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Summer 2006 In this issue, you'll read: Meet Your New President Three Spring Events Honor Women Career Corner EWG Summit A Success! EWG-WIPP Working Together Members in the News EWG Welcomes New MembersEWG Elects New Board The membership elected a new board this month naming Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as our 33rd president. Also elected were Katherine C. Gugulis, Deputy Chief for Strategic Planning and Accountability for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as Vice-President and Paula Farrell, Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Review at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, as Secretary. Continuing on the board are Margaret Weir, Manager, Internal Control Group (ICG) as Treasurer and Maria Parisi Vickers, Deputy Director, Office of Solid Waste at the Environmental Protection Agency, as Past President. The new board will be officially sworn in this fall and over the summer will be working on the 2006-07 program and events. Watch the website for more details as they develop. See accompanying article for more information on your board! The board of directors is tasked with seeing that the vision and mission of the organization are fulfilled through programs and services to members and women in the federal government. The board works with several committees that provide the planning and help implement key programs. The board is now forming the committees and is actively seeking committee co-chairs and committee members. We offer a variety of short-term and longer term volunteer opportunities. All committees welcome new members … volunteering opens the door for a richer membership experience. Gain skills, meet people, build a professional network and receive recognition! To find out more about volunteering or simply to talk to your leaders, visit the website for full contact info.Back to top Meet Your New President Nancy A. Nord, who was nominated by President George W. Bush, was sworn in on May 5, 2005 as a commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for a term that expires in October of 2012. This past month she was named Acting Chairman of the Commission. The CPSC protects the public against unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products.
Ms. Nord was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD and currently resides in Washington, DC with her husband the Honorable James S. Halpern, a judge on the U.S. Tax Court. She had one daughter. Note: We’ll introduce you to other members of the board in coming issues! Back to top Three Spring Events Honor Women EWG celebrated women in leadership in three different events this past Spring, and also participated in the Race for the Cure. Here’s a quick recap of our Spring events. See separate story on the March annual conference.Transitioning from the Legislative to the Executive Branch … In April, Susan Parker Bodine provided a look at the differences and similarities of the legislative and executive branches and the corporate world. Prior to assuming the position of Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response in January, Bodine served as Staff Director and Senior Counsel of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where she worked primarily on Clean Water Act, Wetlands, Superfund, Brownfields, and Army Corps of Engineers civil works legislation and oversight. Bodine joined the Subcommittee staff in January 1995 after spending over six years in private practice as an environmental attorney with the Washington, D.C. law firm, Covington & Burling. In her remarks, Parker said that many of the skills in leadership and management were quite transferable from the corporate world to the legislative branch to the executive branch. Perhaps the greatest though is listening, she said. She described herself as a good listener and said that her priority was to listen to everyone who is involved in an issue from EPA staff, state governments, NGOs, and the business community. Bodine noted that she learned early as a practicing attorney in the late 1980s the value of listening as it helped solve problems. Then during the 11 years on the Hill, “listening was a critical part of the legislative process that resulted in better decisions and better laws.” She also noted that the experience of working in each of these different environments has also been extremely valuable. Bodine indicated she has a deeper understanding of the relationship and dynamics within each which has allowed her to be more effective in planning, communication and building beneficial relationships. May Tea Honors 12 Presidential Rank Award Winning Women … EWG was pleased to honor 12 women awarded the 2005 Presidential Distinguished Each year EWG sets aside its May event to both recognize achievements by women and provide a social networking event to kick-off the summer season. On the lighter side, we give awards for the best hats, a fashion mainstay of the traditional tea from yesterday.
