Associates Program Application

Seattle Federal Executive Board2017 Associates Program Description

HISTORY

Federal Executive Boards

On November 10, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the establishment of Federal Executive Boards (FEB). These organizations serve as field level structures comprised of the highest-ranking official of each federal agency (civilian, military, and postal service) in that given area. Seattle was among the ten original FEB locations.

Seattle Federal Executive Board

The Seattle Federal Executive Board (SFEB) is comprised of federal agencies in the greater Puget Sound area. The Board's Chair, Vice Chair and Officers are elected annually. They oversee the Executive Leadership Council, the premier forum for interagency discussions among federal executives based in Seattle. The Board also includes its General Membership, which is comprised of approximately 147 federal agencies and various committees; one of which is the Associates Program.

Associates Program

The SFEB Associates Program is a professional development program. It is designed to provide experiential opportunities for emerging leaders (GS-9 through GS-12 or equivalent) through various interagency projects. The program enables Associates to gain a broader perspective of project management and leadership responsibilities through interaction with federal executives and participation in SFEB programs and activities.

Program Characteristics

The SFEB Associates Program Advisors provide oversight for the program. Associates participate in the program for two consecutive years. Overall, approximately ten percent of an Associate's time will be devoted to tasks, projects, and professional development related to this program. Some activities may require a greater time commitment.

The SFEB Associates Program can assist agencies in a critical task of succession planning. The program provides a unique opportunity for agencies to develop exceptionally talented staff. At a time of challenges to agency budgets and mission, this program continues to maintain a commitment to excellence and enthusiasm for public service.

SFEB Associates participate in a laboratory for learning. Through the year they will work as a team that approximates the work of a management team attempting to develop and carry out a new program. The learning boundaries of the program allow each Associate to experiment with new skills, practice giving and receiving feedback, and take risks in order to develop their talents.

Activities and Opportunities

Networking: The program provides an opportunity to network with other federal agencies on special projects and SFEB programs.All Associates work together as a team. As a group, the Associates decide on the projects they will complete and the training they will schedule for the group as a whole. Associates organize and run their monthly meetings. Each year they organize and carry out key events during the year including an annual training conference, various group-training sessions, and a major project. All of these activities are carried out with general guidance and direction from the Advisory Committee.

SFEB Executive Leadership Council:Associate participation in Executive Leadership Council meetings is a core activity that provides Associates the opportunity to network with key Federal Executives.

Executive Mentoring/Job Shadow: Each associate identifies at least one job shadow assignment each year to observe the work of a federal executive for one or two days. This mentoring experience provides opportunities to discuss the nature of leadership, career development and an understanding of the responsibilities of higher management.

Professional Development: Associates participate in a variety of professional development experiences. Some of these will be formal classroom sessions; others will be unstructured learning experiences. The Associates participate directly in developing the training program. Topics include leadership training, team building, creative problem solving, meeting skills, risk taking, personal skill inventories, and general public administration.

Study and Reflection: The curriculum each year includes the study of selected books and articles on leadership. Associates are expected to read, study and reflect on all assignments, and may be called upon to lead group discussions.

Public Service Recognition Week: Associates work with the Executive Director to develop the program and participate directly in the execution of the event that occurs the first week in May of every year.

General Support of the SFEB:Associates help with the planning and execution of events sponsored by the SFEB, and may serve on other SFEB committees. Such events may include the annual Leadership Conference and the Combined Federal Campaign. Associates are also expected to support and participate in SFEB meetings.

Advisor and Associate Relationship: Associates are assigned an Advisor at the beginning of each of year of the program. The Advisor serves as a mentor and assists the Associate with defining realistic developmental objectives, developing strategies for accomplishing goals, and identifying resources that are available to fulfill program requirements.

Continued Development: Associates will have many opportunities to assist in the continuing development of the Associates Program, through their experiences and training.

