute . He joined the podcast to discuss the new Hinge report titled “Culture Clash: The Employee Experience Problem and How to Fix It.”
S3 E77 · Wed, June 15, 2022
The Value Shift in the Workplace
A new survey by consulting firm Gartner has found that the COVID-19 crisis has elevated people’s values, driving them to find more purpose and meaning in their work and in their lives. As Americans reevaluate their relationships with work and their jobs, organizations will have to adjust to this new reality. Dr. Jessica Grossmeier, PHD, MPH is an advisor, speaker, and the author of Reimagining Workplace Well-being: Fostering a Culture of Purpose, Connection, and Transcendence. She joined the podcast to discuss how the pandemic has shifted the way employees feel about work and life. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E76 · Tue, June 14, 2022
The Supreme Court Says Federal Officials Are 'Absolutely Immunized' From Personal Lawsuits
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Washington state innkeeper does not have implied causes of action against a federal agent for alleged constitutional violations arising from the enforcement of immigration laws along the U.S.-Canada border. The ruling may create a broad precedent that legal experts have said would make it nearly impossible to sue federal officials and law enforcement. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the case. He joined the podcast to talk about the case and what it means for federal law enforcement. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E75 · Mon, June 13, 2022
Can Banks Be a Force for Good?
Semi-regularly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases a report that enumerates the ways that the planet is being affected by human activity. It is, in short, bad all around. Pollution ruins our waterways, animal extinction rates are up and increasing temperatures are putting life in peril. In the financial and governance world, this brings up the question: What role do finance and fintech have in the planet’s degradation and what roles can they play in stemming the tide or reversing it? Chris Skinner is a commercial strategist, an analyst and an independent commentator on the financial markets and fintech through this blog, The Finanser.com. He’s also the author of dozens of books, including Digital For Good: Stand for something…or you will fal l, was just released on June 1. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the show to talk about the book and how banks and fintech can be part of the future for good. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E74 · Fri, June 10, 2022
A Conversation With Public Health AmeriCorps' New Director
The COVID-19 crisis continues to affectAmerican life and the federal government’s response continues to evolve. Recently, AmeriCorps’ named AJ Pearlman as director of Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support the future of public health programs nationwide. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Pearlman about a range of issues . In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney talks to Pearlman about the future of public health, COVID-19 and AmeriCorps and CDC working together.
S3 E73 · Thu, June 09, 2022
The Lawyer, the Whistleblowers and $550M in Social Security Fraud
For years, Kentucky attorney Eric C. Conn defrauded the Social Security Administration out of hundreds of millions of dollars by paying a judge to fast-track approval of SSI cases without even looking at evidence. The story is documented in the Apple TV+ series The Big Conn , which shines the spotlight on the WSJ reporter who first brought the story to the nation, the whistleblowers who flagged the story for their agency and the thousands of people whose benefits were ripped away when Conn’s scheme was found out. The four-part series is available on Apple TV+. Journalist Damian Paletta, who broke the Conn story, and executive producers Brian Lazarte and James Lee Hernandez joined the podcast to discuss Conn, the series and the role of government in the story of this massive case of fraud.
S3 E72 · Wed, June 08, 2022
What the TSP Changes Mean For Federal Employees
The TSP is an integral part of many federal employees’ personal financial lives. In April three Senators placed holds on four of Joe Biden’s four nominees to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board who have advanced out of committee. Last week, the Senators announced that they had lifted their holds. The removal comes as the TSP transitions to a new recordkeeping service provider, though many account holders have reported glitches. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the TSP news and other stories that he has been covering. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E71 · Tue, June 07, 2022
Using AI to Predict Weather
As the planet’s climate changes, catastrophic weather has become more of a part of our lives in recent decades. Forecasting weather events will be increasingly crucial to protecting infrastructure, property and, ultimately, lives from hurricanes, wildfires and other catastrophic events. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly part of the toolbox for those needing real-time and predictive information. Andy Henson is Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Jay Meil is Chief Data Scientist of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Factory, both at SAIC. They joined the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence, machine learning and weather prediction. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E70 · Mon, June 06, 2022
How to Negotiate Your Salary… And Everything Else
The employer/employee relationship is complicated, full of power and economic imbalances. But, there are ways to arm yourself with the tools you need to safeguard themselves in various states of negotiations in your career. Jotham S. Stein is the principal of the Law Offices of Jotham S. Stein P.C. He has more than two decades of experience representing entrepreneurs and c suite executives, as well as less senior employees of all size companies. He’s also the author of Negotiate Like a CEO . As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the book and how to negotiate better in your life and career. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E69 · Fri, June 03, 2022
The Security Clearance Process and Diversity
The Biden administration has made personnel policy a part of its DEIA strategy. With a 2020 Government Accountability report showing that the intelligence community is lagging behind the rest of the federal workforce, questions remain about the clearance process and the gatekeeping of diversity. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. She has a post on our site right now headlined “Is the Security Clearance Process Keeping Diverse Candidates from Fed Jobs?” She joined the podcast to discuss her post. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E68 · Thu, June 02, 2022
Is This The Moment For an Equity Push in Government?
Since coming into office, President Joe Biden has made diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility priorities for the federal government. This has manifested in funding toward equity projects and executive orders signed by Biden, including the recent EO 13985, the Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government order that includes an all-of-government approach. JP Julien is an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company. He’s also one of the co-leaders of McKinsey’s Institute for Black Economic Mobility. He joined the podcast to discuss the Biden order and how agencies can advance equity. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E67 · Wed, June 01, 2022
A Battle in the 'War Over the Administrative State'
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued a 2-1 opinion in favor of hedge fund manager George Jarkesy and investment adviser Patriot28 challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision to charge them with wide-ranging securities fraud. The decision’s text seemingly argues against the role of subject matter experts and administrative law power of agencies and civil servants, potentially delivering a huge blow to the administrative state’s enforcement ability. Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to discuss the case and its implications. Editor's Note: In this podcast episode, host Ross Gianfortune incorrectly stated that Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the majority opinion in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. Scalia was not on the court at the time. The opinion was written by Justice John Paul Stevens. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E66 · Tue, May 31, 2022
Building a Cohesive Team Under Duress
Building cohesion can be difficult, but it’s even more arduous under distressing circumstances like that of urban warfare. Our guest today writes in a forthcoming book about the benefits of primary group cohesion on performance and how it can be applied throughout the non-military world. Col. John Spencer is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum. Spencer has served over 25 years in the Army and has held ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class and Second Lieutenant to Major. He's also the author of the upcoming book Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War . He joinedthe podcast to talk about his book and creating and managing a cohesive team. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E65 · Fri, May 27, 2022
Federal Law Enforcement's Role and the Biden Executive Order
All federal law enforcement officers will soon have to wear body cameras after President Joe Biden signed an executive order this week. The order will also require the creation of a database of officer misconduct to which every federal law enforcement agency will contribute and that agencies must then use as part of their screening process for vetting personnel. This all comes in the wake of a school shooting in Texas that rocked the nation and federal officers were among the first to respond. Larry Cosme is the National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. He is currently a senior special agent for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He joined the show to talk about the Biden executive order and federal law enforcement. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E64 · Thu, May 26, 2022
Why is Disinformation Such an Intractable Problem?
Three weeks after it began, the Department of Homeland Security’s Disinformation Governance Board to counter misinformation is in trouble after its top official announced that she is resigning. The board has been paused pending a review and assessment through the bipartisan Homeland Security Advisory Council. Frank Konkel is the Executive Editor of GovExec sibling site Nextgov. He joined the podcast to discuss the board and its future. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E63 · Wed, May 25, 2022
Can Government Win the Race for Talent?
Against an increasingly volatile economic situation, public service usually offers some stability. Federal, state and local governments offer job seekers the opportunity to make a difference in the world and to truly find meaning in their work. They do so at a cost, though, as public sector jobs often pay below-market as compared to private sector jobs and the stability of these jobs can be reframed as staid and archaic. William D. Eggers is the executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. His most recent book is Delivering on Digital: The Innovators and Technologies that Are Transforming Government. He joined the podcast to discuss a Deloitte report released this week titled “Government Can Win the Talent Race – Here’s How." *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E62 · Tue, May 24, 2022
The Mission to Explore a Sunken Civil War Battleship
In 1862, the ironclad ship USS Monitor fought the Confederacy's CSS Virginia to a draw in the Battle of Hampton Roads, but later sunk during a storm off the coast of North Carolina. Now, 160 years later, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is leading a federal mission to explore and live stream the wreckage of the ship as it rests on the ocean floor. Helming that mission is NOAA marine archaeologist Tane Casserley. The expedition began on May 15 and will run until May 25 with daily live streams online. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Eric Katz interviewed Casserley about the mission and the ship. In this episode, you’ll hear their conversation.
S3 E61 · Mon, May 23, 2022
Retirement Planning Tricks for All Feds
Federal employees have many important decisions to make by the time that they retire, but even more decisions await before retirement is near. Some of these choices can have lifelong consequences and need to be carefully considered, even if they can be complicated and confusing. Erin Carter is Director of Programs at National Active and Retired Federal Employees association. She joined the podcast to discuss federal employee retirement strategies.
S3 E60 · Thu, May 19, 2022
Lessons Learned from the Homeland Security Vaccine Rollout
The Homeland Security Department was among the agencies successful in its approach to vaccinating its employees against COVID-19. The agency’s inspector general’s office recently released a report that highlighted the successes of the vaccine push at DHS and the lessons learned from the missteps that the agency also took. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on GovExec.com. She joined the podcast to discuss the DHS IG report and other COVID-19 stories that she has been covering. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E59 · Wed, May 18, 2022
MSPB, Discrimination and Whistleblowers
Federal employees making allegations of discrimination by their agency, whether against themselves or others, are not entitled to whistleblower protection, the Merit Systems Protection Board ruled recently. In the ruling, the MSPB also wrote that these feds also cannot seek remedies through the same paths as other whistleblowers. Dan Meyer is an attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. Before the Merit Systems Protection Board, he has successfully represented special agents, law enforcement personnel and other federal employees. He joined the show now to discuss the MSPB decision and its effects. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E58 · Tue, May 17, 2022
The Role of Zip Codes in Our Personal Stories
When you think about your current zip code, the zip code where you grew up, you probably don’t think too much about what that sequence of numbers mean. It’s probably a neighborhood or a city, but the reality is that it tells a much broader story about class in America. CJ Gross is a TEDx speaker, international organizational development consultant, and founder of Ascension Worldwide, a consulting firm committed to helping clients achieve workplace inclusion and diversity. He is also the author of the book What's Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace . He joins me now to talk about the book and inclusivity in the workplace. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E57 · Mon, May 16, 2022
College Debt Has Far-reaching Effects
According to estimates, student loan debt is worth trillions of dollars and affects millions of people. According to the Federal Reserve, the average college debt among student loan borrowers in the U.S. is over $30,000 per student. That kind of number certainly affects the way that borrowers behave, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Dr. Cliff Robb is faculty director for the Consumer Finance and Personal Financial Planning programs at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the show to discuss loan behavior and finance. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E56 · Fri, May 13, 2022
Former Operation Warp Speed Official Says It Was 'a Model' For Public-Private Partnerships
Paul Mango served as the deputy chief of staff for the Health and Human Services for two years, where he served as HHS secretary’s formal liaison to Operation Warp Speed. In that time, he helped lead what he called recently a model for public-private partnerships going forward. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Mango about Operation Warp Speed and its successes and failures. In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with Mango on what he saw at HHS, how Operation Warp Speed could’ve been managed better and what the program achieved. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E55 · Thu, May 12, 2022
Making Government Customer Service More Positive
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought government customer service into a new normal that involves different ways of solving problems. What exactly will that mean as federal employees and citizens go forward? RJ Krawiec is a principal and the Chief Marketing Officer for Deloitte’s Government & Public Services practice. He joined the podcast to discuss government customer service and technology. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E54 · Wed, May 11, 2022
Are the New Postal Vehicles Coming Soon?
Members of Congress have questions about the USPS fleet as electric vehicles become more available and the Post Office’s own IG suggests that the Postal Service can go nearly all-electric in the future. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz covers USPS. He joined the podcast to discuss the fleet contract and other postal stories he has been covering. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group
S3 E53 · Tue, May 10, 2022
On the Web, Government Customer Satisfaction is Dropping
More than two years after the maximum telework memo was sent to agencies, remote work and hybrid work have become de rigueur for public servants. Subsequently, the web has become exponentially more important as the ways that the public interacts with the federal government. Sheri Petras is the CEO at CFI Group. Her organization recently published a report titled “Government Websites Demand Surges, Satisfaction Declines” examining the results of research about government sites. She joined the podcast to discuss the results of the report. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?
S2 E52 · Mon, May 09, 2022
Why Aren't More Feds Taking Advantage of the Roth TSP?
Federal employees have a lot of options for their financial future, including around the Thrift Saving Plan. That is why it is so crucial to have a great tax strategy in retirement to make sure you can minimize your taxes as much as possible. Dallen Haws is a financial planner and host of the “Plan Your Federal Benefits” YouTube channel as well as a podcast at PlanYourFederalBenefits.com. He is also the author of the book Building Wealth in The TSP: Your Road Map to Financial Freedom as a FERS Employee . As part of GovExec Daily's #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to talk about Roth TSP options and the benefits feds may see from them. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E51 · Fri, May 06, 2022
Roe Could Be Near Its End. Can Feds Join Protests?
Being a federal worker means that it's sometimes hard to know where the boundary lines are in what you can and cannot do regarding activism that touches politics. Social media and in-person protests, in particular, can become thorny. With the leaked Supreme Court draft decision on Roe v. Wade , feds may be wondering where the boundaries lie. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. She has a post on our site right now headlined “Can Feds Comment on Roe v. Wade ?” She joined the podcast to discuss her post and the Hatch Act. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E50 · Thu, May 05, 2022
The OPM Chief Wants to Hire Thousands
Earlier this week, Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja encouraged people to apply for the thousands of jobs authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden last year. In February, Ahuja announced the creation of a Schedule A hiring authority to bring on climate scientists, engineers and clean water engineers, among other posts. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Erich Wagner interviewed Ahuja about hiring authorities and the federal workforce . In this episode, he spoke with Ahuja about how she sees the work her agency is doing in connection to the bipartisan infrastructure law and federal human capital. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E49 · Wed, May 04, 2022
You Need to Understand How to Best Use Data
The Biden administration has prioritized the government customer experience as a cornerstone of its management agenda. Agencies will have to digest information and data as part of these goals going forward. Merav Yuravlivker is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Data Society, a provider of industry-tailored data scientist training programs to organizations and government agencies. She joined the show to discuss data, customer service and the future of government technology. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E48 · Tue, May 03, 2022
The Challenges of Overseeing Infrastructure Spending
On Friday, President Joe Biden met with inspectors general, as well as leadership from the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee and others to discuss oversight of federal programs. The meeting came the same day that the White House released guidance on oversight for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law passed late last year. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé covered the Biden meeting with IGs on Friday. She joined the show to talk about oversight of the infrastructure bill and of oversight in the Biden administration. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E47 · Mon, May 02, 2022
How Will New York's Salary Transparency Rules Affect Hiring Nationwide?
A law passed by the New York City Council and slated to go into effect late this year requires employers to include the minimum and maximum starting salary for any advertised job, promotion or transfer opportunity. Advocates say that the law will help shrink wage gaps affecting historically disadvantaged people by way of increased salary transparency. Peter J. Glennon is a longtime business and employment litigation attorney at the Rochester-based Glennon Law Firm PC. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the show to discuss the New York law and the nationwide salary negotiation implications of the law. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E46 · Fri, April 29, 2022
The Controversies Surrounding Reparations Programs
Cities like Evanston, Illinois are devising programs to provide forms of reparations to African Americans impacted by systematic racism, but implementing these programs has proven difficult and controversial. GovExec Editor at Large Tom Shoop joined the show to discuss a story he wrote for Route 50 headlined " Cities Pick up Pace on Reparations Efforts, and Controversy Follows ." *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E45 · Thu, April 28, 2022
The Louis DeJoy Ethos and USPS
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has been a controversial public figure since his elevation to the post in June 2020. His operational changes slowed mail delivery in conjunction with staff time lost during the pandemic, coinciding with a historic increase in voting by mail during a controversial election involving Donald Trump, a close ally of Dejoy. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz covers the Postal Service and sat down with DeJoy earlier this month. He joined the podcast to discuss the Postmaster General. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E44 · Wed, April 27, 2022
Making DEIA Goals a Priority for Organizations
The Biden administration has made diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals part of its Presidential management agenda, including releasing guidance for agencies to emphasize DEIA goals at agencies and in acquisition Francine Katsoudas is Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer of Cisco. In this role, she oversees critical functions that instill Cisco’s conscious culture and contributes to the company’s overall performance. She joined the show to discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E43 · Tue, April 26, 2022
Better Government, Biden and a CEO's Perspective
In a letter to shareholders recently, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon noted the challenges of the past few years and encouraged the government to serve Americans better and to take a stronger leadership role. The Biden Management Agenda has some focus on these issues, among other management goals. Robert Shea is a National Managing Principal for Public Policy, Grant Thornton, a National Academy of Public Administration fellow and one of the hosts of the Fed Heads podcast. He previously served for six years as the associate director for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and as senior management counsel for the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. He’s also the author of a post headlined “Biden's Management Agenda is the Answer to One CEO’s Plea for Better Government.” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and the Biden-Harris Presidential Management Agenda. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E42 · Mon, April 25, 2022
How to Increase Your Financial Literacy
April is Financial Literacy Month, coinciding with the mid-month deadline to file one’s taxes. These things give Americans an opportunity to look at our finances and take stock of where we are and what financial habits – good and bad – that we have. Jason Howell is an adjunct faculty member within the Finance and Accounting Areas in the School of Business at George Mason University. He’s also a Certified Financial Planning professional and the author of the book JOY of Financial Planning: 7 Strategies for Transforming your Finances and Reclaiming your American Dream . As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss financial literacy. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E41 · Fri, April 22, 2022
Are Feds Getting Closer to Returning to Offices?
