A Panel Discussion with:

• Eleanor Clift, Newsweek Magazine Contributing Editor/McLaughlin Group
• Dotty Lynch, CBS Political Consultant and Presidential Pollster
• Celinda Lake, Political Strategist and President, Lake Research Partners

An overview of each speaker’s presentation is highlighted below:

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley spoke about her career and life experiences, sharing details of her childhood, education and various jobs. Congresswoman Berkley said that she was proud of her European Jewish heritage and the fact that her father managed to buy a home in Las Vegas and care for his family in spite of his limited education and work as a waiter. Both of her parents promoted the importance of education and the idea that pubic service is a noble calling.

Congresswoman Berkley talked about the various jobs she held while attending college, which included work in a casino. That experience allowed her to become more familiar with the gaming industry, which is critical in the state of Nevada.

She emphasized that the cost of being a public servant can be significant. Specifically, she spoke about the long hours she works (often 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM), the hardships associated with being away from her family, and the difficulties her husband faces as a Congressional spouse. Even so, Congresswoman Berkley said she loves her job.

In closing, Congresswoman Berkley reminded all EWG members of our responsibility to vote if we want to impact our government.

Lurita Alexis Doan is the first woman to hold the top position at GSA. She spoke of being proud that GSA’s morale has improved during her tenure, revenue is once again increasing, and that the agency was recently voted one of the top ten places to work.

Ms. Alexis spoke lovingly of her grandmother who owned her own business in the South before she had the right to vote. Specifically, she said her grandmother encouraged her to attend college, and to never miss an opportunity to let her voice be heard. Ms. Alexis talked about some of the jobs she performed early in her career by saying that she attached stamps to letters and worked at the Tastee Donut Shop—both jobs that she loved. Her message was that we should strive to do our best in every job we hold.

Ms. Alexis also spoke about being lucky to have a spouse who is supportive of her career and her 14-hour workdays. She said that her way of coping with the stress of the job is to focus 100 percent on the issues before her and nothing else. She encouraged each of us to find opportunities in the workplace that only we can fill, and to be more supportive of other women.

Wendy Chamberlin, the President of the Middle East Institute, spoke about managing in a multicultural environment and the United Nations, a multilateral institution. She said the work with the United Nations is unique because it is comprised of so many different cultures and values. As a result, you can’t make assumptions about what someone is thinking, or even their interpretation of values. Terms in the workplace, such as accountability, vary greatly throughout the world. These differences necessitate standardized rules and regulations, as well as gender balance within the UN culture.

The UN offers an amazing diversity of trained staff willing and ready to respond to situations demanding specialized language skills and cultural familiarity. Assignments considered “hard to fill” due to remoteness or security risks, are always home to some UN staff. The UN is also unique as it embodies political authority to get things done in many parts of the world.

Ambassador Chamberlain closed by cautioning Americans that we are insular looking—and this American value will have a future economic and political price if we don’t change.

Michelle Katz began navigating the healthcare system out of necessity. She was involved in a serious car accident during a time period when she was uninsured. As a result, Ms. Katz learned to re-negotiate the cost of her health care as she was recovered from her accident.

Ms. Katz gave EWG members many, many tips on how to keep the cost of health care to a minimum including what to look for when examining hospital bills, how to account for long-term care, negotiating with medical providers, what to look for in health insurance, how to get prescriptions at reduced rates or at no cost, and many more. A copy of her book, “Healthcare for Less” was provided to each EWG member courtesy of Costco—a major sponsor of the 2007 EWG Summit.

Teresa Carlson is an Executive Director with Microsoft, who also served as one of the major sponsors of the 2007 EWG Summit. Ms. Carlson’s presentation focused on mentoring and related programs available at Microsoft, which are significant and critical to career advancement. Surprisingly, she mentioned that even Bill Gates has mentors and mentoring groups that help guide his decision-making.

Ms. Carlson’s talk was enlightening in that she suggested that women are often more reluctant to accept a higher graded or leadership position unless they are certain they are 100 percent ready. In comparison, men, often accept jobs with much less experience than their female counterparts simply because they exhibit confidence. She suggested that women not downplay their accomplishments, and learn how to talk comfortably about their strengths. She also pointed out that most women are able to multitask more effectively than men because they often juggle more priorities at home.