Women in the U.S. Military Through the Generations … CDR Joanna M. Nunan, U.S. Coast Guard, and a panel of distinguished women representing five branches of the military provided an insightful look at women's evolving role and opportunities in the military. CDR Nunan, who served as Military Assistant to Secretary of Transportation Mineta, led the panel discussion. Panelists included Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret) and president of WIMSA; Captain Beverly Kelley, USCG (Ret); Corporal Amber Chavarria, USMC (Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C.); and Commander Ruth L. Erno, USN (Ret). Woven in a discussion rich with personal stories (many with a delightful dose of humor), these women described a passion for the work and the life in military. They urged other women to follow – but as one knowingly described not in – their footsteps. There are paths yet to be forged. Back to top Career Corner Overseas Opportunities Looking for Your Next Job? Ever considered looking outside the US? Maybe you should. The Department of State's Bureau of International Organization Affairs provides a central job listing service that lists a myriad of opportunities outside the US (and some in the US) working for international organizations (IOs) and they are actively encouraging USG employees to apply. In fact, even Secretary Condoleezza Rice sent a letter to agency heads encouraging them to promote employment in international organizations in a positive and active manner. The listing of positions is very diverse, ranging from human resources management to nuclear medicine. And, according to Lynette Podolsky, they are interested in increasing the number of women in these positions. “We know that women are not well represented in professional positions in IOs, including at the senior levels, so we are looking for opportunities to improve this situation,” said Podolsky to EWG. The Bureau maintains an active list of opportunities. Some of the current listing include: Executive Secretary; UN Secretariat; Director, Program Support & Coordination (New York); International Atomic Energy Agency (Vienna, Austria); Dep. Director, Div of Technology, Industry & Economics, UN Enviromental Program (Paris, France); Director, Div. of Global Environment Facility Coordination (Nairobi, Kenya); and Director, International Leadership Institute (Amman, Jordan). For a complete list and additional information, visit www.state.gov/p/io/empl/.If you are wondering about how open the government is to employees seeking international position, then check out Executive Order 11552 of 8/24/70. This requires the Secretary of State to "provide leadership and coordination for the ... Federal Government to increase ... participation in international organizations through transfers and details of well-qualified Federal employees." The E.O. also requires Federal agencies, to the maximum extent feasible to encourage details and transfers of employees. Generally, the most competitive candidates have international work experience, skills in a second language (normally Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish), and a master's degree in the required area of expertise. However, there are many other considerations. For more information, contact Podolsky at the UN Employment Information and Assistance Unit, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 202-647-6396 or podolskylm@state.gov.HHS announces Chief Learning Officer SES position The CLO will work in the Office of Human Resources, Division of Workforce and Career Development to develop strategic learning opportunities at HHS and deliver targeted and measurable training to employees and outside customers. The person will oversee the HHS University which provides common needs training and development opportunities via traditional classroom training, online self-study, development programs, and career planning, counseling and coaching to support the HHS mission and will continue to build best practices in the Department's approach to training. This position also serves as the President's Management Agenda initiative owner for various areas covered under Strategically Manage Human Capital and will be responsible for meeting the OMB/OPM mandated Green Standards for Success. Additionally, the incumbent's responsibilities include requirements mandated under the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004. See http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=46049456 for the full text vacancy announcement, qualification requirements, and application procedures. Applications must be submitted on-line using the HHS QuickHire system and must be received by the closing date of August 14. “Join HHS and help make the world healthier, safer and better for all Americans,” says Dawn Wathen, HR Specialist (Executive Resources). Contact her for more information at Dawn.Wathen@hhs.gov or 202-690-6528.Back to top EWG Summit A Success! by Mary Fillmore The U.S. Chamber of Commerce conference room was packed to overflowing with executive women from all across government to hear speakers from distinguished anthropologist Dr. Mary Catherine Bateson to presidential appointees, and federal executives who have transitioned to the private sector. EWG President Maria Parisi Vickers and EWG Summit Chair Marylouise Uhlig welcomed the record crowd. Mary Dingee Fillmore began the day with "Appreciation Appreciates," a practical presentation about the art of positive feedback and why it matters. She encouraged everyone to appreciate others more often, more memorably, and at greater depth. The group was reminded to give small, frequent doses of appreciation, or NIPS: Notice, Invest in the relationship, make it Personal to that individual, and be Specific about what was done. And remember to appreciate yourself as well as others! As part of the session, each person wrote a "thank you" note she had been meaning to write. For more information, contact Fillmore at mfillmor@together.net, 802-860-1034, or visit http://www.changingworktogether.com/. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao keynoted the conference, stressing the importance of more educated women moving into a wider array of businesses as we transition to a knowledge economy. Her economic news was good, although the wage gap between women and men is still 80 cents on the dollar. Four leadership lessons were the heart of her message: know your business, understand the culture and what the sacred cows may be, communicate and motivate people in the empowered environment, and be transparent and accountable. Her last word was "mentor," because there will be such a wave of retirements in 2008-10, and it's essential that people do reach out and share what they know.Linda Combs, Comptroller, OMB’s Office of Federal Financial Management, scared everyone by holding up a green R for Results card, but reassured us that there are 1500 women executives in government versus the 100 who were there when EWG was founded. She spoke about the importance of leaders at all levels who know how to deliver results, and focused in on a series of leadership characteristics: people orientation, respect, vision, consistency, candor, doing a few things right, optimism, and willingness to learn. She emphasized the importance of being where the ball is going rather than where it just was. Combs gave the group two key concepts: loyalty that argues back, and approaching issues with a "yes if" rather than a "yes but" attitude.