After two years of most of its offices being closed to the public due to COVID-19, the Social Security Administration reopened most of its traditional worksites recently. Employee groups have reported mixed results and rocky reopenings at the offices. Other agencies have different agreements with their workers and the roller coaster nature of the coronavirus case numbers may complicate other federal employees returning to offices. John P. Mahoney is an employment attorney and a former administrative judge. He has represented federal employees, unions, employee associations, contractors and agencies in cases involving federal employment law. He joined the podcast to talk about the state of returning to offices and what it means for federal employees. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E40 · Thu, April 21, 2022
A New Bill Could Help You Save for Retirement Longer
Retirement security is an important issue for Americans of all ages and things might get easier for Americans looking to save for retirement soon. The bill will even affect the TSP, the popular retirement plan open to federal employees. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the annual leave exception and other stories that he has been covering. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E39 · Tue, April 19, 2022
DHS, Retaliation and Culture
According to an unpublished watchdog report obtained by the Project on Government Oversight recently, more than 10,000 employees at law enforcement components of the Department of Homeland Security say they have experienced sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. The report shows a damaging law enforcement and management culture at one of the biggest federal government agencies. Adam Zagorin is a senior journalist with the Project on Government Oversight. He joined the show to discuss the report and the culture at DHS. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E38 · Tue, April 19, 2022
Empowering Employees Will Help Conservation Efforts
Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, predominantly in the Western United States, cover nearly 250 million acres or about 10% of the land in the U.S. But, conserving public lands depends on the White House empowering federal employees at the land management agencies. Chandra Rosenthal serves as the Rocky Mountain Office Director for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. She’s also the author of a post headlined “The Success of Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan Hinges on Empowering Federal Employees. ” She joined the podcast to discuss how the administration can empower feds in the pursuit of land management and conservation. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
Bonus · Sun, April 17, 2022
Q&A: Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Chair Michael Horowitz
Just over two years ago, Congress passed the CARES Act, which established the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to coordinate and support oversight of pandemic relief programs and spending, which is now over $5 trillion. As part of her reporting around the two-year anniversary of COVID-19 oversight, Courtney Bublé spoke to Michael Horowitz, the Justice Department’s inspector general and the chair of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. In this episode, you’ll hear their conversation. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E37 · Sun, April 17, 2022
Tax Issues and Security Clearances
April 18 is the deadline to file taxes, and millions of Americans each year fail to file their taxes each year, according to the IRS. But, if you have or are pursuing a security clearance, this could be a pretty big – and easily avoidable – problem. Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor. She has a post on our site right now headlined “Want to Get Or Keep Your Security Clearance? File Your Taxes.” As part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the show to discuss her post and how tax issues can affect security clearances. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
Bonus · Sat, April 16, 2022
Q&A: Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Brian Miller
The office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery was created with the passage of 2020’s CARES Act. A few months later, Brian P. Miller was confirmed to lead the office and has since overeen the United States Department of the Treasury's implementation of the CARES Act. As part of her reporting around the two-year anniversary of COVID-19 oversight, Courtney Bublé spoke to Miller about his time in the office and oversight of CARES Act money. In this episode, you’ll hear their conversation. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
Bonus · Fri, April 15, 2022
GovExec on Clubhouse: Tax Day Approaches
GovExec Daily hosted Stephen Mathai-Davis to break down everything you need to know before Monday's fiing date. The event took place on Thursday, April 14. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E36 · Thu, April 14, 2022
Two Years of CARES Act Oversight
The CARES Act was passed in March 2020 during the initial phase of the COVID-19 crisis. With trillions of dollars at stake, the law established three entities tasked with overseeing the money going out: The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, the Congressional Oversight Commission and the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé has a package of stories on our site right now looking back at the two years of CARES Act oversight by these and other entities. She joined the show to talk about her reporting and COVID-19 oversight since early 2020. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E35 · Wed, April 13, 2022
The White House Wants to Improve the Customer Experience
In the pursuit of raising trust in government, the Biden administration is now setting goals for customer service as part of a slate of updates to the President’s Management Agenda. The update is part of an emphasis on mission delivery and customer experience which was a focus of the president's management agenda vision document released in November. Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She joined the podcast to discuss the PMA update and government customer service. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E34 · Tue, April 12, 2022
The Problems with the Proposed USDA Regs
A newly-proposed USDA contracting regulation would require every contractor on every bid to certify their compliance with every statute, list every violation they have ever had and define what was done to mitigate the violations. Our guest today writes in a post on our site that the regulation, if enacted, would be a mess for compliance and is likely illegal. Stan Soloway is president and CEO of Celero Strategies, LLC and a GovExec contributor. He formerly served as deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform and director of the Defense Reform Initiative during Bill Clinton’s administration. He has a post on our site right now headlined “USDA’s New Proposed Labor Regs for Contractors Go Way Too Far.” He joined the podcast to discuss his piece and the proposed USDA rules. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E33 · Mon, April 11, 2022
Customer Service During a Difficult Tax Season
Every American has to deal with the IRS in some way. From COVID-19 stimulus payments to tax credits to the annual filing date, Americans deal with the agency on a regular basis. As the Biden administration emphasizes customer service, the tax agency has to balance these responsibilities constantly. But, in the middle of record staffing shortages and a lack of funding, the agency has been operating in survival mode. As part of Government Executive, Route Fifty and Nextgov’s Customer Experience summit event recently, GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé spoke to former IRS chief John Koskinen and National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins. In this episode for our #moneymonday series, they discuss how the IRS is serving citizens during an exceptionally difficult tax season. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E32 · Fri, April 08, 2022
How the Internal Revenue Service is Modernizing
Customer service is a topic that has become more important in recent years and especially in recent months with executive action, and legislative priorities. The IRS, in particular, often finds itself in the center of these conversations, especially now, during tax season. As part of Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently, Nextgov Executive Editor Frank Konkkel spoke to Annette Jones, assistant to the chief taxpayer Experience Officer at the Internal Revenue Service. In this episode, Jones discusses the ways that the IRS customer experience is evolving. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E31 · Thu, April 07, 2022
Biden's Budget Has a Big Pay Raise In It For Feds
President Joe Biden released his second budget plan late last month, calling for nearly across-the-board increases for agencies. The blueprint features a series of provisions that would affect federal employees, including a pay raise number and moves to make government a “model employer” GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the budget and other pay and benefits stories that he has been following. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E30 · Wed, April 06, 2022
The Remote Work Disconnect
As pandemic restrictions fall and more employers begin the process of moving to hybrid work, the management lessons learned from two years of remote work. Being able to work from anywhere has changed relationships in the workplace and employers are now learning how that is manifesting. Dr. Brianna Barker Caza is an Associate Professor of Management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Caza has studied how workers use internal and social resources to address stressful work attributes. She joined the podcast to discuss the remote disconnect and the pandemic. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E29 · Tue, April 05, 2022
The Biden Budget Spending by the Numbers
President Joe Biden released his second budget proposal and in it, the White House laid out its priorities for the economy, climate and public health. If enacted, the plan would boost discretionary domestic agency funding by 9.5% over current levels. Doug Criscitello, a former official with the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget, is currently a Managing Director with Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC and a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He joined the podcast to discuss the Biden budget blueprint.
S3 E28 · Mon, April 04, 2022
How the Ukraine War – and COVID-19 – is Affecting Inflation and Supply Chains
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, global supply chains were already in disarray because of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in shortages, disruptions and price inflation. The war and EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia have put further strains on supply chains, prompting higher energy prices and fears of famine. Dr. David Simchi-Levi is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the director of the MIT Data Science Lab. As part of our #MoneyMonday series, he joined the podcast to discuss the supply chain and inflation consequences of the war in Ukraine.
S3 E27 · Fri, April 01, 2022
Security Clearance and Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has gone on for more than six weeks now, with American public support mostly falling on the side of the Ukrainian cause. Americans have volunteered in support of Ukraine, including traveling there and the Ukrainian government has even created a web site dedicated to accepting donations directly for Ukraine’s military. These avenues of support, however, can be dicey for security clearance holders. Dan Meyer is a federal employment attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. He joined the podcast to discuss security clearances and the war in Ukraine. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E26 · Thu, March 31, 2022
The Big Takeaways from Biden's FY23 Budget Proposal
On Monday, President Joe Biden unveiled his budget request that would increase base discretionary spending levels over the levels in the recently enacted omnibus bill. Included in that increase would be a significant increase in hiring for agencies throughout the federal government. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the budget. He joined the podcast to discuss some of the big takeaways from the Biden blueprint. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E25 · Wed, March 30, 2022
Protecting Against Russian Cyberthreats
With American support for Ukraine in its war against Russia as a backdrop, President Biden warned of increased potential of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the United States last week. The White House put out a statement renewing its calls for all organizations to bolster their cyber defenses, writing that Russia “could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States.” Peter Romness is a Cybersecurity Principal in the Public Sector CTO Office at Cisco Systems Inc. He joined the podcast to discuss cyberdefense in light of increased fears about hacks. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E24 · Tue, March 29, 2022
Pay, Policy and Biden's FY2023 Budget Blueprint
Less than three weeks after the president signed the $1.5 trillion full-year appropriations package that Congress passed, the White House released its new budget blueprint document on Monday . The plan emphasizes a range of administration priorities like DEIA, customer service and a pay raise for federal employees . Tanya Ballard Brown is Executive Editor at GovExec and Courtney Bublé is a reporter at GovExec. They joined the podcast to discuss the budget budget document that the White House released on Monday. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E23 · Mon, March 28, 2022
Money Issues and Security Clearances
Getting a security clearance is a tough process and one that can be derailed by a number of issues. In 2016, for example, financial issues were the biggest cause of clearance denial, resulting in more than double the amount of denials than any other adjudicative criteria. So, what should security clearance seekers mind while they’re going through the process? Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com, a former Defense Department employee and a GovExec contributor . As part of our #MoneyMonday series, she joined the podcast to discuss how your finances could affect the security clearance process. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E22 · Fri, March 25, 2022
How to Bring Employees Back Safely… and Comfortably
The COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for more than two years, with vaccines helping stabilize certain parts of American life. Many employers are looking to return millions of employees to the office soon. Laura Putnam is a workplace well-being expert, an international public speaker and the author of the book Workplace Wellness That Works . She joined the podcast to discuss how organizations bring workers back to offices and workforce flexibility. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E21 · Thu, March 24, 2022
Government Trends for 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught government many things about the workforce, mission delivery and customer service. A new report by Deloitte outlines more trends that agencies must heed so it can better face 2022 and beyond. William D. Eggers is the executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights, where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. He’s also one of the co-authors of the Deloitte report titled “Government Trends 2022.” His most recent book is Delivering on Digital: The Innovators and Technologies that Are Transforming Government . He joined the podcast to discuss 2022 government trends and the report. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E20 · Wed, March 23, 2022
How Congress is Trying – and not Trying – to Prepare for the Next Pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis enters its third year at a crossroads in the U.S. As vaccination rates stall, calls for boosters and shots for children under five have become louder. Government will have to adjust and better prepare for potential variants and waves of the disease. A bipartisan bill to better equip the government for future pandemics is now gaining momentum in Congress and the plan would reform some federal hiring practices and boost interagency collaboration so all levels of government won’t make the same mistakes they did in early 2020 when the next pandemic hits. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering COVID-19. He joined the show to discuss COVID-19 legislation and the government response to pandemics. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E19 · Tue, March 22, 2022
Trump Workforce Policy Is Not Going Away
President Donald Trump left office 14 months ago, but his legacy on federal workforce policy remains. Earlier this month, a group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would reinstate four of the former president’s since-rescinded executive orders covering the federal workforce. GovExec reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the bill and the future of a renewed set of Trump workforce policies.
S3 E18 · Mon, March 21, 2022
Why Is the IRS Auditing Poor Taxpayers So Much More than Rich Ones?
Tax season can be stressful for Americans. As the filing deadline approaches, a new report from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University shows that Internal Revenue Service audit numbers were skewed toward lower earners during fiscal year 2021, further highlighting staffing issues at the agency Dr. Susan B. Long is the co-founder and co-director of TRAC and the author of the report headlined “IRS Audits Poorest Families at Five Times the Rate for Everyone Else.” As part of #MoneyMonday, she joined the show to discuss her research, the IRS and how it affects the workforce.
S3 E17 · Thu, March 17, 2022
The Stories From the Pandemic, as Told by Feds
It’s been two years since the U.S. and, thus, the federal workforce went on lockdown. Feds had to balance life, work and stress while the uncertainty of a deadly disease and uncertain timeline hung over them. The move to telework and hybrid work helped. It was hard at first, but it was better in the long run for the feds that we talked to. Even as Biden promises feds will be back in offices, it looks more and more like hybrid will be the new normal for public servants in the COVID and post-COVID eras. *** Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse on March 17 to discuss the two years of COVID-19 telework! https://www.clubhouse.com/event/PAJB88nO?utm_medium=ch_event&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-105697
S3 E15 · Wed, March 16, 2022
Feds Have Adapted to Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 15, 2020, then-Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought sent a memo calling for all DC-area federal agencies to offer maximum telework. The memo did not have a timeframe in mind for maximum telework. Two years later, many public servants are still working remotely. COVID-19 variants have come and gone. A push to develop a vaccine turned into a push to get as many Americans vaccinated as possible. Despite case numbers, states are removing mask mandates and, during the State of the Union, President Joe Biden promised feds will be back to in-person work. To mark the anniversary of the memo, GovExec Daily looked back at two years of the pandemic’s effects on the lives of federal employees, managers and the world. Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse on March 17 to discuss the two years of COVID-19 telework! https://www.clubhouse.com/event/PAJB88nO?utm_medium=ch_event&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-105697
S3 E14 · Tue, March 15, 2022
How Government Can Be a Platform
Government modernization has never been more important than it is now. With online services becoming the norm and data flowing like water, governments need to move from the old ways of mission delivery, including improving online customer service, applications and software. Tom Nieto is the Chief Operating Officer of Accela, a company designing and delivering government software. He joined the podcast to discuss government-as-a-platform. --- Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse on March 17 to discuss the two years of COVID-19 telework! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E13 · Mon, March 14, 2022
The Gaps in Health Data for Native Communities
Access to timely, reliable, and identifiable epidemiological data is vital to positive health outcomes for any population. Over the past few years, though, epidemiological data collection has been flawed between tribal epidemiology centers and federal agencies, affecting Native communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new report, GAO found that these issues with information sharing could have devastating health outcomes for these communities. Alexandra Kelley is a reporter Nextgov. She joined the show to discuss tribal epidemiological centers’ access to health data. --- Join GovExec Daily on Clubhouse on March 17 to discuss the two years of COVID-19 telework! https://www.clubhouse.com/club/govexec-daily-group?utm_medium=ch_club&utm_campaign=vlrzJwsaX-VcmRCrWGPctA-103059
S3 E12 · Fri, March 11, 2022
Feds, COVID-19 and the 'Transition to Hybrid Environment'
The two years of the pandemic’s shift to telework have changed the way public servants do their jobs. As agencies transition more to a hybrid environment, feds and managers will have to learn to adjust to a new work environment and new ways to communicate with one another. As part of Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently , GovExec Executive Editor Tanya Ballard Brown spoke to Rob Shriver, who is Associate Director for Employee Services at the Office of Personnel Management. In this episode, Tanya interviews Shriver about the ways that agencies are moving hybrid work environments at agencies.
S3 E11 · Thu, March 10, 2022
What MSPB's Restored Quorum Means for Feds
For five years, the Merit Systems Protection Board was without a quorum, leaving thousands of current and former federal employees in limbo, unable to receive a decision on their challenges against adverse personnel actions like whistleblower retaliation cases and unfair firings. But, the MSPB is functional now, after the Senate approved two of President Biden’s three nominees last week. Dan Meyer is an attorney and Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey’s D.C office. Before the Merit Systems Protection Board, he has successfully represented special agents and law enforcement personnel. He joined the show to discuss MSPB and its role in feds' lives.
S3 E10 · Wed, March 09, 2022
Federal Employees and the Ukraine Crisis
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has capsized the world’s political order and the United States has not gone unscathed in the process. With NATO and alliances with Russia’s neighbors, America’s leaders have to navigate the situation deftly. More granularly, the federal government is working to get federal employees, service members and other Americans in Ukraine to safety as Russia strafes cities as part of its campaign. GovExec reporters Courtney Bublé and Eric Katz joined the podcast discuss the latest on the war.
S3 E9 · Tue, March 08, 2022
What Managers Can Learn From Anthropologists
The COVID-19 crisis has presented a series of challenges for public servants and their managers. Despite President Joe Biden’s endorsement of in-office work for feds lately, telework and hybrid work are here to stay. Managers have to find ways to continue to lead their teams and find new ways to communicate, collaborate and learn in this new environment. Steven L. Katz held legal and management positions in the Senior Executive Service during the Clinton administration, served in the Clinton White House, and consulted across many other agencies. He is the author of the book Lion Taming: Working Successfully With Leaders, Bosses, and Other Tough Customers . He has led training for leadership and management development across the government and possesses degrees in anthropology, history and law. He joined the podcast to discuss a post he wrote on GovExec.com headlined "Managing Effectively From Afar: Lessons From Anthropologists During the Pandemic."
S3 E8 · Mon, March 07, 2022
The Oversight Committee is Expanding its Investigation into Trump's Records
After reports that the former president destroyed documents, the House Oversight and Reform Committee is expanding its investigation into the state of records from Donald Trump’s administration. Late last month, committee chairwoman Rep Carolyn Maloney sent a letter to the National Records and Archives Administration for more information on the Trump administration’s records management. Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She joined the podcast to discuss the Oversight Committee’s investigation.
S3 E7 · Fri, March 04, 2022
What Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Will Face on the Road to the Supreme Court
Last month, President Joe Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer . Jackson, a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, is the first Black woman nominated to serve on the high court. Her confirmation hearings are expected to be contentious, with her race and gender as flash points. Dr. Emerald Christopher-Byrd is an Assistant Professor of Women & Gender Studies at the University of Delaware. She is the author of the upcoming book Unfit for Marriage: Black Women and the Marriageability Debate . Her research focuses on the socio-political position of Black women in the United States. She joined the podcast to discuss Jackson’s path to the Supreme Court.