In closing, Ms. Carlson suggested:

• Hiring and investing in great employees;
• Listening, learning and over communicating;
• Creating a clear vision and strong accountability;
• Seeking 360 degree feedback and taking the feedback seriously;
• Recognizing greatness; and
• Tapping into your passion.

Governor Christine Todd Whitman spoke to the group about the importance of having a voice in the government. Copies of her book, “It’s My Party, Too” were distributed compliments of Project Performance Corporation, one of the major sponsors of the 2007 EWG Summit.

Ms. Whitman’s advice was that if we wanted to be a role model, don’t run for political office since women in office are often harder on one another than their male counterparts. She went on to say that only 16.3 percent of those on the hill are females yet women represent 50% of the workforce. Clearly there is under representation; consequently, women need to be involved at election time and beyond. Further she stated that white males don’t have all the answers—that women and minorities are needed to provide a balanced prospective to the lawmaking process.

Her advice on how to better deal with difficult decisions is to:

• Use common sense.
• Listen to the experts.
• Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know but I’ll find out and get back to you”.
• Work closely with people with whom you disagree.

In closing, Ms. Whitman encouraged all members to vote since the average turnout for a presidential election is 38 percent.

Eleanor Clift, Newsweek Magazine Contributing Editor/McLaughlin Group, Dotty Lynch, CBS Political Consultant and Presidential Pollster, Celinda Lake, Political Strategist and President, Lake Research Partners discussed how women vote, the most important women’s issues that exist today, and discussion about the 2008 election. Their conversation, moderated by marketing consultant Joan Michelson, offered some insight into how women vote.

Historically women were thought to have voted like their husbands. It was not until the 80s that women were identified as a targeted group, wooed by politicians, and recognized to have an impact in elections. The three most important political issues for women today are the war in Iraq, healthcare, and security—both physical and financial. Security for women is broadening into the areas of economy, healthcare, retirement, as well as concern for the next generation.

The panel members all expressed their views regarding the 2008 election including possible candidates, running mates, and platforms.

Tina Sung, President, Synergy Works and Managing Partner in Life after Government, surprised everyone by stating that females born today have a 50 percent chance of living until age 100. That certainly got everyone’s attention!!

She spoke about choosing the right path as you move into retirement since employment choices are all about you. She suggested “doing what you love and the money will follow.” She also stated that “success is getting what you want and happiness is wanting what you get.”

Ms. Sung encouraged investing time and money in yourself in preparing for the transition, as well as putting your plan in place the year before you retire.
She provided information on how to market the skills we’ve gained while working with the Federal Government. Some of the more transferable job skills are:

• Results orientation
• Management
• Change management
• People skills
• Functional expertise
• Ability to listening effectively
• Ability to learn and adapt
• A proficient network

Accolades from the Summit:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Summit this year! I also (like so many of us) saw the tremendous energy and engagement by the participants. The program this year truly covered several areas of interest and importance. I cannot thank you and praise you enough for bringing this to all of us and the attendees. Thank you to your team as well. You always amaze me!” - Peg Weir, District Manager (A), Albany District, US Postal Service

“Marylou [conference chair] once again [has] exercised her considerable talents and brought EWG an outstanding Summit which inspired, motivated, and entertained. I am so grateful to have been able to spend the day with you and other dear friends as well as being able to introduce some of my staff to the larger world of the federal sisterhood. Kudos and grateful thanks to you and Chris and Julie!!!! You are a real star in my firmament!!! I hope the Summit met your expectations in every way; it surpassed mine.” - Maria Parisi Vickers, Deputy Director, Office of Solid Waste

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Karen Hughes Speaks to Packed Room

Karen Hughes, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, State Department, addressed EWG at a May 8^th luncheon in the State Department Executive Dining Room. Karen participates in foreign policy development and leads efforts to promote America’s values around the world by overseeing Education and Cultural Affairs, Public Affairs, and International Information Programs in the Department of State. She spoke of influences in her life, impressive and poignant episodes, and offered career advice to the attendees.