Anne Armstrong, the publisher of Federal Computer Week, moderated a panel of former Federal employees who have moved into the business world. Their theme was "How to Succeed in Business: Much of What I Need to Know I learned in Government." The panelists were Kim Nelson, Executive Director of e-government, Microsoft; Cathy Wagenfer, Director of Business Development, Lockheed Martin Information Technology; Mary Ellen Condon, VP/Deputy Director, Orion Center for Homeland Security, SRA International; and Anna Dixon, Managing Consultant, IBM Business Consulting Services. They spoke about the differences between public and private sectors in terms of the bottom line pressure, and having much less support staff. Technology skills are critical. Acculturation was a key issue for almost everyone. Employability for current federal executives means being willing to take on a challenge and learning a lot about companies which interest you. The audience was advised to check out the culture informally as well as through research and to be aware of what to negotiate for (including the privilege of working virtually) because some federal employees have an exaggerated idea of what they are worth. The panel reassured everyone that you can make a difference in the private sector, too, it's just in a different role. In wrapping up with one word of advice, Dixon reminded the audience that they have a healthy Rolodex inside too; Condon said that you need to look at it as starting over again and understand the profit and loss issues; Wagenfer offered the insight that 60 hour weeks are routine, and 80 and 100 hour weeks are far from unknown; Nelson stressed setting expectations from the beginning, since "everything in life is about building those relationships." It was a perfect note to close on. Back to top EWG-WIPP Working Together EWG and Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc. (WIPP) entered into a Strategic Relationship which allows the groups to work together on events and activities that they have in common. WIPP is a national bipartisan public policy organization which educates and advocates on behalf of women and minorities in business. The organization represents over half a million members. The relationship gives EWG an opportunity to expand awareness of the organization – and potentially create valuable personal and professional networks outside the government for its members. Further, EWG is invited to WIPP’s Fall and Spring meetings in Washington, DC. Their next event is WIPP Leadership and Legacy: 5th Anniversary Summit: A Vision and Voice for the Future, which takes place September 11-13, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. WIPP has provided a scholarship for three EWG members to attend the conference. The scholarship reduces the conference fee from the regular full price of $450 to $150 per person. In addition, they match the scholarship recipients with other active members who will be available to meet and/or mentor the recipient during the conference. Interested? Submit your interest to Lin Weigel at LWeigel@wipp.org by August 15th. For more information about WIPP, visit their website at www.wipp.org.Back to top Members in the News  Lieutenant General Frances C. Wilson USMC assumed duties as the 12th President of the National Defense University on July 14 from Lieutenant General Michael M. Dunn, USAF, in a ceremony presided over by General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Wilson will be responsible for managing this premier center for joint professional military education. The university provides an educational and research environment to prepare future leaders of the armed services, State Department, other civilian agencies, and international friends and allies for high-level policy, command, and staff responsibilities. General Wilson served most recently as the Commandant of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, one of four colleges of the university. She is the first Marine and the first woman to be the university’s president. EWG members had the opportunity to meet General Wilson and see the campus at our November luncheon during which the General offered her view on the military. For more information on her and NDU visit http://www.ndu.edu/.Virginia Robinson, CGFM, CPA, DABFA, Financial Management Consultant, Robinson Consulting, received the prestigious AGA Educator Award from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) on June 20. This award is presented to Ms. Robinson for the exceptional education and training provided on behalf of government accountability professionals to improve financial management at all levels of government. Public servants as well as others devoted to improving public service have been able to provide enhanced accountability to the citizenry as a result of her work. Ms. Robinson has held senior positions in the public and private sectors. Education and training in financial management policies, developed by Robinson and her staff were used to teach officials in the Department of Energy, financial institutions and public interest groups on matters related to direct and guaranteed loans. As a result of this work, Robinson was selected for senior executive service. In her post as executive director, Joint Financial Management Improvement Program, Robinson was challenged to establish core competencies for the government’s accountants, budget specialists and financial managers. The competencies developed are still in use today in the federal, and some state and local governments.