S3 E6 · Thu, March 03, 2022
Some Lawmakers Want Feds Back in Offices
This month marks the second anniversary of nationwide pandemic lockdowns and the OMB maximum telework memo for federal employees. In those two years, many federal employees have switched to remote work and stayed there, with the Biden administration advising agencies to explore hybrid work. But, some members of Congress are trying to force a pre-pandemic work situation with some bills in Congress that would bring feds back to offices soon. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the show to discuss the return to offices and other pay and benefits stories that he has been following.
S3 E5 · Wed, March 02, 2022
Why the Government Has Employed So Many Celebrities
What do Harry Truman, Wanda Sykes and Steve Carell all have in common? They all worked for federal agencies early in their careers. Tom Shoop is the Editor-at-Large of GovExec. He has a story on GovExec headlined "Why This Federal Agency Is a Breeding Ground for Celebrities. " He joined the podcast to discuss break just how many former feds ended being big-time celebrities.
S3 E4 · Tue, March 01, 2022
Building a Bridge Between Researchers and Policymakers
The General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget have rolled out the Draft PMA Learning Agenda in connection to the President’s Management Agenda. The document will encourage collaboration and research to close evidence gaps within, beyond, and in partnership with the government. As with all things connected to evidence-based policy, the interplay between policymakers and researchers will be key to progress and mission success. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is the author of many books, including Escaping Jurassic Government: How to Recover America's Lost Commitment to Competence, The Politics of the Administrative Process, System Under Stress and The Next Government of the United States. He has a post on GovExec.com headlined “It’s Time to Bridge the Divide Separating Policymakers and Researchers.” He joined the show to discuss how government can solve problems by connecting policymakers and researchers.
S3 E3 · Mon, February 28, 2022
Broadband, Telework and Infrastructure
President Joe Biden’s administration has set its sights on infrastructure, including the need for expanded broadband. Experts generally agree that public-private partnerships will be a big part of these goals. Jeffrey A. Campbell is Vice President,Government Affairs for Cisco Systems, Inc. He joined the show to discuss broadband access and public-private partnerships.
S3 E2 · Fri, February 25, 2022
How Biden Can Achieve Equity Goals
The Biden administration came into office last year with the promises of working toward a more equitable America, recognizing the effects that structural and institutional racism have had on American communities. In his first week in office, the president issued an executive order recognizing government’s responsibility to diversity, equity and inclusion. Michael McAfee is the president and CEO of PolicyLink, a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity. Max Stier is the president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that strives for a more effective government for the American people. They are co-authors of a piece on our site headlined “The Biden Administration Can Seize a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Advance Equity. Here’s How.” They spoke to the podcast about how the White House can turn DEIA rhetoric into action.
S3 E1 · Thu, February 24, 2022
U.S. Embassy Staff in Kyiv Leave During the Ukraine Crisis
This week, Russia sent troops into eastern Ukraine, marking the second time in eight years that Vladimir Putin has invaded the country. NATO allies have brought sanctions against Russia, but Putin said on Wednesday that Russia was still open to diplomacy on Ukraine. Because of the conflict, the State Department has been moving its staff away from the Kyiv embassy and is monitoring the situation. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé is covering the embassy staff movement. She joined the show to talk about the latest news around the Ukraine crisis and its effect on American diplomats in the region.
S2 E235 · Wed, February 23, 2022
Remote Work Trends That Federal Employees Should Know
With remote work becoming the norm, what steps are workers taking to protect federal employees that deal with sensitive documents regularly? Gitlab AVP of Public Sector Bob Stevens joined the podcast discuss how best to protect feds that are working remotely, why hyper automation will be 2022’s biggest trend and how to improve the software supply chain.
S2 E234 · Tue, February 22, 2022
What Feds Need to Know About Clearances
Security clearances are a key part of the federal government’s workforce. But, the strictures and rules around security clearance processes are always moving and agencies are agencies are updating their processes often, which can leave those applying to be cleared in a bit of a bind because navigating the process can be difficult and confusing. Elaine Fitch and Mary Kuntz are attorneys with the firm of Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, P.C. advise clients on the security clearance process and have written extensively on the topic. They are also the co-authors of the 5th edition of the Security Clearance and Law guide. They joined the show to discuss what feds need to know about clearances and the clearance process.
S2 E233 · Fri, February 18, 2022
Dems Want to Change the Debt Ceiling Process
Congress faced a debt limit crisis in December, but passed a short-term bill at the last minute before ultimately punting the issue to 2023. Because there is no roadmap for how the government would operate if it breaches its debt ceiling, Democrats this week introduced a bill that would allow the executive branch to issue new debt, as long as the president notifies Congress. Eric Katz has been covering the debt limit bills in Congress. He joined the show to discuss the state of things on Capitol Hill.
S2 E232 · Thu, February 17, 2022
Feds Have Stronger Ethics Rules Than Members of Congress. Why?
After a private briefing for senators in January 2020 about the coronavirus crisis, North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr sold between $500,000 and $1.5 million in stock shortly before markets tanked. Former Senator Kelly Loeffler also sold millions in stock between the briefing and the market drop. Some public outrage surrounded the news about the Senators capitalizing on insider information, but the news cycle moved on. A few months ago in December, Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper disclosed that he had sold approximately four million dollars worth of stock, conveniently in advance of federal interest hikes. The news was mostly buried. Good government advocacy groups have been raising the volume recently on the call for legislation to prevent members of Congress trading individual stocks. More than a dozen groups signed onto a letter by the Project on Government Oversight sent to Senate leaders calling for Congressional action on insider trading that would be stronger than the 2012 STOCK Act. Andrew Lautz is a Policy and Government Affairs Manager for the National Taxpayers Union and Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette is a Government Affairs Manager at the Project on Government Oversight. They joined the podcast to discuss the push to ban members of Congress fro trading individual stocks.
S2 E231 · Wed, February 16, 2022
Fauci's 'All-of-Government' Pandemic Approach
Dr. Anthony Fauci has seen a lot in his decades of service in government.. As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Fauci has become one of the faces of the COVID-19 response. But, Fauci’s agency also recently released a new pandemic preparedness plan that brings all together all of government. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Dr. Fauci about the ways he and his agency are working to mitigate the next stages of the COVID crisis and future pandemics. In this episode, you’ll hear Courtney’s interview with Fauci on the all-of-government approach to pandemic preparedness.
S2 E230 · Tue, February 15, 2022
Securing FEMA Networks
Breaches of network and internet security are a constant threat to government operations for every agency. Foreign governments, private hackers and many bad actors in between are trying to hack government systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is no different and the task of securing information systems falls to Dr. Gregory Edwards, FEMA’s Chief Information Security Officer. Before his current position, Dr. Edwards joined FEMA in 2020 as the Senior Technical Advisor to the Office of the Chief Information Officer. He previously served as NATO Communications and Information Agency Director Infrastructure Services and Director of Service Operations and before joining NATO, he held executive management positions at the Defense Information Systems Agency. Dr. Edwards joined GovExec Daily to talk about information security in government.
S2 E229 · Fri, February 11, 2022
DHS is in Los Angeles For the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl this weekend will pit the Los Angeles Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals. Championship events are targets, though, so the Homeland Security Department is deploying personnel and resources to help law enforcement in Los Angeles this week as the Super Bowl fifty six descends onto SoFI Stadium. Courtney Bublé is a reporter at Government Executive. She joined the show to discuss the Homeland Security preparations for Super Bowl 56 in Southern California.
S2 E228 · Thu, February 10, 2022
How High-Stress Leaders Can Balance Work and Life
Four in 10 adults reported feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression, an increase from 1 in 10 that reported the same symptoms in 2019. Mental health struggles are common, they're especially in individuals in high-stress positions. Paul Sheesley is a registered psychotherapist from the Washington DC thats worked with CEOs and politicians across the region. He joined the podcast to discuss why it is essential for individuals in high-stress positions to implement sustainable habits that bring balance to all areas of life.
S2 E227 · Wed, February 09, 2022
Is the Justice Department Following the Spirit of the Diversity Executive Order?
Critics of the practice of asking for salary history during the hiring process suggest that doing so disproportionately affects women and candidates of color, thus perpetuating inequality. With that as a backdrop, some are disappointed that the Department of Justice advertised the creation of its chief diversity officer position on USAJOBS.com, complete with a request for the highest grade/step or salary achieved in the job history. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to talk about thhe job listing and other pay and benefits stories that he has been covering.
S2 E226 · Tue, February 08, 2022
The Supreme Court Ruling Affects the Public and Private Workforce
Last month, it was announced that the Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate that would enforce a vaccine-or-test requirement for employees at private businesses with 100 or more employees. The question will now be asked, does the government have the power to enforce this mandate for private sector employees? John Ho is a labor and employment attorney and chair of the law firm Cozen O'Connor’s OSHA Practice. He joined the show to talk about the OSHA decision and how it will affect organizations and employees.
S2 E225 · Mon, February 07, 2022
What Happens Without an MSPB Quorum
The Merit Systems Protection Board has been without a quorum for five years, leaving thousands of current and former federal employees in limbo, unable to receive a decision on their challenges against adverse personnel actions ike whistleblower retaliation cases and unfair firings. John P. Mahoney is an employment attorney and a former administrative judge. He has represented federal employees, unions, employee associations, contractors and agencies in cases involving federal employment law. He joined the show to talk about the state of the MSPB and what it means for federal employees.
S2 E224 · Fri, February 04, 2022
Biden's Ethics Promises Remain In-Progress
Within the first week of his time in office last year, President Joe Biden issued an executive order implementing a set of ethics rules for his administration, following through on one of his promises around ethics while he was campaigning for office. A little more than a year later, it’s worth asking how much progress has the administration made on ethics. Courtney Bublé is a Government Executive reporter. She has a story on our site right now taking a look back at the year-plus of the Biden ethics measure . She joined the show to talk about her story and ethics in the executive branch.
S2 E223 · Thu, February 03, 2022
The NSF Director Says Science Is Leading the Way
The role of science in government has ebbed and flowed throughout the history of the U.S., but it has undoubtedly been integral since the National Science Foundation was formed in 1950. As innovation and scientific progress moves forward in the 21st century, NSF’s mission to support science research and education becomes that much more important. Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan is a computer scientist, engineer and the 15th director of the National Science Foundation. He previously served as the executive vice president of the Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise, where he was also chief research and innovation officer. He joined the podcast to discuss the future of U.S. science and innovation.
S2 E222 · Wed, February 02, 2022
Marijuana Can Still Be an Issue for Security Clearances
Recreational marijuana is use is legal in 18 states and three U.S. territories, including the District of Columbia. But it remains illegal under federal law, thus affecting federal employees and security clearance applicants. While the director of national intelligence recently sent a memo to agency heads clarifying some of these conflicts, marijuana use can still be an issue for those looking to apply for a clearance. Aaron Herreras Szot is an associate with Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch P.C., She works with clients who are facing a wide range of security clearance matters. She’s also the author of a post on GovExec.com headlined “Marijuana Use Can Still Be a Problem for Security Clearance Applicants.” She joined GovExec Daily to discuss cannabis and how it can affect security clearances.
S2 E221 · Tue, February 01, 2022
Another Pandemic Tax Season is Here
Tax season is here again and the Treasury Department warns that this year could could likely bring challenges to timely processing. What can taxpayers expect? What lessons has the IRS learned from two pandemic tax years that could improve the taxpayer experience? Dr. Joann Weiner is an Associate Professor of Economics at George Washington University. She joined the show to discuss what makes this tax season different and how taxpayers should navigate the third tax year during COVID-19.
S2 E20 · Mon, January 31, 2022
Feds Can Save on Their Health Care
Federal employees have a number of options for their health care, but there is one extra perk that is hiding in plain sight. A health saving account can help feds plan for retirement, if done correctly and our guest today has a post on our site exploring this strategy. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. The Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees is available to many federal employees for free. He’s also the author of a post on GovExec.com headlined “Why a Health Savings Account is a Secret Weapon in Saving for Retirement.” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and health saving account options for federal employees.
S2 E219 · Fri, January 28, 2022
Government Customer Service Needs to Improve
The American Customer Satisfaction Index 2021 Federal Government Report showed citizen satisfaction in government services in a freefall over the last four years, with declines across all driving indicators of satisfaction. The Biden administration is trying to reverse this trend with an Executive Order emphasizing “Customer Experience and Service Delivery.” James Isaacs is President of Cyara, a customer service assurance platform. He joined the podcast to discuss how government can improve customer service.
S2 E217 · Thu, January 27, 2022
An Early 2023 Pay Raise Proposal
Last week, Democrats in the House and Senate introduced legislation that would grant federal employees an average 5.1% pay raise in 2023 . The plan is similar to previous efforts by the lawmakers to secure a bigger pay raise for federal public servants. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the show now to discuss the proposed pay raise plan and other workforce stories he has been covering.
S2 E217 · Wed, January 26, 2022
Taking Steps to Create More Equity in Government
The Office of Personnel Management recently issued guidance to agencies seeking to implement the portion of an executive order encouraging improved diversity and inclusion efforts across the government. OPM chief Kiran Ahuja noted in the guidance that agencies “should elevate” diversity and inclusion within their organizations, including by establishing the chief diversity officer or diversity and inclusion officer within their agency. Shrupti Shah is a Managing Director with Deloitte Consulting LLP where she leads the Behavioral Insights practice. She joined GovExec Daily to talk about how agencies can follow the OPM guidance to further promote equality within the federal government.
S2 E216 · Tue, January 25, 2022
A Pause of the Vaccine Mandate for Feds
On Friday, a federal court in Texas issued an injunction against the White House’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the federal workforce, pausing the implementation of a requirement for more than 2 million public servants. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the vaccine mandate and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. He joined the show to talk about the injunction and what’s next for the vaccine mandate for feds.
S2 E215 · Mon, January 24, 2022
Vaccines, Public Health and Pandemic Guidance
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, with the omicron variant straining health care systems and the American public. Health officials have had to adjust to the changing nature of the crisis and strategies are being changed to face new coronavirus-related challenges. Dr. Anthony J. Santella is a professor of Health Administration and Policy and the COVID-19 Coordinator at the University of New Haven. He joined the podcast to discuss COVID-19 in light of new variants and new policy.
S2 E214 · Fri, January 21, 2022
Vaccine Mandates After the Supreme Court OSHA Decision
Last week, the Supreme Court blocked the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule that was to bring a vaccine-or-test requirement for employees at private businesses with 100 or more employees. In a 6-3 decision, the conservative majority on the court said OSHA had overstepped and that COVID-19 was not specifically a workplace risk. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the show to discuss the Supreme Court decision and its implications.
S2 E213 · Thu, January 20, 2022
Regulatory Policies and the Biden Administration
Last month, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs released its semiannual Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The documents lay out a priority set for the Biden administration as it enters into its second year. Daniel R. Pérez is a senior policy analyst for The George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center. He joined the podcast to discuss a commentary he wrote about The Fall 2021 Unified Agenda .
S2 E212 · Wed, January 19, 2022
Biden's Year of COVID-19 Policy
This week marks a year since President Joe Biden was inaugurated, but the anniversary comes as the COVID–19 pandemic continues to ravage the U.S. and the world. Surging numbers of cases of the Omicron variant are straining health systems as the administration tries to contain the crisis. Courtney Bublé writes GovExec's Coronavirus Roundup. She joined the show to talk about the state of the pandemic as the Biden administration nears the first anniversary of inauguration.
S2 E211 · Tue, January 18, 2022
Administrative Burdens in the Immigration System
Immigration policy is one of the most entangled aspects of American governance, complete with a series of overlapping systems. Inevitably, this will produce bureaucracy and complicated implementation of the often-tortuous rules. The legal processes can be stressful, arduous, and frustrating, leading to an anti-immigration administrative culture. In fact, these administrative burdens can be a driving force or even a tool against legal immigration. In a recent paper, our guests today argue that the Trump administration used administrative burdens to achieve a policy outcome in immigration administration. Dr. Donald Moynihan is McCourt Chair and Dr. Pamela Herd is a professor, both at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. They are co-authors of the 2018 book Administrative Burden: Policymaking by Other Means . They are also co-authors on a recent paper titled “Kafka’s Bureaucracy: Immigration Administrative Burdens in the Trump Era.” They joined the podcast to talk about their research and the immigration system.
S2 E210 · Fri, January 14, 2022
How to Make The Customer Service Order Work
Government is not known for its stellar or responsive customer service, but the White House is hoping to change that. Last month, the Biden administration issued an executive order designed to improve the customer experience with government agencies. The order looks to tackle the administrative costs that citizens have to deal with when interfacing with government agencies, making for easier interactions. Stan Soloway is president and CEO of Celero Strategies, LLC and a GovExec contributor. He formerly served as deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform and director of the Defense Reform Initiative during Bill Clinton’s administration. He has a post on our site right now headlined “ Making the Customer Service Executive Order Really Work. ” He joined the show now to discuss the Biden administration’s CX priorities.
S2 E209 · Thu, January 13, 2022
The New COVID-19 Guidance for Feds
The Omicron variant has changed the calculus of pandemic guidance at the CDC and state health departments. As the more transmissible virus infects more people, federal agencies are now getting guidance from the White House Safer Federal Workforce Task Force on how to deal with the pandemic during this latest surge. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the show to discuss the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force's new guidance.
S2 E208 · Wed, January 12, 2022
2022 Public Sector Workforce Trends
As state and local governments enter 2022, the priority is to seek nontraditional strategies to be a preferred employer of choice moving forward. A recent study by Missionsquare Research Institute spotlights some of the the strategies that could help them achieve that goal. Andre Claudio is an assistant editor for our sibling publication Route Fifty, he joins us to discuss his post headlined "6 Public Sector Workforce Trends to Watch in 2022" about the study.
S2 E207 · Tue, January 11, 2022
Using Postcards to Make People Interact with Government More Easily
The span of government programs sound great in theory, but the execution is such that it’s difficult for regular people to get their benefits. Economic, technological and access are all factors in the difficulty of program benefits to people. While the internet has changed the way people interact with government, perhaps less technological solutions can be part of the ways the public interacts with bureaucracy. Dr. Katerina Linos is Professor of Law at UC Berkeley and Co-Director of the Miller Institute for Global Challenges and the Law. Her research focuses on international law, comparative law, European Union law, employment law and migration law. She’s a co-author of a piece headlined “To Get People the Help They Need from the Government, Postcards May Be the Answer .” She joined the show to discuss administrative burdens and customer service in government.