Program Requirements

Each Associate is expected to complete the following requirements:

  • Associates are required to attend a three-day orientation and training conference in January for both years they are in the program.
  • Propose a team development plan.
  • Plan, conduct and attend monthly meetings.
  • Fully participate in various Associate group activities, including training, service projects, and other events approved and planned by the group as a whole.
  • Complete a minimum of one job shadow assignment each year.
  • Participate in the Associate’s group project (one per year).
  • Complete training, either individually or with the group that addresses competencies in meeting management, facilitation, working as a team, communication skills, personal development and self-assessment.
  • Read and study selected books and articles.
  • Complete at least two service activities with the SFEB.
  • Keep his/her supervisor apprised of activities and accomplishments.
  • Complete an annual self-evaluation.

NOMINATION AND SELECTION

Nominations for the Associates Program must come from the local agency head or director. The target candidates for the Associates Program include high-potential GS-9 through GS-12 (or equivalent) employees.

The selection process includes an application packet and individual interviews to screen for basic qualifications. A selection committee, through a review of nomination packages and interviews, will consider the following factors:

The nominee's interest in participating in the program.

The commitment of the nominee and their immediate supervisor to dedicate approximately ten percent of the Associate’s work time to the program.

The potential and capabilities the nominee would bring to the program.

The written recommendation from the nominee’s supervisor or division manager.

Due to the high level of interest in the Associates Program, the SFEB asks that each agency pre-screen their candidates. Small and midsize agencies should submit no more than two candidates for consideration. Large agencies should submit no more than three candidates.

Note: Selections will be made in accordance with merit factors, without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability.

THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROGRAM DEPENDS ON

THREE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS:

Strong support of SFEB activities by the agency.

Agency financial commitment of $1,500 for the two-year program (payable upon acceptance) for the Associate’s professional development.

An endorsement by the immediate supervisor of the Associate’s participation in SFEB activities and programs.

QUESTIONS

Please call Paul Carlson, Executive Director for the SFEB, at (206)220-6171, or one of the current Associates listed at the end of this nomination package.

If you are interested in becoming an Associate, please use the attached form as a guide for your nomination package.

Seattle Federal Executive BoardAssociates Program Nomination Form for 2017

Nominee's Name: ______

Title and Grade: ______

Agency and Address: ______

Telephone Number:______

Email address: ______

To the Nominee:

Working through your supervisor, please provide a thorough and complete nomination package.

To be considered for the Associate Program you should submit:

  • Nomination Form (Signed by the Nominee, Nominee's Supervisor and Agency top regional official)
  • Nominating Official Letter of Recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Nominee’s responses to the following questions: (These responses should be limited to two pages for all four questions)
  1. What are your professional development goals and objectives?
  1. How would your involvement in the SFEB Associates Program further your goals and objectives?
  1. What experiences and capabilities do you have that make you a good candidate for this program?
  1. What do you believe are your three (3) best personal/professional qualities and why?

To the Nominating Official:

Please provide a letter of recommendation. Include your reasons why you are nominating this individual and how you expect the nominee to benefit from involvement in the SFEB Associates Program. Please limit your comments to a single page.

In making this nomination, the nominating official and the nominee acknowledge that, if selected, the nominee will spend approximately ten percent of his/her work time with the SFEB Associates Program. The nominating agency will be expected to support professional development activities that will cost $750 per year ($1,500.00 that will be requested upon starting the two year program). The primary use of agency funds for this program will be for group developmental activities.

______

Signature of NomineeDate

______

Signature of Nominee's SupervisorDate

______

Signature of Agency Top OfficialDate

Please send completed and signed nomination packets to the SFEB by

Friday, October 21, 2016

to the following address:

Seattle Federal Executive Board915 Second Avenue, Room 2942Seattle, Washington98174-1010

Please also email packets to:

IMPORTANT DATES

Nominations due the SFEB OfficeOctober 21, 2016

Individual interviews to be completed November 20, 2016

Nominees notified of selection by December 1, 2016

Initial orientation meetingJanuary TBA, 2017

Three-Day Annual TrainingJanuary 18-19-20, 2017

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the time commitment of an Associate?

oThe time commitment is approximately 10% of your time overall, not daily.

oExpect at least one all day meeting, once a month. In addition, every other monthexpect half day meetings with leadership of all federal agencies.

oSpecial projects and commitments that could be a few hours or a few days either in your host office or separate meeting space.

oMonthly meetings with your advisor either on the phone or in person.

oEach associate has a role in the each year’s group project.