Dr. Kate Mahaffey’s contributions to our understanding of the risk posed by metals such as lead and methylmercury date back over 30 years. Her early work demonstrated regarding toxicity of lead played an important role in the evolving regulatory decisions limiting the exposures of children to lead in the U.S. Dr. Mahaffey has also contributed at several levels to the regulatory process for limiting exposure of women of childbearing age and children to methylmercury exposure through fish consumption. She was one of the principal authors of the EPA’s Mercury Study Report to Congress that served as the background for alerting the scientific and regulatory communities to the health risks posed by methylmercury. Christine Liu, CIO, Small Business Administration, had two reasons to celebrate this spring. She was awarded the 2005 Presidential Rank Awards For Meritorious Executive and then was promoted to the position of CIO at the Small Business Administration. Chris won her award while at the State Department. She has been an active EWG member chairing the program committee last year. Peggy Philbin, Executive Director, Bureau of Administration, Department of State, received 2005 Presidential Rank Awards For Meritorious Executive. Back to top EWG Welcomes New Members Emilia Bardini -Department of Homeland Security Ina Boston - Department of the Treasury Gayle Bracy - Department of the Treasury Gwendolyn Coggs - Department of Commerce Sharon Conway - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Yvonne Davis - Department of Agriculture Janice Hill - Department of Homeland Security Peggy Love - Environmental Protection Agency Gisele Mohler - Department of Transportation Deborah Nolan - Department Of Treasury Nancy Nord - Consumer Product Safety Commission Marilee Perkal - Department of Defense Marilyn Richardson - Office of the Inspector General Sandy Robinson - Department of State Omayra Salgado - Environmental Protection Agency Suzanne Schloch-Gonzalez - US Navy Back to top To remove yourself from this mailing list, click here.
Executive Women in Government |
Nancy holds a degree in history from the University of Nebraska and received her law degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She has held a number of legal positions both in the federal government and in the private sector. Her federal experience includes service as General Counsel of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, counsel to the Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and attorney at the Federal Communications Commission. In the private sector, she was the Director of Federal Affairs for the Eastman Kodak Company, practiced law with the Washington, DC law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand, served as the executive director of the American Corporate Counsel Association and was Director of Consumer Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 
Torie Clarke, author and CNN Commentator, touched on "Winning in a No-Spin Era by Someone Who Knows the Game." She emphasized that we are in an information era with unprecedented volume and velocity, even compared to a few years ago. These times demand openness and gave the example of Sen. John McCain's handling of the Keating Five situation in which he was the only one of the five Senators involved who chose to communicate proactively. Her concerns today are that the Abramhoff scandal has yet to lead to lobbying reform, and that the war deserves more attention from the government, media and people. When asked about promoting agencies, she stressed looking at the whole range of options, including on-line capabilities.
Karen Evans, OMB’s Administrator of E-Government and Information Technology, enthralled people with her life story of growing up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood with her Japanese mother and U.S. born father. He worked for the former Civil Service Commission, now OMB, and counseled her along the way, including giving her a push in the direction of emerging technology while she continued to raise her family in West Virginia. She learned to ask three questions: How can I make a difference today? Am I having fun? Is it good for my family? Evans' mother taught her to be nice to everyone on the way up, use the golden rule, and treat everyone fairly. She said that you can't have it all, and not to beat yourself up if you can't get to a ball game.
Dr. Kate Mahaffey, Director, Division of Exposure Assessment, at US-EPA won the prestigious Society of Toxicology Arnold J. Lehman Award for her work on lead and methylmercury. The award is presented by the largest professional toxicology societies in the US to recognize an individual who has made a major contribution to risk assessment and/or the regulation of chemical agents, including pharmaceuticals.