S2 E206 · Mon, January 10, 2022
Increasing Federal Cyber Hygiene
The Biden administration spent much of last year responding to a surge in cyberattacks. Plenty of changes were made to the way we view cybersecurity, including an executive order and other legislation. But, is it enough to insure safety online? Bill Wright is the Senior Director of Federal Affairs at Splunk. He joined the show to discuss what federal agencies can do to modernize and increase their cybersecurity hygiene.
S2 E205 · Fri, January 07, 2022
Documenting the Jan. 6 Violence
Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol. Washington held events all week commemorating the event and agencies prepared for any potential security issues. And, as the insurrection fades, one Smithsonian museum is sharing with the public how it’s been documenting the event for history. Courtney Bublé is a reporter at GovExec. She joined the podcast to talk about how agencies prepared for the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack and how the Smithsonian is documenting the legacy of the event.
S2 E204 · Thu, January 06, 2022
Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Ever End?
The COVID-19 crisis continues to ravage the world more than two years after the disease was first identified. New variants have prolonged the pandemic and public health officials have had to adjust constantly to the changing nature of the situation. Dr. Matt Craven is a leader of McKinsey & Company’s work in infectious diseases and public health within the firm’s Social, Healthcare and Public Sector Practice. He has more than 18 years of experience in public health. Dr. Craven is currently a leader of McKinsey’s public health response to COVID-19 and is also one of the authors of a December McKinsey report titled “When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?” He joined the podcast to talk about this stage of the pandemic and the report.
S2 E203 · Wed, January 05, 2022
Agile and DevSecOpps at the Pentagon
Modernization takes technology, it takes people and it takes programs. At the Defense Department, the agile process is set to bring a new wind to the agency. DevSecOpps will bake security in from the start for national security programs. As part of GovExec Media’s Roadmap to Modernization event recently, Nextgov Staff Correspondent Brandi Vincent spoke to Dr. George Duchak, Chief Information Officer at Defense Logistics Agency and Maj. Christopher Olsen, Military Deputy at Office of the Department of the Air Force Chief Software Officer. In this episode, they talk about how Agile and DevSecOpps are being deployed at the Pentagon.
S2 E202 · Tue, January 04, 2022
Feds Fighting the COVID-19 Surge
The Omicron variant has ravaged the United States, bringing increased cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations nationwide. In response to the surge, the Biden administration announced a series of actions to stem the spread, including deploying thousands of feds and National Guard members to assist in fighting COVID-19 . GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the feds deployed to fight the Omicron surge and the federal COVID-19 response. He joined the show to discuss the pandemic response.
S2 E201 · Mon, January 03, 2022
The Customer Experience Under the Biden Administration
The Biden-Harris Presidential Management Agenda Vision and a recent Executive Order focus on customer service. Such a focus on better government for citizens is not new across administrations’ agendas. How is the Biden administration different? John M. Kamensky is Emeritus Fellow at the IBM Center for the Business of Government and is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He previously served as deputy director of Vice President Gore's National Partnership for Reinventing Government, a special assistant at the Office of Management and Budget, and as an assistant director at the Government Accountability Office. He currently has a post on our site headlined “Can Biden Deliver Better ‘Customer Experience’ for Americans Than His Predecessors?” He joined the show to discuss the post and the Biden administration's customer service agenda.
S2 E200 · Thu, December 23, 2021
A 2021 Year in Review
To paraphrase an old cliché, 2021 came in with a bang and is going out with a whimper. The 19th month of the coronavirus restrictions saw the Omicron variant rampaging through the U.S., nearly a year after vaccines became available for Americans. Against this backdrop, federal employees had to transition between presidential administrations and continue government operations mostly remotely. It was an eventful year. Tom Shoop is editor at-large and the former executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec.He joined the podcast to discuss the stories that defined 2021.
S2 E199 · Wed, December 22, 2021
Mandates and Next Federal COVID-19 Steps
As the Omicron variant spreads nationwide, the Biden administration announced on Tuesday a series of actions to stem the spread of COVID-19. The White House also touted vaccine rates and promoted vaccines as the most effective way to prevent deaths and severe illness from COVID-19. Courtney Bublé writes the coronavirus roundup for us here at GovExec. She joined the show to talk about the vaccine mandates going into the new year and the administration’s moves to combat the pandemic.
S2 E198 · Tue, December 21, 2021
Ahuja on Pay, COVID-19 and Hiring
Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja came into office in the midst of a devastating global pandemic and in the middle of the first year of a new administration that promised to rebuild the civil service. In the six months since, the pandemic has continued and the reconstruction of morale across government has been a work-in-progress. The pandemic has brought changes to the civil service that Ahuja has overseen, as agencies put out guidance for their employees to keep government running. Hiring has become more complicated in the remote and hybrid work era. As one of the signatories to the President's Management Agenda Vision, Ahuja spoke to GovExec Daily about the progress on these issues and how the PMA will address them and other challenges for the civil service. In the second half of a two-part conversation with the Ahuja, we discuss how to make the civil service younger, feds’ pay and how the COVID-19 rules are affecting federal employees.
S2 E197 · Mon, December 20, 2021
OPM Director Kiran Ahuja on the Biden Management Agenda
In releasing its Presidential Management Agenda Vision last month, the Biden administration focused employee engagement and customer service in ways previous PMAs had not. Recruitment and retention are key points in the document, putting a fine point on the need to bring in younger workers into the public sector fold. Kiran Ahuja is director of the Office of Personnel Management. She is also a GovExec contributor as the author of a post headlined “The Biden Blueprint for the Future of Work” about the Biden PMA document. In the first half of a two-part interview, Ahuja joined the podcast to discuss OPM’s role in the PMA vision document and what employee engagement looks like.
S2 E196 · Fri, December 17, 2021
Biden's Broken Promises to Tribal Nations
At the Tribal Nations Summit last month, President Joe Biden touted the dozens of Native Americans in key administration posts including the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in Deb Haaland. The president also spoke of collaboration, consultation and respect of tribal sovereignty during the summit. Out guest today writes on our site that the administration has fallen short of these promises since taking office, however. Kevin Allis is a tribal member of the Forest County P o tawatomi Community, president of the government relations firm Thunderbird Strategic LLC, and former chief executive officer of the National Congress of American Indians. He has a post on our site right now headlined “Biden Isn’t Living Up To His Pledge to Respect Tribal Sovereignty.” He joined the show to discuss his post and Biden’s relationship with Tribal Nations in the wake of the summit.
S2 E195 · Thu, December 16, 2021
How the Administration Got Most Feds Vaccinated
When President Joe Biden announced the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for feds this fall, some were concerned about the adoption rate for public servants. But the mandate has been a success so far, with 93% of the federal workforce having now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz looked into the White House's vaccine push in a story headlined “How the Biden Administration Got Nearly the Entire Federal Workforce Vaccinated." He joined the podcast to discuss the Biden administration’s push to get feds vaccinated.
S2 E194 · Wed, December 15, 2021
How to Manage Working Parents During the Pandemic
The pandemic has been a strain on workers for nearly two years, but working parents have especially felt the strain of the COVID-19 crisis. Managers and organizations, even during the pandemic, need to lead their teams and drive performance while also supporting the work-life needs of all of their employees. Dr. Ellen Ernst Kossek is the Basil S. Turner Professor at Purdue University's Krannert School of Management and the first elected President of the Work-Family Researchers Network. She joined the show to discuss how the pandemic is affecting the relationship between working parents and their employers and vice versa.
S2 E193 · Tue, December 14, 2021
The State of the Contractor Vaccine Mandate
Late last month, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky temporarily blocked the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors and subcontractors in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. While the judge did not fully block the mandate, he did write in the decision that Biden exceeded his delegated authority under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Since then, the injunction was extended nationwide. GovExec reporter Courtney Bublé is covering the story. She joined the show to talk about the injunction and other COVID-19 stories.
S2 E192 · Mon, December 13, 2021
The Federal Workplace of the Future
As paradigms shift due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, questions remain about what agency evolution will look like. As the year comes to a close, the state of agencies in 2022 remains unwritten as uncertainty remains the only certainty. As part of Government Executive’s State of the Federal Workforce event recently, GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Eric Katz spoke to John Dankanich, MSFC Chief Technologist, In-Space Transportation Capability Lead at NASA and Michael Peckham, HHS Program Support Center CFO. In this episode, they explore what the federal agency of the future will look like.
S2 E191 · Fri, December 10, 2021
Collaboration and Implementation for Levels of Government
Last month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order establishing the Infrastructure Implementation Task Force, which moves closer to the federal government implementing the very clear mission of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. But the order also has a section noting the importance of “implementation of infrastructure investments across all levels of government,” which perhaps can address a significant intergovernmental challenge. G. Edward DeSeve is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, the Coordinator of the Academy’s Agile Government Center and a Visiting Fellow of the IBM Center for the Business of Government. He’s also the former Special Advisor to President Obama for Recovery Implementation and the author of a post on our site headlined “We All Should Be Rooting for the Infrastructure Implementation Task Force.” He joined the podcast to discuss the post and the implementation of the infrastructure plan.
S2 E190 · Thu, December 09, 2021
When Will Unvaccinated Feds Face Discipline?
Earlier this year, the Biden administration set a Nov. 22 deadline for federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with discipline to follow soon thereafter. But, late last month, OPM told agencies that they should wait until January to begin suspending noncompliant feds, citing the high number of vaccinated civilian feds and military service members. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the discipline delay and other pay and benefits stories that he has been following.
S2 E189 · Wed, December 08, 2021
What's Next For the Legality of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
Vaccine mandates have been controversial since the shots became widely available. Even though most federal employees have complied with the mandates, there's still a large number of employees and contractors that disagree with the rules. Some have even taken legal action against the federal mandate. What does the future hold for unvaccinated employees and their managers? John P. Mahoney is an award-winning Washington D.C.-based federal employment attorney. He joined the show to share his insight on how the mandate can impact both the public and private sectors.
S2 E188 · Tue, December 07, 2021
The 'Big Deal' Biden Presidential Management Agenda
The Biden-Harris administration released a preliminary Presidential Management Agenda Vision late last month, outlining a few specific topics it will tackle in its administration. The document commits to government administration as previous ones have, while also treading new ground on workforce and customer service. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is the author of many books, including Escaping Jurassic Government: How to Recover America's Lost Commitment to Competence , The Politics of the Administrative Process , System Under Stress and The Next Government of the United States. He has a post on GovExec.com headlined “Why Biden’s Presidential Management Agenda Is a Big Deal.” He joined the podcast to discuss the Biden-Harris Presidential Management Agenda Vision document.
S2 E187 · Mon, December 06, 2021
Teamwork During Remote Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has made remote work the norm in many industries, but it’s also made managing employees very different. While organizations nationwide have shown the work can be accomplished anywhere during the pandemic, communication, collaboration and team-building have been transformed. Melodie Carlson is the Chief Operating Officer at Sunrise Banks. She joined the podcast to discuss how to manage a remote workforce, especially during a pandemic.
S2 E186 · Fri, December 03, 2021
Why This Management Agenda Is Different
Late last month, the Office of Management and Budget, along with the President’s Management Council launched the Biden-Harris administration’s Management Agenda Vision, The document is part of the administration's larger strategy to improve how the federal government operates and earn citizen trust. Terry Gerton is the President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. She served for 12 years in the Senior Executive Service as a career member and as a political appointee. Robert Shea is a National Managing Principal, Public Policy at Grant Thornton, a National Academy of Public Administration fellow and one of the hosts of the Fed Heads podcast. He previously served for six years as the associate director for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. They joined the podcast to discuss the Management Agenda Vision and how it fits into the administration’s broader management strategy.
S2 E185 · Thu, December 02, 2021
A New Factor in the Negotiations to Avert a Shutdown
Government funding runs out December 3, Rep. Chip Roy this week told Political that he and Senate colleagues would look into “procedural tools to deny the continuing resolution passage Friday night,” which would force a government shutdown this weekend. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz has been covering the shutdown threat and the spending bill negotiations. He joined the show to discuss the state of things in Congress as the deadline looms.
S2 E184 · Wed, December 01, 2021
Protecting Critical Systems from Cyber Threats
The Colonial Pipeline hack earlier this year showed the importance of defending critical infrastructure from cyber vulnerabilities. Congress and the national security community will have to examine emerging threats and cybersecurity partnerships across the federal government and defense communities. As part of GovExec Media’s Cyber Defenders event recently, Defense One Technology Editor Patrick Tucker spoke to Sen. Angus King of Maine. In this episode, they talk about current threats to critical infrastructure and how government can protect systems from cyber threats.
S2 E183 · Tue, November 30, 2021
The President's Management Agenda Vision
Last week, the Office of Management and Budget and the President’s Management Council launched the Biden-Harris administration’s Management Agenda Vision . The document is part of a government-wide effort to improve management and administration. Courtney Bublé is a GovExec reporter covering the President's Management Agenda Vision. She joined the podcast to discuss the plan.
S2 E182 · Mon, November 29, 2021
Why Feds Thrive in Remote and Hybrid Work
Over the summer, the Biden administration sent a memo on the return to workplaces process, including endorsing maximum telework flexibilities to all current telework eligible employees, pursuant to direction from agency heads. In the same memo, the administration suggested that agencies pursue hybrid work policies. Dr. Karen Sobel Lojeski is the founder and CEO of Virtual Distance International an executive advisory firm specializing in Workplace Transformation. She has also studied virtual work for over 20 years and worked with agencies on remote work issues.She joined the podcast to discuss how feds are prepared for a remote and hybrid future.
S2 E181 · Wed, November 24, 2021
Annual Leave and Essential Feds
Normally, federal employees have to heed the “use it or lose it” nature of most of their unused leave. But last year, OPM determined that the pandemic was considered an “exigency of the public business,” thus allowing public servants to carry over more than the 30-day maximum at the end of the year. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the annual leave exception and other stories that he has been covering.
S2 E180 · Tue, November 23, 2021
How to Address Corruption in Government
Nearly 11 months ago, on his first day in office, President Joe Biden issued an executive order implementing a set of ethics rules for his administration. The administration has had fewer ethics problems than its predecessor, but the Executive Branch is not alone in the government; Congress and the Judiciary have ethics issues that need improvement. Project on Government Oversight Government Affairs Manager Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette and former OGE Director and POGO Senior Ethics Fellow Walter Shaub co-wrote an analysis of how Congress can address corruption headlined “American Voters Say Corruption is a Concern; Congress Should Heed the Message.” They joined the show to discuss how to address corruption across all three branches of government.
S2 E179 · Mon, November 22, 2021
How to Address Improper Payments
Everyone decries waste, fraud and abuse in government, but there are measurements of these things. But, improper payments cost the government billions of dollars each year and agencies do not have the resources to track this properly Linda Miller is the former Deputy Executive Director of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) and a former GAO official. She’s currently a Principal with Grant Thornton Public Sector and a nationally recognized expert on fraud risk management. She wrote an analysis on our site recently headlined “Agencies Must Address Billions Lost Through Erroneous Payments.” She joined GovExec Daily to discuss how she thinks agencies can more effectively address the problem of improper payments in the federal government.
S2 E178 · Thu, November 18, 2021
Is Another CR on the Horizon?
As a shutdown approached earlier this fall, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the government open until December 3. The CR passage was in the service of buying time to get a longer term deal together before the December deadline. With only a few weeks until that deadline, Congressional leaders say that another CR may be necessary to avoid the government shutting down. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz has been covering the shutdown threat . He joined the show to discuss the state of budget negotiations in Congress.
S2 E177 · Wed, November 17, 2021
Open Season Tips and Tricks
Open Season for federal employees runs from November 8 to December 13, so we are right in the middle of it. Finding the right health coverage can be tough and it’s exceptionally hard to predict any person’s health care needs in advance. The presence of a global pandemic only further complicates things. Our guest today is here to talk a little about open season and how feds can handle it more easily. Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers’ Checkbook. Checkbook’s 2022 Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees is available during open season at checkbook.org. He joined the show to discuss health insurance options for federal employees.
S2 E176 · Tue, November 16, 2021
What Feds Think About the Vaccine Mandate
Vaccine mandates have been a controversial subject in American discourse since vaccines became widely available early this year. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadline for federal employees is next week, presumably with discipline following for feds who do not have an approved exemption. The Government Business Council, the research arm of Government Executive, conducted a survey of federal employees recently that found that more than of respondents either strongly or somewhat disagreed with the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate. GovExec staff correspondent Courtney Bublé joined the podcast to discuss the survey results.
S2 E175 · Mon, November 15, 2021
The Importance of Protecting Whistleblowers
By law, government whistleblowers are supposed to be protected against retaliation by their superiors. Unfortunately, that protection is more theoretical than it is reality. Recent history is littered with stories of retaliation against those exposing waste, fraud and abuse in the government and outside of it. Dana Gold is Government Accountability Project’s Senior Counsel and Director of Education, as well as the Director of its Democracy Protection Initiative. She is also the author of a post headlined “Whistleblowers Risk Everything—Lawmakers Must Protect Them.” She joined the show to discuss whistleblower protection.
S2 E174 · Fri, November 12, 2021
Planning for Office Reentry
As agencies continue to determine best practices for hybrid and remote workplace models, questions remain about how these issues are impacting both the work of federal employees and the employees themselves. Agency officials will have to guarantee consistency and transparency in their offices in order to continue to build a strong federal workforce. As part of Government Executive’s State of the Federal Workforce event recently, GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Erich Wagner spoke to Jane Datta, Chief Human Capital Officer at NASA and Traci DiMartini, Chief Human Capital Officer at GSA. In this episode, they discuss agency strategies for the return to work in the new normal in government.
S2 E173 · Wed, November 10, 2021
What do Feds Really Want at their Workplaces?
The pandemic caused a major shift, especially to the federal workforce. With return-to-offices on the way , federal employees are ready for a reset. The major change presented by the pandemic and the shift to remote work has caused an increase in stress, a lack of sense of community, and increased Anxiety. What exactly do federal employees want and how should federal executives reset their relationships with their employees? Britaini Carroll is the Principal Director of Workforce Transformation with Accenture Federal Services. She has a piece on our site right now that breaks down new research that sheds light on how to support and retain top talent in the federal government. She joined the show to discuss her post and what feds are seeking at this stage of the pandemic.