Karen, who never dreamed while she was growing up that someday she would work in the White House and State Department, looked back on two skills that helped prepare her for her career. “I argued and asked lots of questions.” She stressed the importance of following your passions in work and other priorities. “You need to make choices and they are not always easy.” She has experienced the tug of war in life with conflicting demands but family has been one her most important priorities, even influencing her decision to leave her former White House position and return to Texas. Her current State Department role “is an intersection of her passion and priorities”. But, she cautioned attendees—“Consider your choices. What is most important to you? Then order them very carefully.”

Karen spoke about the universality of ideas. She cited words of wisdom and insights-- including why she took her current job. I’m here “because I care and believe the work to be vitally important for the next generation.” “Faith, Family, and Friends are important to not just me. They are important to everyone." She expounded on her overseas experiences and illustrated that “when you educate and empower women, you empower everything else in society. Women share their wealth. Mothers and wives value freedom, health, and education. Universal hopes and dreams encompass respect, freedom to think, safer countries and lives, and better lives for their children. “Literate women read and decide issues for themselves.” They are also able to help their own children with homework, or read about issues, such as AIDS prevention. A young woman recently stated that “Women should be free to work, go to school, and choose their own husbands. Please help them be free and live in freedom.” What powerful examples!

Karen stated that we are powerful examples of executive women who change our worlds. She stressed the importance of sharing ourselves through mentorship or on a global basis through the hosting of international exchange visitors.

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May Tea Honors 13 Presidential Rank Award Winning Women

On May 16, at an Afternoon Tea at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C, EWG was pleased to honor 13 women awarded the 2006 Presidential Distinguished Rank Award for exceptional long-term accomplishments. The honorees included:
Phyllis H. Sparling, Dept. of Agriculture; Katharine B. Gebbie, Dept. of Commerce; Louisa Koch, Dept. of Commerce; Gail H. McGinn, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Margot H. Anderson, Dept. of Energy; Pauline M. Ippolito, Federal Trade Commission; Janet L. Collins, Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS); Elizabeth M. Duke, Dept. of HHS; Charlene M. Frizzera, Dept. of HHS; Barbara S. Riggs, Dept of Homeland Security; Dorothy C. Perkins, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Wanda E. Ward, National Science Foundation; Karen D. Cyr, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Judith Roussel, Small Business Administration; Ruth A. Whiteside, Dept. of State; Sheila M. Cullen, Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

These women were among a select group of federal employees chosen for this prestigious award because they are strong leaders, professionals and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service. Attendees at the tea heard informal remarks from the honorees on their careers and the advancement of women. For more information about the award, visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/2006dspe.asp

EWG has traditionally used its May event to recognize and celebrate the achievements of distinguished women. This event provided a social networking celebration, with delicious food, an elegant venue venue, and fruitful interactions. On the lighter side, we also presented awards for the best hats, a fashion mainstay of the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea.

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The Senior Executive Service: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was FEIAA’s recent host for a Brown Bag panel discussion of life in—or aspiring to—the Senior Executive Service. Ms. Linda D. Garvin, HHS Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, led the presentation together with Ms. Diane Cochran of the Office of Personnel Management’s Center for Human Resources before an audience of about 40 FEIAA members and recent graduates.

Demonstrating a key skill set even before the start of the presentation, Ms. Garvin nimbly secured a replacement panelist in the face of last-minute cancellations by her original two panelists. Lesson number one: even SESers’ calendars are not their own; they “hold the bag” and must jump to address crises. But then the panel was off and running, with inspiring, thoughtful presentations on SES preparation, life, demands, and rewards. Executive Core Qualifications are important, certainly, but Garvin’s and Cochran’s advised us on much more.

Garvin addressed two primary themes: demonstrating your readiness for the SES and tips for being an effective member of the SES. To demonstrate readiness, one much perform “at the next level” by demonstrating a “whatever it takes” attitude,” continuously learning, showing passion for your work, building relationships, acting like a leader, and being politically aware. Upon achieving SES status one should be engaged and be engaging, lead from the front and be a role model, walk the floors and take the pulse of the workforce, push out of ones comfort zone, share successes and failures, emphasize people’s best traits, and function as a coach, mentor, and teacher.