What are you looking for in a candidate?

oA highly-motivated self starter who will take full advantage of all the opportunities that the program has to offer.

oA person who seeks increased personal, professional and leadership development.

oSomebody who is looking for exposure to the federal community.

oA team player.

How are the agencies’ financial contributions used?

oAgency funds are used to support the Associate’s participation in the program during the two period.

oA major part of the cost is for the two retreats in January of each year.

oThe funds may also be used for individual trainingopportunities upon agreement of theAssociate andAdvisor.

How many applicants are accepted each year?

oThe average new class that is accepted is 8new associates

What does an Associates’ meeting look like?

oThe purpose of the monthly meeting is to move forward Associates’ agendas, complete service activities, training opportunities, and learn about other federal agencies.

oAdvisors are in attendance to provide experience and feedback to Associates.

oExpect an energetic group and dynamic conversations.

oOften feature presentations on leadership by current federal agency executives.

What does the Annual Training consist of?

oThe Annual Training is a three day meeting that will explain in depth the program expectations.

oThe Associates plan, organize, and produce the retreat to meet these Program expectations.

oAn opportunity to get to know the team you will be working with for the next program year.

What is involved in the Associates’ group project?

oEach year the Associates are required to develop a group project.

oThe group project ideas are a result of all Associates’contributions.

oThe final project will be agreed upon by the group as a whole.

What kinds of group projects have the Associates done in the recent years?

  • Operation Warfighter: In 2013 the Associates collaborated with this Department of Defense sponsored program and dramatically expanded the number of intern opportunities for soon-to-veterans from Joint Base Lewis McCord. Qualified individuals are paired up with agencies based on agency need and skillset qualifications to provide assistance through a 3-6 month internship.
  • Young Government Leaders: In 2014 the Associates launched the Seattle chapter of this national organization, Young Government Leaders. YGL is a professional organization that creates a network among emerging leaders from federal, state and local government.
  • Combined Federal Campaign: In 2015 the Associates organized the formational meetings for a new, regional governing board for the Combined Federal Campaign. The new board merges what were formerly eight local campaign boards, into one, state-wide board.
  • Promoting federal service to young adults:The project for 2016 was an outreach project to local schools and educational programs to promote federal service. Associates made presentation in local high schools about careers in federal service, sharing their personal career stories. Associates cultivated contact with local school career counselors so the SFEB can be an ongoing point of contact for presentations on federal service.

If the program does not meet my needs may I withdraw from the program?

oGiven the level of commitment asked of the Associate and sponsoring agency, any decision to withdraw from the program needs tobe reviewed by the SFEB Executive Director, the SFEB program Advisors and the Associate’s direct supervisor.

Is the commitment worth it?

oYES! Keep in mind you get out of it what you put into it. Make sure you are willing to put in the time commitment and get the most from this rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Seattle Federal Executive Board Associates Program

If you would like to talk with a current Associate about the program,

feel free to contact one of them at the number listed below.

Graduating SFEB Associates:

Associate / Agency / Phone
Mondrake Bomber / VA / 206-965-3738
Genevieve Bryant / US Coast Guard / 206-217-6581
KarnitaDuncalf / FAA / 425-203-4133
Melissa Nitsch / USCIS / 206-835-0094
Robert Tan / EPA / 206 553 2580
Christopher Wilson / VA / 206-965-3636
Nicole Worley / NPS / 206-220-4236
Kenny Yiu / GSA / 253-931-7915