S2 E172 · Tue, November 09, 2021
Report Finds GSA Failed to Remove Hazardous Materials from Facility For Years
Last week, the Office of Special Counsel announced that it had substantiated a whistleblower’s allegations from 2019 that the General Services Administration knew about hazardous materials and explosives at a federal office building in Missouri for more than a decade, but did not notify those working at the facility. Erich Wagner is covering the story. He joined the show to discuss the OSC report and next steps.
S2 E171 · Mon, November 08, 2021
What if Feds Just Refuse to Get Vaccinated?
Starting Nov. 9, agencies can begin to take disciplinary action for employees who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Feds who have received approved religious or medical accommodations for receiving the vaccine will not be disciplined, of course, but the two-week time countdown to the Nov. 22 deadline is ticking. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the podcast to talk about what federal employees can begin doing regarding discipline.
S2 E170 · Fri, November 05, 2021
Questions About the Contractor Vaccine Mandate
The White House announced on Thursday that the deadline for the vaccine mandate for federal contractors will be pushed back about a month to January 4. But the firms contracting with the government still have unanswered questions from their workforces as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Kelly Kroll is a partner at Morris, Manning & Martin LLP and has worked on federal, state, and local government contract formation and administration matters. She joined the show to talk about the vaccine mandate and how contractors are approaching it.
S2 E169 · Thu, November 04, 2021
The Import and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships
As Congress continues to negotiate an infrastructure bill, the role of public-private partnerships are key in the bill’s provisions. With the success of Operation Warp Speed in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, a new look at such partnerships is due. Dr. David Van Slyke is Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He was also recently named to the Defense Business Board for fiscal 2022. He joined the podcast to discuss public-private partnerships.
S2 E168 · Wed, November 03, 2021
The Lawsuits Challenging Vaccine Mandates
The Nov. 22 deadline for federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is a few weeks away and we’re now looking at states and federal employee groups suing the Biden administration about the mandate. GovExec correspondent Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup. She joined the show to discuss the lawsuits against the mandate.
S2 E167 · Tue, November 02, 2021
Secure Elections After the 2020 Cycle
Ever since the 2016 presidential election, voter fraud, election security and disinformation have been major topics in the national conversation. On Tuesday, millions of Americans will cast ballots in local elections across the U.S. Given the current concerns surrounding the validity of the election results, it's critical that election officials reassure voters that the process is safe. Ross Underwood is an elections technology advisor with the Canton Group. He joined the show to discuss why Americans should trust that their vote is safe and secure.
S2 E166 · Mon, November 01, 2021
The Law Enforcement Staffing Problem at the National Park Service
Federal law enforcement takes many forms, from the U.S. Marshals to FBI agents to Bureau of Prisons employees. But often overlooked are the U.S. Park Rangers of the National Park Service. They are the ones who are the front line of law enforcement in the hundreds of parks, monuments, recreation areas and other units of the National Park System. These rangers are facing diminishing numbers , a greater workload, and a lack of equipment and training, creating an increasingly dangerous situation. Paul D. Berkowitz is a retired National Park Service supervisory special agent. He’s also the author of a post on our site right now headlined “The Law Enforcement Staffing Crisis at the National Park Service.” He joined the podcast to discuss his post and the situation at NPS.
S2 E165 · Fri, October 29, 2021
The Vaccine Mandate Deadline Moves Closer
The deadline for most federal employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they are granted an exemption, is November 22. Some feds have maintained that they will fight the mandate in court, while others may just quit and others will apply for exemptions. With the deadline approaching, members of Congress have questions about the workforce implications of the mandate. Eric Katz is a reporter at GovExec. He joined the podcast to talk about the state of the vaccine mandate for federal employees.
S2 E164 · Thu, October 28, 2021
The Pay Raise Moves Forward Again
Last week, Senators on the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the initial Senate versions of nine fiscal year 2022 spending bills. Absent was any language on feds’ pay, thus effectively endorsing the White House’s 2.7% average increase for next year. Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the status of the pay raise and other pay and benefits stories that affect federal employees.
S2 E163 · Wed, October 27, 2021
What the Fat Leonard Scandal Means for the Navy
For years, a man named Leonard Francis bribed U.S. Navy officers with cash, booze, luxury items and prostitutes in return for fraudulent multi-million-dollar deals. Eventually the Navy began an operation to entrap the man known as “Fat Leonard.” Detained for years, Francis spoke to our guest today for a podcast series on the scandal and the ways the misogyny, graft and corruption evident in it resonate even today. Brazen Original podcast Fat Leonard is available across platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others. Tom Wright is a journalist and the co-author of the book Billion Dollar Whale about Malaysian playboy Jho Low. He’s also the host of Fat Leonard. He joined the show to talk about the Fat Leonard scandal and what he’s learned in producing the podcast.
S2 E162 · Tue, October 26, 2021
Modernizing Public Service… And Public Servants
The U.S. in 2021 is a nation-state confronting a series of complex societal challenges that have no easy answer. Climate change, racial injustice and a raging pandemic are just some of the threats that American government will have to confront. This will fall to public servants to execute policy and innovate in the service of the mission of government. Beth Simone Noveck is a professor at Northeastern University, where she directs The Governance Lab. She’s also the author of the book Solving Public Problems: A Practical Guide to Fix Our Government and Change Our World . She joined the podcast to talk about the book and innovation in public service.
S2 E161 · Mon, October 25, 2021
Lessons for the Next Pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis has been devastating to the world. It has taken millions of lives worldwide and at least 700,000 American lives. As the American public health response continues, learning from the mistakes of this crisis will be critically important for the next crisis. Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene, are principals of Barrett and Greene, Inc and are nationally-known authorities in performance management, health policy and other public administration issues. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. They are co-authors of a new report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government, Managing the Next Crisis: Twelve Principles for Dealing with Viral Uncertainty and a post on our site about that report headlined “Three Pandemic Lessons for the Next Crisis.” They joined the podcast to discuss their report and the lessons to be learned from te COVID-19 situation.
S2 E160 · Thu, October 21, 2021
Detecting Waste and Abuse Through Data and Determination
When Congress started addressing the coronavirus pandemic with relief bills in 2020, billions of federal dollars started flowing to local and state governments to deal with the crisis. Now as these governments shape their goals and priorities, they're turning to advances in machine learning, combined with automation, to effectively identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse cases, while ensuring transparency in government and the public. As part of GovExec Media’s Roadmap to Modernization event recently, Route Fifty Senior Editor Bill Lucia spoke to Marty LaMar, Chief Economic Development Officer of the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this episode, they talk about the importance of responsibly managing public funds.
S2 E159 · Wed, October 20, 2021
The Hatch Act and the Biden Administration
Last week, good government group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a Hatch Act complaint with OSC against White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki for comments she made about the Virginia gubernatorial race. Courtney Bublé is a reporter for us at Government Executive. She joined the podcast to discuss her story on the Psaki situation and the Hatch Act.
S2 E158 · Tue, October 19, 2021
Managing Performance at the Veterans Benefit Administration
Government agencies and offices can sometimes seem opaque or theoretical, but if you speak to any military veteran, the Veterans Benefits Administration is very real and the services it provides are quite important to veterans. Our guest today was an official at VBA and has a new book about his time at the agency. Dr. Paul R. Lawrence served as the Under Secretary of Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2018-2021, is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a published author on the subject of government management. His latest book is Transforming Service to Veterans . He joined the podcast to talk about the book and the paths to government transformation.
Mon, October 18, 2021
GovExec Daily: 22 best days to retire w/ Tammy Flanagan
According to surveys, the last 18 months have reoriented the way people see work. In turn, retirement may be a more attractive option for those reevaluating their relationships to their jobs. As 2022 fast approaches, plenty of federal employees are looking at the calendar and considering when to retire. Tammy Flanagan writes the weekly Retirement Planning column for us here at GovExec, including the annual Best Dates to Retire column that posted this week. She runs her own consulting business and also provides individual counseling as well as online training for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Plan Your Federal Retirement and the Federal Long Term Care insurance Program. She joins the program to talk about the best dates to retire column .
Fri, October 15, 2021
GovExec Daily: How Cities are Using ARPA Money to Cover Lost Revenue
The pandemic has taken a heavy economic toll on municipalities across America. As a result, two-thirds of U.S. cities are planning to use funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act to cover lost revenue. The National League of Cities annual fiscal survey, released last Tuesday, underscored how important federal funding has been for maintaining services and mitigating the financial impact of the pandemic. Andrea Noble is a staff correspondent for Routefifty.com she joins the show to discuss her reporting on the issue and much more.
Thu, October 14, 2021
Govexec daily: 45,000 VA employees remain unvaccinated.
Last Friday marked the deadline for the majority of Veterans Affairs Department employees to complete their vaccinations against COVID-19. But as of today, more than 45,000 employees have yet to demonstrate that they've received the shots. The good news is that 88% of the VA workforce has been vaccinated, but the remaining 12% must submit documentation of their vaccinations by October 18th or request religious or medical accommodations. Once the deadline passes, VA will begin to discipline unvaccinated staff. But what will that discipline look like? How long will it last? And more importantly, will it help motivate hesitant employees to get their shots? GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz joins the show to discuss his reporting on the subject and much more.
Wed, October 13, 2021
GovExec Daily: The Future of Defense and Modernization
The future of war is unwritten, but the Defense Department is constantly analyzing and preparing for that future. In the electromagnetic spectrum, in the wilds of cyberspace and on the battlefield, modernization is always on the minds of Pentagon officials. As part of GovExec Media’s Roadmap to Modernization event recently, Defense One Technology Editor Patrick Tucker spoke to Colonel Elizabeth Sweet, Defense Engagement Lead, at the Defense Innovation Unit and Dr. Stephen Russell, Information Sciences Division Chief, U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command, at the Army Research Laboratory. In this episode, they talk about how the Defense Department is tackling the modernization challenges it faces.
S2 E153 · Tue, October 12, 2021
How Modernization Can be Done Effectively
The work of modernization of government is built with technology and with people. Programs and software need to work with the staff that uses these tools and agencies need to synthesize all the pieces of any puzzle to serve each the mission more effectively. As part of GovExec Media’s Roadmap to Modernization event recently, Nextgov Staff Correspondent, Brandi Vincent spoke to Michael Peckham, Executive Officer, Acting Chief Financial Officer & Director Financial Management Portfolio, Program Support Center at the Department of Health and Human Services. In this episode, they talk about how HHS is using technology to streamline work at the agency to better serve the mission.
S2 E152 · Fri, October 08, 2021
How Will Feds Get Exemptions to the Vaccine Mandate?
The Office of Personnel Management announced recently that November 9 will be the first day federal agencies can take disciplinary action against employees who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine under President Joe Bidene’s mandate. Some employees will be exempt for medical and religious reasons, but that is not necessarily a simple process, nor are those exemptions guaranteed to be approved. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the podcast to discuss vaccine policies as the deadline approaches.
S2 E151 · Thu, October 07, 2021
The Bureau of Prisons, Staffing and Vaccines
The deadline for federal employees to get vaccinated in order to comply with President Joe Biden’s mandate is more than a month away, but some employee groups are already balking at the rule. At the Bureau of Prisons, an agency ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, union officials have estimated that an already bad staffing situation may be worse. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup. She joined the podcast to discuss her story on the vaccine situation at the Bureau of Prisons, as well as other pandemic news that she’s been covering.
S2 E150 · Wed, October 06, 2021
Preparing Your Finances For the Next Shutdown
During the 35-day government shutdown that spanned 2018 and 2019, furloughed federal employees found themselves without paychecks for over a month. While most federal employees got back pay for the shutdown, the financial stream of losing income was great for many feds. As government shutdowns become more common in recent years, federal employees and contractors will have to be more judicious about how they protect themselves financially. Clark Kendall is a financial analyst and president & CEO of Maryland-based wealth management firm Kendall Capital. He joined the podcast to discuss how feds can prepare financially for the next government shutdown.
S2 E149 · Tue, October 05, 2021
The Post-COVID Civil Service
The novel coronavirus crisis has brought to light many systemic problems in American governance and the civil service. Like other major disasters, the pandemic presents an opportunity to reshape the future of work in the federal service. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He is the author of many books, including Escaping Jurassic Government: How to Recover America's Lost Commitment to Competence , The Politics of the Administrative Process, System Under Stress and The Next Government of the United States . His latest piece on our site is headlined “ The Failure of Government's Post-COVID Imagination ” He joined the show to talk about the post-pandemic civil service and potential for reform.
S2 E148 · Mon, October 04, 2021
Federal Contractors and the Vaccine Mandate
Guidance from the Biden administration released recently announced that covered federal contractors and subcontractors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and show proof of it by December 8, unless they are granted an exemption. As that date approaches, firms will have to navigate the ins and outs of the mandate. Eric Leonard is a partner with Wiley Rein LLP and Martha Vázquez is an associate at Wiley Rein, a firm specializing in regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. Vázquez is also the co-author of a post on our site headlined “Potential Traps for Federal Contractors with the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.” They joined the podcast to discuss how contractors will have to prepare for the new rules.
S2 E147 · Fri, October 01, 2021
The Shutdown Was Averted… For Now
Congress passed a continuing resolution on Thursday that will fund the government until Dec. 3. Funding was set to run out at midnight, which would have triggered a government shutdown. Eric Katz has been covering the shutdown threat . He joined the podcast to discuss the story and the next steps for Congress.
S2 E146 · Thu, September 30, 2021
What Feds Need to Know About a Potential Shutdown
In what has become a semi regular occurrence, a shutdown threat has hung over agencies this fall. The uncertainty around the continuing resolution negotiations has left federal employees scrambling to plan for their finances once again. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the shutdown threat and other pay and benefits stories that he has been following.
S2 E145 · Wed, September 29, 2021
Innovation, the Commercial Sector and the Pentagon
A seemingly constant conversation around the Defense Department and innovation is the interplay between the private sector and the Pentagon. Contractors and commercial firms want to get their innovative ideas to the Defense Department and Pentagon officials want to speed up the process by which they adopt new innovations from the commercial sector. As part of GovExec Media’s Roadmap to Modernization event recently, Defense on Deputy Editor Brad Peniston spoke to Art Trevethan, Director of Corporate Ventures at the Army Applications Lab. In this episode, they talk about how the military draws from the private sector and how it finds, funds, and develops the next generation of weapons and systems.
S2 E144 · Mon, September 27, 2021
Analyzing Immigration Statistics
The immigration system in the United States consists of different systems, including but not exclusive to detention, processing and adjudication. The government keeps plenty of records on all these systems. While the politics of the immigration system can be malleable, the data is pretty concrete. Dr. Austin Kocher is an Assistant Research Professor in the Newhouse School of Public Communication and a researcher with the Transactional Research Access Clearinghouse, a research institute at Syracuse University that uses Freedom of Information Act requests to study the federal government. He joined the podcast to discuss his work and immigration data.
S2 E143 · Mon, September 27, 2021
The Overwhelmed Refugee System
The evacuation of Afghanistan in connection to the military withdrawal there has drawn criticism. Afghan allies have needed visas to leave the country and get to the United States, but are faced with a long, complex and difficult process to obtain visas. Shelley Inglis is the Executive Director of the Human Rights Center and Research Professor of Human Rights and Law. She comes from the United Nations Development Programme where she held various management positions working on peacebuilding, democratic governance, rule of law and human rights. She is the author of an analysis headlined “Perilous Situation for Afghan Allies Left behind Shows a Refugee System That’s not up to the Job.” She joined the show to talk about the refugee system and the situation of Afghan refugees.
S2 E142 · Fri, September 24, 2021
The 2021 Government Hall of Famers and Teddy Award Winners
The coronavirus pandemic has shown the importance of government work in stark reality over the past 18 months. The Government Hall of Fame and The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards were started in 2019 to honor those who have achieved great things as federal officials and industry leaders. GovExec this week announced the Government Hall of Fame and Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Award winners. Tom Shoop is editor at-large at GovExec Media. He joined the podcast to discuss the Government Hall of Fame and the Teddies.
S2 E141 · Thu, September 23, 2021
Booster Shots and More Vaccine News
The seven-day average for American coronavirus deaths reached 2,000 again this month, matching similar numbers of the spring of 2021. But, vaccine news has sparked some optimism lately on the booster and children front. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on Govexec.com. She joined the show to discuss vaccines and other news that she’s been covering about the pandemic.
S2 E140 · Wed, September 22, 2021
The Shutdown Watch Begins
Democratic leaders this week announced a bill that would fund federal agencies through the end of the year and suspend the debt limit through December 2022. The plan would avert a shutdown, but the debt limit aspects will face major Republican opposition in the Senate. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the negotiations around the continuing resolution. He joined the show to discuss the state of play as we approach a potential shutdown.
S2 E139 · Tue, September 21, 2021
How the Federal Government Can Impact Diversity and Equity
President Joe Biden’s administration has diversity, equity and inclusion as cornerstones of his administration’s policies. Systemic problems lie at the heart of inequality and federal agencies need to address these problems both within and outside their organizations. Shrupti Shah is a Managing Director with Deloitte Consulting LLP where she leads the Behavioral Insights practice. She is also one of the authors of a new Deloitte report titled “Government’s equity imperative. The path toward systemic change” and currently advises the Biden White House about the federal government’s racial equity initiatives. She joined the show to discuss the report.
S2 E138 · Mon, September 20, 2021
Building a More Collaborative Intergovernmental System
The modernization of government has been a phrase often repeated in the public sector over the past few decades, with human capital, technology and broader management all factoring into the concept. Part of modernization, however, will also involve making it easier to support collaboration between different levels of governments and different agencies. The National Academy of Public Administration recently announced the establishment of the Center on Intergovernmental Partnerships to help rebuild the collaborative capabilities. Terry Gerton is the President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. She served for 12 years in the Senior Executive Service as a career member and as a political appointee, and 20 years as an active duty Army officer. She joined the show to discuss her post on our site recently headlined “The Case for Building a Collaborative Intergovernmental System.”