Cochran began by confessing that being in the SES had not been part of her career plan, and noted the importance of recognizing that being comfortable can be complacency. Opportunities arose to inspire her. She emphasized that SES is a huge leap from being a GS-15, and she has found it scary but invigorating. With each job change she has thrown herself into learning each employee’s job and has committed herself “150%” to her work. Her approach is to mentor each of her employees as if that person is her own replacement; she aims for a seamlessly running office regardless of her own presence. At the same time she noted that each person’s “100%” is not everyone else’s “100%,” but that her job is to get each person’s best from them.

Garvin and Cochran each illustrated their tips and guidance with their own experiences encountering and succeeding at new challenges, managing difficult personnel matters, balancing personal and professional lives, and other real-world situations. The twin goals of leadership and results-based management came alive with their interesting and myriad examples. The audience responded enthusiastically with numerous questions on additional aspects of selection for the SES, and leading and managing a workforce.

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Members in the News

Paula F. Farrell currently serves as Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Review at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This office is composed of four financial economists and is responsible for performing policy analysis and developing policy recommendations for senior Treasury officials on legislative and other proposals involving the Government borrowing, lending, and investing.

She joined the Treasury in 1975 as a mathematician in the Office of the Government Actuary. She later moved to Treasury’s Legislative Review Unit and became its manager in 1982. In 2002, she became Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Review. Prior to joining the Treasury, Paula taught Algebra I for several years.

Paula holds a B.A. in Mathematics (received cum laude) from Trinity College (D.C.) and a M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Maryland. She also did graduate work in Mathematics at the University of Delaware. Paula is married and has two children, a daughter, 20, who is a junior at the University of Maryland, and a son, 25, who graduated from the University of Delaware and is studying to be an actor.

Paula has been a member of Executive Women in Government (EWG) since Marylouise Uhlig encouraged her to join when they met at a training course at the Federal Executive Institute in March 2003. She has greatly enjoyed it and is very grateful to Marylouise for encouraging her to join the EWG.

During the past year, she has served as the EWG Secretary, a member of the Status of Women Committee, and most recently, the chair of that committee’s newly formed Mentoring Subcommittee. Her subcommittee is working on having workshops that would be helpful to GS-15 members who want to move into the Senior Executive Service. Contact Paula to get involved in this committee at Paula.Farrell@do.treas.gov.

Kathy Gugulis spoke on “Managing for Results: Building a Real-Time Performance Management System,” at the 2007 Excellence in Government Conference held in Washington, DC, on April 5. Gugulis was one of what turned out to be an all female panel addressing one of the perennially challenging issues facing all agencies—how to capture and report on outputs and outcomes of agency efforts.

“Top leadership’s vision and commitment is essential to success,” said Gugulis, who presided over the development of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s award winning performance management system. In May 1998, the Chief of NRCS abolished the agency’s performance management system and established a target to have a new system in place in just five months, by October 1, 1998. That action not only freed up staff to focus on a new system, it created a sense of urgency.

An in-house planning team identified performance measures and with the help of in-house and contractor staff had a web-based performance reporting system up and running in 297 pilot counties by the target date. One year later, it was operational in all 2,800 county offices.

“All agencies have to be accountable to the public and stakeholders for results. Sharing ideas among agencies is important to all of us being successful,” Gugulis said about her speaking opportunity. Not only that, she recruited fellow panelist Kathy Tynan, U.S. Department of the Interior, as a member of EWG!

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Welcome to New Members

Ada Adler - Department of State
Lesia Banks - Department of State
Vernell Bellamy - Department of State
Cynthia Cassil - Department of State
C. Elaine Cline - Department of State
Carolyn Cole - United States Postal Service
Susan Curley - Department of State
Kathy Dehm - Department of State
Leslie Donaldson - Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Ruby Harvey - US Department of Agriculture
Julie Herr - Department of State
Carmen Marrero - Department of State
Jenny Menna - Department of Homeland Security
Susan Mince - Department of Justice
Nina Mrose - Federal Bureau of Investigation
Susan N'Garnim - Department of State
Renee Pettis - Department of Interior
Elissa Pitterle - Department of State
Andrea Schneider - Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Julianne Simpson - Department of State
Kay Springer - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration
Maryanne Thomas - US Department of State
Dorran Thompson - Financial Systems Group
Kathleen Tynan - Department of Interior
Catherine Vial - Department of Commerce
Anne Zimmerman - US Forest Service

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