S2 E137 · Thu, September 16, 2021
Tech Acquisition Trends in 2021 and Beyond
A presidential administration still in its first year can mean shifting contracting priorities and policies. Additionally, the past 18 months of a worldwide pandemic have shifted public sector IT priorities for firms and agencies alike. Todd Gustafson is President of HP Federal, and An Nguyen is President of NCS Technologies. They joined the podcast to discuss tech trends and the future of IT in the public sector.
S2 E136 · Wed, September 15, 2021
Updates to the Vaccine Mandate for Feds
As the Delta variant of COVID-19 has changed the federal government’s calculus in combating the pandemic, the White House is putting into place new vaccine mandate requirements for federal employees and contractors. President Joe Biden announced the new rules last week. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on Govexec.com. She joined the podcast to discuss the mandate and other news that she’s been covering about the pandemic.
S2 E135 · Tue, September 14, 2021
The Sept. 11 Attacks' Effects on Government Administration
The bipartisan 9/11 commission recommended dozens of changes to information sharing and intelligence gathering. The war in Afghanistan initially focused the post-Sept. 11 military, while the Authorization for Use of Military Force kick-started the Global War on Terror. In these and other ways, the American response to the Sept. 11 attacks ushered in a new era of government. The United States continues to reckon with these effects, 20 years after the most devastating attack of its kind on American soil. In the finale of our series marking the attacks’ legacy on government, GovExec Daily explores the lasting effects on the administrative state and American political culture. Government Executive editor Tom Shoop, 9/11 commission member and former Rep. Tim Roemer, Dr. Alasdair Roberts, Dr. Lisa Parshall and Dr. Ron Sanders discuss how the attacks instigated major changes in government administration and the public’s view of government.
S2 E134 · Mon, September 13, 2021
The 9/11 Commission
The Sept. 11 attacks exposed vulnerabilities in American antiterrorism policy and execution. The government and public wanted to know what went wrong and what could be done to prevent further attacks. To better answer these and other pressing questions, President George W. Bush and Congress established The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The 9/11 Commission would eventually present its 500-plus-page report to the nation in July 2004. As part of a series marking the attacks’ legacy on government, GovExec Daily explores the military and foreign policy legacy of the American reaction to Sept. 11. Dr. Ron Sanders and commission members Dr. Christopher A. Kojm and former Ambassador Tim Roemer discuss their experiences with the commission, the restructuring of the intelligence community and the effects of the attacks on the national psyche that remain today.
S2 E133 · Fri, September 10, 2021
The Military Legacy of Sept. 11
Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force as a joint resolution a week after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The AUMF authorized the use of the military against terrorist organizations and every president since George W. Bush has interpreted that authority to extend operations beyond al Qaeda and the Taliban. The Global War on Terror has spanned the globe over the last two decades and continues to this day under the cover of secrecy, as the full list of targeted groups remains classified. As part of a series marking the attacks’ legacy on government, GovExec Daily explores the military and foreign policy legacy of the American reaction to Sept. 11. Ben Watson and Dr. Tony Brooks, veterans of the war in Afghanistan, discuss their experiences and Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko talks about the failures in nation-building.
S2 E132 · Thu, September 09, 2021
Reflections on the Sept. 11 Attacks
Twenty years ago this week, terrorists struck the United States in the largest attack of its kind on American soil. The Sept. 11 attacks were a shock to the world and a turning point for the nation. In the subsequent decades, the federal government reoriented its intelligence gathering infrastructure, waged the Global War on Terror and shifted its thinking and resources around administrative power and function. Over four episodes, GovExec Daily examines the ways the attacks have changed government and how government responded. First, people who were there on that day—current and former Government Executive staffers, Pentagon workers and others—explain what they experienced in the immediate aftermath of that fateful day.
S2 E131 · Wed, September 08, 2021
Managing a Merger and a Pandemic – All at Once
In 2020, two parts of Raytheon technologies merged. When Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services and Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems came together, it brought tens of thousands of employees under one umbrella, all during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Roy Azevedo is president of Raytheon Intelligence & Space, where he leads 37,000 employees and is responsible for a broad portfolio, including advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions. He joined the show to discuss managing in the pandemic.
S2 E130 · Tue, September 07, 2021
How the Air Force is Building the 'Office of the Future'
The COVID-19 crisis has forced so many of us to remote work, including the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center. The center’s mission might be different than the one at your workplace, but the center's workforce proved the mission can be accomplished anywhere during the pandemic. The crisis has led the center leadership to rethink the nature of work, prompting the launch of the Office of the Future project. Colonel Kevin R. Mantovani is the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center vice commander at Air Force Materiel Command in Texas. He joined the podcast to discuss the Office of the Future project and the ways that the Air Force is evolving.
S2 E129 · Fri, September 03, 2021
Co-Working Spaces Will be a Work Option for Feds
The General Services Administration recently awarded a first-of-its-kind contract to WeWork and several other co-working firms. The contract comes as the pandemic has changed the way federal workplace culture is evolving during the COVID-10 crisis. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on GovExec.com. She joined the podcast to discuss the contract and other news that she’s been covering about the pandemic.
S2 E128 · Thu, September 02, 2021
The Threat That Ransomware Poses
President Joe Biden recently met with some of the top CEOs from the tech sector. Participants such as Apple's Tim Cook and Amazons Andy Jassy along with representatives from IBM, Bank of America and more were urged by the president to do more to improve cybersecurity. But this will most certainly be a group effort, according to Alex Major and Matt Wrigh, partners with McCarter and English, LLP. They joined the podcast us today to discuss how federal contractors can reduce ransomware risk and the hostage crisis that it presents.
S2 E127 · Wed, September 01, 2021
Biden Makes the Pay Raise Number Official
On Friday of last week in a letter to Congressional leadership, President Joe Biden formalized a plan to provide civilian federal employees with an average 2.7% pay raise next year. The number is lower than some Democrats had urged earlier this summer. Erich Wagner covers the workforce for us here at GovExec. He joined the show to discuss the pay raise process and other stories he has been covering.
S2 E126 · Tue, August 31, 2021
How One DC-Area Community is Reconsidering its History
African-American history is colorful. It goes beyond the history of slavery, the civil rights movement or a few well-known historical figures. Its business owners, owners and everyday people that helped build this country. Many of them are from towns just like yours and many Americans currently live in communities that were once majority African-American. At Route Fifty, GovExec Editor-at-Large Tom Shoop wrote a moving story about two towns in Virginia and their efforts to gather and evaluate historical information. He joined the podcast to the story, his research, how it hits home for him and much more.
S2 E125 · Mon, August 30, 2021
The New Employer-Employee Paradigm
The COVID-19 crisis has made many of us reevaluate our relationship with work, from our physical locations to our use of technology. Much of the workforce is also reevaluating relationships with our coworkers, managers and employers as the evolution of work continues during the coronavirus pandemic. Jeffrey Bradfield leads the Human Capital Consulting practice for Government & Public Services and Kraig Eaton is Principal in the Human Capital practice, both at Deloitte. They joined the show to discuss Deloitte’s 2021 Global Human Capital Trends Special Report titled “The Worker-Employer Relationship Disrupted: If We’re Not Family, What Are We?”
S2 E124 · Fri, August 27, 2021
The 2017 VA Accountability Law and the Courts
In 2017, Congress passed the landmark VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act as a way to make it easier to fire Veterans Affairs employees while fairly treating them. The rule, however, has seen mixed results and two court cases recently knocked down the VA’s interpretation of the law. Conor D. Dirks is an attorney at the firm of Shaw Bransford & Roth, where he has represented federal officials and employees in all aspects of federal personnel employment law. He wrote a case law update about the two cases affecting the VA headlined “Federal Circuit Knocks Down VA’s Interpretation of 2017 'Accountability” Law' " on Fedmanager.com. He joined the show to discuss the cases and the future of disciplinary action in the government.
S2 E123 · Thu, August 26, 2021
UFOs and the Pentagon
In recent years, the Pentagon has confirmed the authenticity of videos depicting military pilots seeing unidentified flying objects. In fact, last year, the Office of Naval Intelligence launched the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force to standardize data collection on the issue. But the Pentagon’s role in this is not that new. In 2007, the unclassified but largely unknown Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program was appropriated for five years, largely because of the efforts of former Senator Harry Reid. As part of Nextgov’s Emerging Tech summit event recently, Nextgov reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Brandi Vincent spoke to Reid. In this episode, they discuss how the government and technology come together to monitor unidentified aerial phenomena in the pursuit of security.
S2 E122 · Wed, August 25, 2021
Civilian Feds in the Afghanistan Withdrawal
A Taliban spokesman this week reiterated that the August 31 deadline to withdraw Americans will not be moved, putting urgency on the U.S. government’s attempts at evacuating Americans and Afghan nationals in danger. In the last few weeks, the federal government has ramped up its civilian response as the deadline nears. Eric Katz is a senior correspondent at Government Executive. He joined the show to discuss the Biden administration’s Afghanistan withdrawal efforts and how civilian feds are involved in the evacuation.
S2 E121 · Tue, August 24, 2021
The Legal Implications of the Biden COVID-19 Mandate for Feds
As part of its vaccine-or-testing mandate for on-site federal employees, the Biden administration is instructing agencies to establish their own COVID-19 testing programs, either at their offices, in partnership with other federal entities or through contracted services. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the show to discuss the Safer Federal Workforce update to the testing-or-vaccine mandate.
S2 E120 · Mon, August 23, 2021
Secrecy Around Apportionments and the Budget
Congress is in the midst of negotiations about government funding, as the legislative branch holds the power of the purse. But, the executive branch has some budgeting tools at its disposal, including one that is supposed to produce more efficient management of public funds. The Office of Management and Budget holds this tool, called apportionment, and it is often used to circumvent Congress’ budget authority and is increasingly opaque. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette is a Government Affairs Manager at the Project on Government Oversight. He joined the show to discuss the veil of secrecy around the Office of Management and Budget and apportionments.
S2 E119 · Thu, August 19, 2021
OPM Makes It Easier For Agencies to Hire Interns
Internships are a good way for young people to get experience in their preferred line of work, a way to buttress a resume and a way for organizations to create a pipeline for young employees. Federal agencies have strict regulations on internship programs and how they can put interns onto a path of full employment, but the Office of Personnel Management is in the process of issuing regulations to make it easier for federal agencies to pay and offer jobs to their interns who are still in college. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the show to discuss the new OPM regulations and other stories that affect federal employees.
S2 E118 · Wed, August 18, 2021
How Will Feds Prove That They're Vaccinated?
When President Joe Biden announced a vaccine-or-testing mandate last month for federal employees and on-site contractors, details were not available as to how the administration of the attestation or testing would happen. Now, the Justice Department is filling in the details as to how it will be able to executive the policies. Courtney Bublé is a reporter for Government Executive who writes the coronavirus roundup. She joined the show to discuss the ways feds will have to prove they’re vaccinated or have tested negative in order to work on-site.
S2 E117 · Tue, August 17, 2021
The Future of Workforce Development
The novel coronavirus pandemic has moved most public employees to remote work situations. But the pandemic has not stopped the need for workforce development and government has had to adjust to a new world of online training and learning. Agencies have had to pivot to virtual workforce development over the past two years. As part of Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently, GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Eric Katz spoke to Clo Taylor, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, Department of Homeland Security. In this episode, Taylor discusses the role of training and learning in a hybrid federal environment.
S2 E116 · Mon, August 16, 2021
How Managers Can Help Feds Thrive in Uncertainty
With news of a vaccine-or-testing mandate for federal employees who work on-site, public servants are thinking more about coming back to offices. As summer comes to an end, federal managers are needing to navigate new “return-to-office” policies, a new hybrid work reality and a workforce that expects a different experience from work. Kristen Vaughan is a Managing Director at Accenture Federal Services, leading the Human Capital Practice. She is one of the co-authors of a new Accenture report titled Helping Federal Workers Thrive. She joined the show to discuss what the research says that the federal government needs to do to help the workforce thrive in a time of uncertainty.
S2 E115 · Fri, August 13, 2021
EPA Policy and Science in the Biden Administration
Early in 2020, EPA put out a directive that prohibits some scientists from discussing their work amongst themselves, but outside groups want the policy rescinded, saying that it prevents government scientists from properly protecting the public from hazardous materials. Others say the policy is difficult to justify. In an administration that pledged to be more amenable to science and science-based policy, the directive seems quite curious. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the story. He joined the show to discuss the role of science in the Biden administration and EPA policy.
S2 E114 · Thu, August 12, 2021
Diversity and the Importance of Data Collection
President Joe Biden has made diversity, equity and inclusion cornerstones of his administration. Identifying the ways headway can be made into DEI issues will be paramount to these efforts, including using the best available information. As part of Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently, GovExec reporter and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé spoke to diversity officers from four different agencies. In this episode, officials from the FBI, the State Department, the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence discuss the future of diversity, inclusion and equity in the federal workforce and the ways agencies are working towards a more inclusive federal government.
S2 E113 · Wed, August 11, 2021
Modernizing the IRS Workforce
President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2022 budget blueprint would bring on thousands of employees to the Internal Revenue Service, which the administration claims could help ameliorate years of staff losses over the past decade. That plan presents an opportunity for the IRS, but it is also a challenge, as the agency must redefine the skills and expertise required of its employees in order for the IRS to be as effective as it can be. Dr. Ron Sanders was a federal civil servant for almost 40 years, serving in senior positions with the Defense Department, the IRS, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Internal Revenue Service. He is currently Staff Director for the Florida Center for Cybersecurity and a GovExec contributor. He is the co-author of a post on our site right now headlined “Shrinking the Tax Gap Requires a Renewed IRS Workforce.” He joined the show to discuss the IRS workforce.
S2 E112 · Tue, August 10, 2021
Emotional Leadership and Expression
Using emotion in a leadership role can be effective, but gendered stereotypes about certain emotional reactions can be received in different ways depending on the gender of the leader. According to a new study, women are perceived as more effective leaders than men when they express calm, happy emotions. Dr. Thomas Sy is an Industrial Organizational psychologist and a professor at the University of California-Riverside. He’s the co-author of a new study titled “The emotional leader: Implicit theories of leadership emotions and leadership perceptions.” He joined the podcast to discuss leadership and emotional expression.
S2 E111 · Mon, August 09, 2021
The Gaps in Veteran Student Data
June marked the 77th anniversary of the original GI Bill and the thirteenth anniversary of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Between both, millions of veterans have used the bills’ education benefits to attend college and training programs. Unfortunately, finding education outcomes is difficult and institutions are not required to comprehensively report student veteran data. Wesley Wilson is an Army veteran, a current student at American University and a senior analyst at Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC. He is also an advocacy fellow with High Ground Veterans Advocacy and former Research Associate at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. He has a post on GovExec.com headlined "To Combat Fraud, Colleges and Universities Must Report Student Veteran Outcome Data." He joined the show to talk about the gaps in veteran education outcome data.
S2 E110 · Fri, August 06, 2021
Emotional Compensation and Employee Retention
The COVID-19 crisis brought a potential reshaping of the way people approach work. A recent Microsoft survey found more than 40 percent of the workforce is likely to consider leaving their current employer within the next year. Perhaps organizations can adjust to this new normal by creating a more connected culture by increasing emotional compensation. Michael Lee Stallard is a GovExec contributor and the co-author of the book Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy, and Understanding at Work, now in its second edition. He has a post on our site right now headlined “To Cope with the Labor Shortage, Raise Emotional Compensation” He joined the podcast to discuss emotional compensation and how it affects team connectedness.
S2 E109 · Thu, August 05, 2021
After the Vaccine Mandate, How Will Agencies Implement Testing For Employees?
When President Joe Biden announced last week that on-site feds would have to “attest” that they have been vaccinated or submit to regular screening for COVID-19, he did not specify how the testing would be administered or how the attestations would be executed. GovExec reporter Eric Katz joined the podcast to discuss the testing administration and vaccine mandates in the federal government.
S2 E108 · Wed, August 04, 2021
A Minibus Pay Raise Update
The House last week passed, on a 219 to 208 vote, a package of fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. Absent in the package is mention of a pay raise for feds, of which there are two proposed numbers. The minibus now heads to the Senate. GovExec senior reporter Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the pay raise and other stories that affect federal employees.
S2 E107 · Tue, August 03, 2021
A New Vaccine Rule For On-Site Federal Employees
Last week, President Joe Biden announced that federal employees who work on-site would have to “attest” that they have been vaccinated, or agree to wear masks at all times and submit to regular screening for COVID-19. Visitors to federal facilities will have to also have to abide by the mandate. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on GovExec.com. She joined the podcast discuss the vaccine rule and other COVID-19 stories.
S2 E106 · Mon, August 02, 2021
Rebuilding Trust in Government by Improving Digital Customer Service
The ways that people interact with government have changed quite a bit with changing technology and the pandemic has moved many interactions online. But, those interactions can be dicey and the relationships between customers’ expectations of and experiences with government digital service delivery. A new report from Salesforce and the Boston Consulting Group entitled The Global Trust Imperative looks at how digital interactions transform the citizen experience with government. Casey Coleman is Salesforce SVP of Global Government Solutions and the former CIO of U.S. General Services Administration. She joined the podcast to talk about the Global Trust Imperative and the connection between digital services and trust in government.
S2 E105 · Fri, July 30, 2021
Whistleblowing in the U.S.
Each year, National Whistleblower Day is observed on July 30 to commemorate the first American whistleblower protection law, a resolution passed by the Continental Congress in 1778 after ten whistleblowers reported wrongdoing and abuses committed by a superior officer in the Continental Navy. Since the beginning of the United States, whistleblowers have been an integral part in government oversight and accountability. Irvin McCullough is a National Security Analyst at the Government Accountability Project. He joined the show to discuss National Whistleblower Day and the state of whistleblower rights.
S2 E104 · Thu, July 29, 2021
How CFOs See the Pandemic and Resiliency
The pandemic shut down government offices nationwide seemingly overnight in the spring of 2020. Agencies had to reorient their way of managing, resiliency and planning in the face of uncertainty that came with the COVID0-19 crisis. Government financial professionals bore the brunt of much of this planning. Ann Ebberts is the CEO of the Association of Government Accountants and was previously a vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton. Tony Scardino is a Grant Thornton Managing Principal and was previously the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They joined the show to discuss the joint AGA/Grant Thornton report in the CFO Survey Series, The COVID-19 Challenge: CFO Views on Organizational Resiliency in Pandemic Conditions.
S2 E103 · Wed, July 28, 2021
The Patent and Trademark Office's Approach to Hybrid Work
Late last week, the Office of Personnel Management issued guidance for agencies to begin to implement their reentry and post-reentry places for feds. Remote work and hybrid work will be a part of the post-reentry future for agencies, but one agency has been a telework model since before the pandemic. The Patent and Trademark Office embraced telework long before the pandemic, starting in 1997 with 18 attorneys working remotely. In 2019 before the pandemic, the agency had 11,000 employees regularly working remotely at least one day a week. As such, the agency had the experience to move seamlessly to maximum telework in March 2020. As part of a panel during Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently, I spoke to Danette Campbell, Director of the Telework Program Office at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Campbell discussed managing a hybrid workforce, the pandemic’s effect on telework and how her agency manages the complications of remote work.
S2 E102 · Tue, July 27, 2021
Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Messaging
In the months since the COVID-19 vaccines have become available, the number of eligible Americans who have received shots has fallen short of the White House’s 70% goal. The administration has decried public disinformation on traditional and social media, targeting it as a reason for the recent slow vaccination percentage increases. The University of South Florida recently conducted a survey to measure exposure to misinformation and common objections to vaccination and the researchers have a post on our site right now about the survey results and how public officials can overcome vaccine hesitancy. Stephen Neely, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Public Administration at the University of South Florida’s School of Public Affairs. He is one of the co-authors of a post on our site about the research headlined “To Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy, Public Officials Need to Get Creative.” He joined the show to discuss the post and the survey results.
S2 E101 · Mon, July 26, 2021
The Culture Wars, Return to Offices and Management
The political and social divides in the United States are deep and can affect relationships in all parts of someone’s life. The COVID-19 crisis has brought new divisions into these relationships around the pandemic itself. As workplaces reopen, employers and employees will have to navigate a new environment. Leslie Parker is a partner based in the San Francisco office of the management consulting firm Kearney and a member of the firm’s Operations and Performance practice. She also chairs the global strategy and management consultancy’s People Committee of the Kearney Board, which covers Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in its agenda.She is the author of the Kearney article, "COVID brings the “culture wars” off Twitter and into the workplace.” She joined the podcast to discuss her post and how to navigate culture wars around COVID-19 in the workplace.
S2 E100 · Thu, July 22, 2021
The Latest Paid Leave Update
Paid family leave for federal employees has been a goal of Congressional Democrats for years and that goal got closer to fulfillment last week when a House panel advanced a bill that would provide 12 weeks of paid family leave to federal employees. The bill is far from law and its advancement was not without controversy in committee. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the workforce. He joined the show to talk about paid family leave and other stories he has been covering.
S2 E99 · Wed, July 21, 2021
OPM's Role in This Stage of the Pandemic
The pandemic has reoriented the way most of us work and the federal civil service is no different. Since maximum telework was instituted in the spring of 2020, the federal government has had to make a series of adjustments to its operations, including remote work and hiring practices. It remains to be seen if the pandemic changes will all stick, but administration personnel officials have signaled that the post-pandemic world will be different than the pre-pandemic world. As part of Government Executive and Nextgov’s Future of Work event recently, GovExec Deputy Editor and frequent govexec daily guest Katherine McIntire Peters interviewed Rob Shriver, who is Associate Director for Employee Services at the Office of Personnel Management. Shriver discussed the future of telework, hiring and government work itself in this stage of the pandemic and beyond.
S2 E98 · Tue, July 20, 2021
The 'Pandemic of the Unvaccinated'
Both public and private sector spaces are in the process of reopening, signaling a new phase in the pandemic. While the U.S. is near the top of worldwide vaccination rates, we’re still short of the 70% White House goal. As the new school year approaches and new COVID-19 variants spread, the concern about a lack of an approved vaccine for kids under 12 has become an issue. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Update on GovExec.com. She joined the show to discuss the vaccine situation and update the COVID-19 stories she has been covering.
S2 E97 · Mon, July 19, 2021
The Complications of Raising the Minimum Contractor Wage
Earlier this year, President Joe Biden issued an executive order requiring that the minimum wage paid by government contractors be at least $15 per hour. The order will not affect the overwhelming majority of contract workers, its implementation will not be as easy as the White House and its supporters hope. Stan Soloway is president and CEO of Celero Strategies, LLC and a GovExec contributor. He formerly served as deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform and director of the Defense Reform Initiative during Bill Clinton’s administration. He has a post on our site right now headlined “Raising the Contractor Minimum Wage: It’s Not as Simple as it Looks.” He joined the show to discuss his piece and the complications around Biden’s executive order.
S2 E96 · Fri, July 16, 2021
Federal In-Person Office Policies and the 'Honor System'
As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, more spaces are opening up maskless for those who have received the vaccine. Federal agencies are in the process of creating reopening and in-person operational plans, but can run into real trouble if they use the honor system as much of the private sector is doing now. Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the show to discuss vaccine policies and liabilities for feds and agencies.
S2 E95 · Thu, July 15, 2021
Is USPS Service Back to Normal?
Last week, the United States Postal Service boasted its third quarter service was the strongest in a year . The news comes after the pandemic hit USPS particularly hard, with thousands having to take COVID-related time off and on-time delivery numbers dropping during the pandemic period. This all coincided with then-new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s massive operational changes. Senior Correspondent Eric Katz covers USPS. He joined the podcast to discuss the on-time delivery announcement, the fate of DeJoy and other postal stories he has been covering.
S2 E94 · Wed, July 14, 2021
Using AI to Solve Problems in Health Care and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic taught many lessons. Perhaps one of the biggest is how much artificial intelligence can help innovate and increase the efficacy of billing and health care records. Agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Defense Department have already used AI to analyze contract and manufacturing information to order PPE during the heart of the pandemic. Ashley Mehta is the CEO and founder of Nolij, a firm specializing in federal IT health care. She joined GovExec Daily to discuss how AI can help solve big problems and why she believes now is the the time to take on the private sector.
S2 E93 · Tue, July 13, 2021
How Federal Housing Policy Can Promote Climate Resiliency
Climate change is an emphasis for President Joe Biden and his administration has promised a government-wide focus on climate. Federal housing and community development programs will be a part of that focus, including at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sarah Cunningham is a director at Summit Consulting and a former official with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of Management and Budget Doug Criscitello is currently a Managing Director with Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC and is also a former official with HUD and OMB. They are co-authors of a post on GovExec now headlined " Climate Resilience Starts at Home. ” They joined the show to discuss the intersection of climate and housing policy in the Biden administration.
S2 E92 · Mon, July 12, 2021
Getting Gen Z Into Federal Service
When talking with young people about career planning, many in Generation X want to make a difference or work for positive change. The federal civil service is one avenue for that, but it’s increasingly difficult for Generation Z to get into the federal government. With an aging workforce, this not only presents a major challenge in the immediate future, but a longer term problem for the government of the future. Kaitlyn Rentala is the author of the book, The Public Sector Pivot: How Gen Z Will Lead a Renaissance in Public Service and a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, with a globalization concentration. She has a post on our site right now headlined “Gen Z Could Lead a Renaissance in Public Service—If Only They Could Get In.” She joined the podcast to discuss the hurdles that are keeping young people out of the federal government.
S2 E91 · Fri, July 09, 2021
Efforts to Advance and Invest in Research
Last month, the Senate passed a $250 billion bipartisan tech and manufacturing bill aimed at countering China. The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act is not only one of the largest industrial bills in U.S. history, but it could be also be one of the last major bipartisan bills of 2021. While this amount of investment may be impressive, serious questions are being raised about whether America has the infrastructure in place to drive tangible results and if much of the investment will just be wasted. Robert Lowe is the CEO of Wellspring and he joined the podcast to discuss why this investment is much needed and what steps can be taken to avoid it becoming an albatross.
S2 E90 · Thu, July 08, 2021
Two Different Pay Raise Numbers
Last week, President Biden sent Congress a $6 trillion budget request for fiscal 2022 in which he said he is “recommitting to good government” partially through re-empowering the federal workforce. The full budget request follows April’s release of Biden’s so-called skinny budget. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the podcast to discuss the budget request and how it will affect federal employees.
S2 E89 · Wed, July 07, 2021
How Biden is Managing Government So Far
President Joe Biden came into office in January pledging a very different White House than his predecessor, Donald Trump. So far, this has manifested in general management style and federal personnel policy, but a specific example like Biden’s recent moratorium of federal elections brings into focus the contrasts between Biden and his predecessor. Courtney Bublé has been covering the Biden administration since January. She joined the show to talk about the two administrations she has covered at GovExec.
S2 E88 · Tue, July 06, 2021
The State of Vaccine Progress
In the spring, President Joe Biden set a goal of 70% vaccination American rate for by July 4th. While that mark has not been met, states like Vermont and Massachusetts have surpassed that number. As the White House celebrates the so-called “summer of freedom” and states continue to relax pandemic restrictions, there are concerns that new variants can reignite the crisis. Dr. Jessica Holzer is an Assistant Professor in Health Sciences at the University of New Haven and is an expert in public health. Her most recent work on maternal morbidities in the postpartum period has received awards and recognition from the American Public Health Association. She joined the show to discuss the state of vaccines as we passed the July 4 White House deadline.
S2 E87 · Fri, July 02, 2021
Election Security Amid Threats to Ballot Access
On Thursday morning, the Supreme Court overruled a previous federal appeals court decision that held that Arizona voting laws disproportionately affected voters of color, a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The Thursday ruling is another blow to voting rights advocates, as the aftermath of the 2020 election has seen dozens of states pass dozens of laws restricting voting and making it harder for election officials to administer elections. David Levine is the Elections Integrity Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy and the author of a new report titled “How To Retain Election Officials To Secure Future Elections.” He joined the show now to discuss election security and election administration.
S2 E86 · Thu, July 01, 2021
How Effective Are Feds During 'Maximum Telework?'
Since the “maximum telework” memo for federal employees came down nearly 14 months ago, federal employees have kept government operations going. But, the extent to which government has lost efficacy due to the move to remote work is disputed and Republicans on the House Oversight and Reform Committee recently claimed that mission delivery has suffered. Last week, Georgia Representative Jody Hice asked inspectors general at 10 federal agencies to issue reports on the effects of remote work, writing that the telework period has led to a “less effective federal workforce.” Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the story. He joined the podcast to discuss how “maximum telework” has impacted mission delivery and what Congress wants to know about it.
S2 E85 · Tue, June 29, 2021
The Federal Eviction Moratorium Extension
The federal eviction moratorium was extended last week. The reprieve will now extend until the end of July, but the burden is still on states to create rental assistance programs to avoid evictions. The moratorium provides protection for more than 43 million renters across the across the U.S., but the CDC has assured the public that this will be the last extension. Route Fifty Staff Correspondent Andrea Noble joined the podcast to discuss the eviction ban's imminent extension and next steps.
S2 E84 · Tue, June 29, 2021
How to Best Apply Performance Pressure
Even in a time of pandemic-related stresses, organizations are increasingly interested in getting maximum performance out of employees. While some employees rise to the challenge of managers’ high expectations, other staffers may underperform or worse. What is the level of performance pressure that managers can use to get the best out of the workforce? Dr. Marie S. Mitchell is a professor of Management and I. W. Cousins Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. She’s the lead author of the Academy of Management Journal paper titled Can You Handle the Pressure? The Effect Of Performance Pressure on Stress Appraisals, Self-Regulation, and Behavior.” She joined the podcast to discuss performance management and how managers can use pressure positively in the workplace.
S2 E83 · Mon, June 28, 2021
What's Next in the Battle for Civil Service
Last fall, when then-President Donald Trump signed the Executive Order colloquially called the Schedule F order, public administration experts, good government groups and federal public service unions vociferously criticized the order, with some even claiming it would bring the U.S. back to the spoils system. Upon taking office in January, President Joe Biden rescinded the order and many of the aforementioned groups breathed a sigh of relief. But, the issues around accountability in the civil service are far from resolved and some of those responsible for Schedule F – like James Sherk of the America First Policy Institute – are going farther in their policy proposals. The battle, as our guest today has written, for public service has just begun. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy. He recently retired from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin. His latest piece on our site is headlined “The Battle for the Public Service Is Just Beginning.” He joined the podcast to talk about his post and the fight for civil service reform.
S2 E82 · Thu, June 24, 2021
A New OPM Director is Confirmed
Kiran Ahuja was confirmed this week as the director of the Office of Personnel Management by the Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the 50-50 party-line vote. Ahuja will be the first permanent OPM chief since March of 2020 and will step into the role of administering President Joe Biden’s federal workforce policy. Erich Wagner covers the workforce for us here at GovExec. He joined the podcast to talk about the new OPM chief, controversy around her confirmation and other stories that he has been covering.
S2 E81 · Wed, June 23, 2021
How to Shrink the Racial Wealth Gap
Last week, the Biden administration designated Juneteenth as a federal holiday, marking the first time the day has been recognized nationwide as such. A report released last week by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility and the McKinsey Global Institute identifies the biggest gaps Black people continue to face as business owners, consumers and Americans served by public programs. JP Julien is the lead author of the report and of the co-leaders of McKinsey’s Institute for Black Economic Mobility. He joined the podcast to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations.
S2 E80 · Tue, June 22, 2021
The Pandemic and the ‘Summer of Freedom’
Sunday marked the beginning of summer and the Biden administration is touting the 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered. But, the nationwide vaccination rate of 54% is still far short of the 70% White House goal as the July 4 mile marker approaches. While the country is opening up and federal agencies are submitting reopening plans, the pandemic continues to be a part of Americans’ lives. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Update on GovExec.com. She joined the show now to discuss feds' return to offices, the White House July 4 celebration and other COVID-19 stories that she’s been covering,
S2 E79 · Mon, June 21, 2021
What Feds Need to Know About Coming Back to Hybrid Offices
The COVID-19 crisis forced the federal government into “maximum telework” since March 2020. As vaccination rates are on the rise and we approach President Joe Biden’s July 4 deadline, the federal government is looking to move to the new normal of a hybrid work enforcement. In fact, the White House has asked agencies to have plans for “both reentry and post-reentry procedures and policies by July 19.” Stephanie Rapp-Tully is a partner and federal employment attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Washington, D.C. office. She joined the show now to discuss hybrid work for feds as the pandemic restrictions recede.
S2 E78 · Thu, June 17, 2021
The Civil Service and At-Will Employment
In popular culture, the process by which bad employees are fired is far simpler than the reality. That is doubly true in the federal civil service, where there are often steps and processes needed to remove a poor performer. Many argue that these processes are there to insulate career civil servants from political and favoritism-style meddling from appointees, while others suggest these protections stifle the government from acting in service of the views of the voters. James Sherk is the America First Policy Institute’s Director of the Center for American Freedom. He was a Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Labor Policy Advisor at the Executive Office of the President during President Donald Trump’s term in office. He is the author of the AFPI report titled “Increasing Accountability in the Civil Service.” He joined the show to discuss the report.
S2 E77 · Wed, June 16, 2021
Is the Administration Sidelining Senior Execs at CFPB?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in recent months has offered incentives to leave the agency including early retirement and launched investigations into career senior executives to sideline or remove them, targeting about a half-dozen of the highest-ranked non-political staffers at the small independent agency. According to reports, the targeting is mostly aimed at Trump-era hires at CFPB and is likely flouting civil service protections. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the CFPB story. He joined the show to discuss the administration’s strategy, the potential for adjudication and what this means for the civil service.
S2 E76 · Tue, June 15, 2021
How Human Capital Officials See White House Budgets
President Joe Biden's budget blueprint released late last month calls for hiring across much of the federal government, somewhat spurred from expiration of the 2011 Budget Control Act’s 10-year caps. If Biden’s budget is a priority document, a major priority for this administration is more civil servants into government. Dr. Reginald Wells was Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Human Resources for 15 years and is now an Executive in Residence at American University’s Department of Public Administration and Policy. He joined the show to discuss how presidential budgets affect government human resources officials and their approaches to hiring.
S2 E75 · Mon, June 14, 2021
What to Do About the Politicization of the TSP
The Thrift Savings Plan is aggressively apolitical, but that may be changing. President Biden signed a recent executive order aimed at ensuring federal agencies consider the risks of climate change in their budgeting, which could change the way the TSP invests. Similarly, members of Congress have targeted China-based funds in the I Fund as something to be removed from the fund’s portfolio as a way for the U.S. to make a geopolitical point. Dallen Haws is a financial planner and host of the “Plan Your Federal Benefits” YouTube channel as well as a podcast at PlanYourFederalBenefits.com. He is also the author of the book Building Wealth in The TSP: Your Road Map to Financial Freedom as a FERS Employee . He joined the show to talk about the recent political wrangling around the Thrift Savings Plans and what feds should do, if anything, about it.
S2 E74 · Fri, June 11, 2021
The Federal Eviction Ban is Ending. What Now?
The federal eviction moratorium protecting millions of renters is set to expire at the end of June, leaving the burden on states to create rental assistance programs to avoid a rash of evictions. The CDC moratorium provided protection for more than 43 million renters across the across the country, but the end of the ban would leave millions of households at least three months behind on rent. Route Fifty Staff Correspondent Andrea Noble joined the podcast to discuss the eviction ban's imminent expiration and next steps.
S2 E73 · Thu, June 10, 2021
Staffing at the IRS and the Biden Budget
President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2022 budget blueprint would bring on more than 6,000 employees to the Internal Revenue Service, which could help ameliorate years of staff losses over the past decade. IRS chief Charles Rettig was on Capitol Hill this week to answer questions from Senators about IRS staffing and the role of the agency. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering the IRS staffing story, this week’s hearing and the Biden budget proposal. He joined the podcast to discuss the potential for staffing changes at the agency.
S2 E72 · Wed, June 09, 2021
How an RFI Can Further Biden Diversity Goals
Recently, the Office of Management and Budget issued a request for information seeking potential DEI solutions to improve a range of government activities, including service to public assistance beneficiaries and federal procurement. The RFI reflects a larger strategy of using the procurement process as a way to further DEI progress in the federal government. Stan Soloway is president and CEO of Celero Strategies, LLC and a GovExec contributor. He formerly served as deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform and director of the Defense Reform Initiative during Bill Clinton’s administration. He has a post on our site right now headlined “Diversity RFI Opens the Door to Rethinking How Government Reaches Its Goals.” He joined the show to discuss his piece and the ways the administration can use procurement toward DEI goals.
S2 E71 · Tue, June 08, 2021
The Deadline for Agency Plans to Bring Back Feds
Earlier this month, an email from a Biden administration task force asked agencies to submit by July 19 finalized plans for returning federal workers to their offices. This marks another step in moving toward whatever the “new normal” will be for civilian federal employees during the current state of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Courtney Bublé writes the Coronavirus Roundup on GovExec.com. She joined the show to talk about return-to-office planning and other COVID-19 stories that she’s been covering.
S2 E70 · Mon, June 07, 2021
Human Capital Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis
The beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic forced organizations to rethink the way work is done, from things as complicated as collaboration to things as simple as VPN licenses. Public sector organizations have been no different during the COVID-19 crisis and have had to find new ways to accomplish mission critical work. Libby Bacon leads Deloitte’s Organizational Transformation practice across Government and Public Services. She joined the podcast to discuss Deloitte’s new report titled 2021 Human Capital Trends: Innovating with Intent, A Public Sector Perspective.
S2 E69 · Fri, June 04, 2021
The Hiring Possibilities in Biden's First Budget
President Joe Biden released the first budget blueprint of his presidency last week, calling for a 16% increase in non-defense discretionary spending from fiscal 2021 and a 1.7% increase for defense spending. The document claims that Biden’s $6 trillion plan is a way to recommit to good government. GovExec reporter Eric Katz is covering the budget. He joined the show to discuss some big takeaways from the Biden plan.
S2 E68 · Thu, June 03, 2021
The Pay Raise in Biden's Budget
Last week, President Biden sent Congress a $6 trillion budget request for fiscal 2022 in which he said he is “recommitting to good government” partially through re-empowering the federal workforce. The full budget request follows April’s release of Biden’s so-called skinny budget. Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce for us here at GovExec. He joined the show to discuss the budget request and how it will affect federal employees.
S2 E67 · Wed, June 02, 2021
Climate and a National Green Bank
President Joe Biden’s administration has promised to make the environment a major part of its agenda. The administration has brought in officials specifically to address climate change, has brought the U.S. back to the Paris Climate Accords and has directed agencies to employ “green” considerations in their procurements and strategies. But, there are other ways to further the climate agenda Kathleen Sifer, Managing Director, and Phil Kangas, Principal, are with Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC, where they focus on federal financial and regulatory issues. They are authors of a post on GovExec.com headlined “How a National ‘Green Bank’ Could Help Advance Biden’s Climate Agenda.” They joined the show to discuss their post and how a green bank could further Biden’s environmental agenda.
S2 E66 · Tue, June 01, 2021
Should Your Salary be a Secret to Your Coworkers?
Outside of government, most workers don’t know how much money their coworkers’ make. While such secrecy can create mistrust and turnover, an Academy of Management Journal article also finds that greater pay transparency can help boost retention in the situations where employees have a general feeling that they are being paid fairly. Dr. Peter A. Bamberger is a professor of Organizational Management at Tel Aviv University’s Coller School of Management. He’s one of the authors of the Academy of Management Journal paper “Best not to Know: Pay Secrecy, Employee Voluntary Turnover, and the Conditioning Effect of Distributive Justice.” He joined the show to talk about pay secrecy and its impacts in organizations.
S2 E65 · Fri, May 28, 2021
The Definition, History and Misunderstandings of Critical Race Theory
It's been one year since the murder of George Floyd. Since his untimely death, the United States has seen a resurgence of a focus on civil rights and coming to grips with its history of racial injustice. One of the most polarizing topics is whether or not to teach critical race theory in public schools across America. But what is critical race theory? How does teaching critical race theory in schools or including it in sensitivity trainings for federal employees important for understanding deeper disparities like, housing, education and healthcare? Atiba Madyun is a political analyst, an author and the former deputy executive director of the National Black Caucus of Black legislators. He joined the podcast to discuss the definition, history, and misunderstandings of critical race theory.
S2 E64 · Thu, May 27, 2021
Honoring the Best in Government
Government work is often criticized in the popular imagination and in the political discourse. Civil servants are derided as paper pushers or bureaucrats or, worse, nefarious agents of the deep state. The Government Hall of Fame and the Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards were started in 2019 to honor those who have achieved great things as federal officials and industry leaders. Nominations for the 2021 Government Hall of Fame and Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards close Friday, May 28. Tom Shoop is executive vice president and editor in chief at GovExec Media. He joined the show to discuss the Government Hall of Fame and the Teddies.
S2 E63 · Wed, May 26, 2021
Base Renaming and the First Woman-Led U.S. Military Mission
There are 10 American military bases named after Confederates who fought against the United States during the Civil War. And according to the annual defense bill passed at the start of the year, those bases will have different names soon. Perhaps, a base might be renamed after the woman who led the Combahee River raid, the very first U.S. military operation to be organized and led by a woman. Ben Watson is News Editor at GovExec sibling site Defense One and the host of the Defense One Radio podcast. He previously worked at NPR and served for five years in the U.S. Army, where he was an award-winning combat cameraman and media advisor. He joined the show to discuss base renaming, the latest Defense One Radio episode and Harriet Tubman’s role in leading the Combahee River raid.
S2 E62 · Tue, May 25, 2021
The Justice Department's Role in the Pandemic Response
According to reports, hate crimes against Asian Americans have been on the rise during the coronavirus pandemic. The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University reported that while overall hate crimes dropped 7% in 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 149%. Last week, President Joe Biden signed a bill in response to the rise of violence and hate crimes during the pandemic. Courtney Bublé writes the coronavirus roundup for us here at GovExec. She joined the show to discuss the hate crimes bill and other COVID-19-related stories.
S2 E61 · Mon, May 24, 2021
Is the Civil Service Ready for the Biden Agenda?
President Joe Biden came into office a few months ago with a fairly large agenda. At the forefront is combatting the novel coronavirus pandemic and the trillions of dollars in programs that come with administration plans. Someone will have to implement that policy and that someone will be the two million civilian federal employees. Mark Abramson is the President, Leadership Inc. He was the first Executive Director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government and is the author of Government for the Future with Dan Chenok and John Kamensky. He has a post on GovExec.com headlined “Big Government Is Back. Is the Civil Service Ready?” He joined the show to discuss his post and how well-equipped the civil service is for the challenges of this era.
S2 E60 · Thu, May 20, 2021
Are You Bringing Employees Back to an Unhealthy Workplace?
American office workers are slowly returning to the workplace as more and more people are being vaccinated. The pandemic accelerated telework adoption and lots of organizations are embracing a hybrid environment. But, what makes people want or dread making their way back to the office? What makes an office where people feel comfortable working? Joining our program today is Michael Lee Stallard co-authored the book “Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy, and Understanding at Work,” now in its second edition. He has a post on our site right now headlined “Should You Bring Employees Back to the Office?” He joined the podcast to discuss the post and a return to workplaces.
S2 E59 · Wed, May 19, 2021
CBP, Social Media and the IG Report
A recently-released DHS Inspector General report notes the poor handling by CBP officials upon learning that CBP employees had violated agency social media policy on Facebook and elsewhere in bigoted posts and comments. Ten senators and the Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security had asked for an investigation after a private CBP-centered Facebook group became the heart of a series of news stories. GovExec Senior Correspondent Eric Katz is covering DHS hiring and workforce culture. He joined the show to discuss the inspector general report and the DHS workforce.
S2 E58 · Tue, May 18, 2021
Brian Miller and Pandemic Oversight
It has been a little under a year since Brian Miller was confirmed as the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. Miller told our guest today that he’s found a lot of success in uncovering fraud associated with the CARES Act in his time on the job, but there is more work to be done. Courtney Bublé is a reporter covering oversight. She spoke to Miller last week and she joined the show to talk about her conversation with him and oversight in the Biden administration.
S2 E56 · Mon, May 17, 2021
Improving the Budget Process
Since 2013, the United States has seen multiple shutdowns, even more continuing resolutions and generalized budget confusion. Article One of the Constitution gives Congress budget responsibility, but it’s not that simple in practice or theory. Liz Hempowicz is the Director of Public Policy for the Project on Government Oversight. She joined the show to discuss budget authority and Congress’ role in the budgeting process.
S2 E56 · Fri, May 14, 2021
Dealing With the Complex Changes Brought on by Telework
The COVID-19 crisis has pushed telework efforts in to overdrive. But with vaccines and infection numbers starting to go down, agency leaders are faced with an even bigger challenge: How to best engage employees digitally and how to slowly start to integrate staff back into the office when the time comes. Dr. John Kotter is the Executive Chairman of Kotter, Inc. and the author of the upcoming book Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times . He joined the show to talk about telework and agency productivity.
S2 E55 · Thu, May 13, 2021
How Governments Can Promote Equity Compliance Measures
As calls for racial justice have grown louder over the last few years, governments need to find ways to build racial equity into policy. Technology now gives governments more real-time information than ever to make policy decisions in the pursuit of equity, if they choose to use that information. Martin O’Malley was governor of the state of Maryland for two terms and the two-term mayor of Baltimore. He currently is a Senior Advisor for Smart Governance with Grant Thornton, a Fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration and the author of “Smarter Government: How to Govern for Results in the Information Age.” He has a post on GovExec sibling site Route 50 now headlined “States and Localities Should Implement Equity Compliance Measures.” He joined the show to talk about how governments can leverage data, tech and expertise in the service of equity.
S2 E54 · Wed, May 12, 2021
A Year of Pandemic Oversight
Eleven months ago, Brian Miller was confirmed as the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. Since his June confirmation, his office has staffed up his office, the COVID-19 crisis has continued and a presidential transition happened after November's election. Recently, GovExec correspondent and frequent GovExec Daily guest Courtney Bublé interviewed Miller about his time in his office and what he has learned during the 11 months he has been at the job.
S2 E53 · Tue, May 11, 2021
Telework and Federal Labor-Management Relations
During the maximum telework period of the COVID-19 crisis, criticism of federal telework has largely been blunted by Pentagon and OPM evidence that productivity has been maintained during remote work. The pandemic experience now offers a unique opportunity for change because old assumptions about the effectiveness of telework were blown up by the data. This could be done through labor-management relations. Robert M. Tobias is a distinguished practitioner in residence at the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University, the former president of the National Treasury Employees Union and a GovExec contributor. His latest post on our site is headlined “The Pandemic Has Created an Opening to Improve Federal Labor-Management Relations.” He joined the podcast to discuss how the COVID-19 crisis can be used to facilitate better conversations between labor and management.
S2 E52 · Mon, May 10, 2021
Using Data for Racial Equity
President Joe Biden has promised to put diversity, equity and inclusion at the forefront of his agenda. In order to do that, good, usable data will need to be used to identify and analyze racial inequities, develop solutions, and track progress. Temilola Afolabi is a Research Associate who co-leads the Open Data for Racial Equity program at the Center for Open Data Enterprise (CODE). She joined the show to discuss how the Biden administration can use data in the pursuit of equity.
S2 E51 · Fri, May 07, 2021
How Feds Have Fared During the Pandemic
Public service is both a career and calling for many. While the 15 months have really tested federal employees’ resolve, the two million civilian feds have responded with aplomb to the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Active and retired federal employees have likely looked at the response with some level of pride in civil servants’ professionalism. Jessica Klement is the Staff Vice President, police and program at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Prior to joining NARFE, Klement served as the Government and Public Affairs Director at the Federal Managers Association, She joined the show to talk about her organization and Public Service Recognition Week.
S2 E50 · Thu, May 06, 2021
How FEVS Scores Changed During the Pandemic
As with most things during the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey was different than it had been in previous years. It was delayed twice and the results finally came out, showing that federal employees surveyed are more engaged and happier in their jobs. Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce for us here at GovExec. He joined the show to discuss survey results and other pay and benefits stories that affect federal employees.
S2 E49 · Wed, May 05, 2021
The View From a Federal Employee
The federal civil service is huge and varied, with federal employees in jobs across agencies as different as the Justice Department and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Love Rutledge is the host of the Fed Upward podcast and a federal employee at the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Readiness. She’s joined the podcast talk about what it's like being a public servant during Public Service Recognition Week.
S2 E48 · Tue, May 04, 2021
A Strategy for Strengthening the Workforce
The Biden administration often claims that it inherited a series of policy crises when it came into office in January. Less prominent than the economic and public health crises involving COVID-19, for example, is the crises in the civil service. Biden’s bedrock task, our guest today has written, is to strengthen the civil service to tackle the policy problems facing the administration. Dr. Donald F. Kettl is Professor in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a GovExec contributor. He’s authored many books, including Escaping Jurassic Government: How to Recover America's Lost Commitment to Competence and The Politics of the Administrative Process . His most-recent piece on our site is headlined “Biden Needs a Strategy for Strengthening the Federal Workforce." He joined the show discuss how the administration can support the civil service.
S2 E47 · Mon, May 03, 2021
Why Public Service Recognition Week Matters Now More than Ever
This week marks Public Service Recognition Week, a celebration of those who serve the U.S. as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. Throughout the country, government officials, communities and non profit organizations will celebrity public servants and the jobs they do supporting the nation. Jordan LaPier is a Senior Communications Manager at the Partnership for Public Service. He joins the show to talk about Public Service Recognition Week.
S2 E46 · Fri, April 30, 2021
Biden's First 100 Days
Friday marks the 100th day of Joe Biden’s time as president. He marked the occasion with a speech to a joint session of Congress in which he touted his administration’s accomplishments and proposed a series of far-reaching policies that come with a price tag in the trillions. The 100-day mark has been a part of American political culture since Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. Katherine McIntire Peters is GovExec’s Deputy Editor and Tom Shoop is GovExec‘s executive vice president and editor in chief joined the show to examine Biden’s 100-day record against his promises and his predecessors.
S2 E45 · Thu, April 29, 2021
The Next Steps in Vaccinations
After more than a year of dire news around the pandemic, the number of American adults who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 is rapidly rising. Nearly 100 million adults in the U.S. have had at least one shot of any of the available vaccines, but the pandemic is far from over. The next phase of vaccine distribution planning is paramount for public health if the U.S. – and the world – is to get to herd immunity going forward. Dr. Pooja Kumar is a McKinsey partner and Shubham Singhal is a McKinsey senior partner. They are co-authors on a new McKinsey report titled "A light at the end of the tunnel: US COVID-19 vaccine administration." They joined the show to discuss how stakeholders can come together in the pursuit of a fully-vaccinated public and COVID-19 herd immunity.
S2 E44 · Wed, April 28, 2021
The Major Changes In Federal Digital Operations and Acquisition
The year-plus of the coronavirus pandemic isolation period has forced government to heed the call of modernization with speed unseen before it. The necessity of telework made the federal government switch to a more agile tech and workforce situation, including IT contracting and operations. The Biden administration came into office against that backdrop and, according to our guest today, has brought in a series of appointees who speak to a brighter, more professional future for government's digital transformation. Stan Soloway is president and CEO of Ce le ro Strategies, LLC and a GovExec contributor. He formerly served as deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform and director of the Defense Reform Initiative during Bill Clinton’s administration. His post “Biden Appointments Signal Major Changes In Digital Operations and Acquisition” analyzes the new appointments in the administration. He joined the show to discuss his piece and the future of government digital ops and acquisitions.
S2 E43 · Tue, April 27, 2021
The New Postal Board Nominees and the Future of USPS
Recent Postal Inspector General reports paint a less-than-rosy picture for the United States Postal Service. Delayed service, financial burdens and understaffing plague the USPS, with customers increasingly frustrated. With all of this hanging over their heads, President Joe Biden’s Postal Board nominees appeared on Capitol Hill as part of their confirmation process. Eric Katz covers postal issues at GovExec and he joined the podcast to talk about the nominees and the state of USPS.
S2 E42 · Mon, April 26, 2021
Why the 'Deep State' Doesn't Exist in the Civil Service
The federal workforce is made up of more than two million individuals, so it is hardly a monolith of ideology, values or common sentiment. Each one swears an oath to the Constitution, of course, but they are human beings with their own viewpoints, including on policy and politics. Dr. Edoardo Teso is an Assistant Professor of Managerial Economics & Decision Sciences at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Guo Xu is an Assistant Professor of Business and Public Policy at the Haas School of Business University of California at Berkeley. His research focuses on the selection, recruitment and allocation of talent in private and public sector organizations. Teso and Xu examine the connection between politics and public employees in a working in a new working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research titled "Ideology and Performance in Public Organization." They joined the podcast to discuss their paper and the ways ideology does or doesn’t affect civil servants' job performance.
S2 E41 · Thu, April 22, 2021
A New Leave Proposal for Feds
When compared to other developed nations, the United States is lagging behind on providing paid leave for the workforce. A 2019 bill brought the federal government closer to other developed nation-states like the United Kingdom and France, but a new bill in the Senate would provide even more leave to federal employees and position the federal government as a leader in the U.S. on leave. GovExec Senior Correspondent Erich Wagner covers the federal workforce. He joined the show to discuss the paid leave bill and other pay and benefits stories that affect federal employees.
S2 E40 · Wed, April 21, 2021
How to Manage the Zoomers in Your Office
The generation born after 1996, commonly called Gen Z or Zoomers, are entering the workforce now, causing managers to adapt to Gen Z’s unique needs, complications and strengths. Management can be complicated. As technology and the world changes, the workforce and management will change, as well. Kat Clowes is the founder and CEO of March Consulting, an educational consultant and the author of Put College to Work: How to Use College to the Fullest to Discover Your Strengths and Find a Job You Love Before You Graduate. Robin Paggi is a veteran HR manager and the training and development specialist at Worklogic HR. They cowrote the new book, Managing Generation Z: How to Recruit, Onboard, Develop, and Retain the Newest Generation in the Workplace . They joined the podcast to discuss how to manage a workplace across generations as Gen Z becomes more a part of the workforce.
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