FEDTalk

Federal open season is coming up. To get ready, this week’s FEDtalk program will inform feds about the variety of insurance options you should be considering this open season. FEDtalk host Debra Roth, Partner at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., is joined by Shane Canfield, CEO of Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA). Canfield has more than 25 years of experience in insurance and non-profit leadership. He has been with WAEPA since 2016 and previously served as Executive Director of the Council on Employee Benefits. Roth and Canfield discuss why federal employees should consider a range of insurance options during open season, including life insurance. Canfield provides an update on WAEPA’s efforts to modernize their service offerings and improve the underwriting process. Open Season can be stressful. WAEPA's year-round open enrollment provides Federal Employees with the peace of mind that they can adjust their life insurance coverage as circumstances change, offering greater flexibility and ongoing support for their evolving needs. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Congress narrowly averted a shutdown last weekend, federal employees’ fear of a lapse in appropriations this November has not been alleviated. On this week’s FEDtalk, we break down the current state of Congress, how federal employees can prepare for what is to come, and how Congress can act now to prevent these issues in the future. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., is joined by co-host Natalia Castro, the Deputy Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. At Shaw Bransford & Roth, Briefel and Castro lead congressional and executive branch advocacy, engage in policy development, and conduct strategic communications for a variety of good government organizations. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is a global professional association with members in 120 countries. ATD supports professionals in achieving their full potential by improving their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the workplace. Ahead of ATD’s Government Workforce Conference in Washington D.C. next week, FEDtalk sits down with the team to discuss global workforce trends, challenges related to skills-based hiring, and how the conference will bring together industry leaders and government practitioners to improve talent. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., is joined by ATD’s Director of Content, Justin Brusino. Brusino discusses how the association and the conference bring together practitioners from industry and government to share, learn, and network. Additionally, Dr. JJ Walcutt, editor of forthcoming ATD publication, “Modernizing the Federal Workforce: Hiring, Developing, & Retaining Top Talent,” joins to discuss what she is excited about during this year’s conference and her work to improve government talent. The publication will be released digitally during the conference. The conference is on September 12 in downtown Washington DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. FEDtalk listeners can still sign up to attend, with a 50% discount code: GOV23SAVE50 Conference website https://governmentworkforce.td.org/ FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Annual Leadership Training is a convening of women across law enforcement focused on increasing diversity in the law enforcement ranks, growing their professional skills, and keeping apprised of the latest law enforcement trends. This year’s training in Tampa, Florida was the largest in WIFLE’s history as the administration gives renewed focus to diversity and professionalism in law enforcement. This week’s FEDtalk sits down with the WIFLE President and a WIFLE Award Winner to discuss the weeklong event. FEDtalk host Natalia Castro, Deputy Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., is joined by WIFLE President Catrina Bonus, who began leading WIFLE in February. Castro is also joined by WIFLE Foundation Public Service Award Winner Kristen de Tineo. Assistant Director for Field Operations de Tineo is employed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and has a career in law enforcement spanning more than twenty years. Castro discusses Assistant Director de Tineo’s career in public service which has been marked by diversity recruitment initiatives, congressional testimony, and community outreach efforts. Bonus discusses the process for selecting award winners and key moments from the training. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For 19 years, the African American Federal Executives Association (AAFEA) has hosted an annual Leadership Development Workshop focused on expanding opportunities for diverse leaders in the federal workforce. This year’s workshop focuses on the “reimagined” workplace post-COVID-19 and encourages leaders to think innovatively about both their offices and their own career. FEDtalk host Natalia Castro, Deputy Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., sits down with AAFEA President Tyra Dent and Vice President Rachel Torres to give listeners an inside look into this year’s conference agenda. The Leadership Development Workshop will take place in virtually and in-person at the College Park Marriot & Conference Center on September 18-20, 2023. To learn more about AAFEA’s 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop, visit AAFEA’s website here: https://web.cvent.com/event/eb1a4d04-e51b-46cd-86cf-d5bea9acd160/summary?previewToken=0e5cf94773b84ce747757fc110c60d08 FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both the federal government and the private sector are embracing skills-based hiring. In 2020, the White House issued Executive Order (EO) 13932 - Modernizing and Reforming the Assessment and Hiring of Federal Job Candidates directing agencies to expand the use pf competency-based assessments as an alternative to the reliance on education credentials in determining qualifications for federal jobs. Last May of 2022, the Office of Personnel Management issued additional guidance to agencies on implementing this order. Over a year later, FEDtalk is checking in to see how the onset of skills-based hiring is impacting the workforce. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel, a non-attorney partner and Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., sits down with Juanita Soranno of edx and Adam Wray of AstrumU to discuss the topic. Soranno serves as Vice President, Global Social Impact & Innovation at edX–an online learning platform offering courses on executive education as well as online degree programs and professional certifications. Wray is founder and CEO of AstrumU – a company that uses data to provide predictive individual learning recommendations to help employees gain the skills needed to succeed. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Public sector leaders face a variety of challenges due to the current political and social climate. At a time when polarization is high, bridgebuilding can be hard. Authors Don Kettle and William Eggers are here to help. Kettle and Eggers’ latest book Bridgebuilders: How Government Can Transcend Boundaries to Solve Big Problems, provides a new model for transforming the public sector and getting things done. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel, a non-attorney partner and Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., sits down with Kettle and Eggers to discuss how the government agencies can break free from organizational boxes and rigid, top-down leadership to enact meaningful change. Learn about their ten core principles for bridgebuilding and practical tips for effective leadership in this week’s episode. William D. Eggers is executive director of the Deloitte Center for Government Insights and a fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including The Solution Revolution and If We Can Put a Man on the Moon, both from Harvard Business Review Press. Donald F. Kettl is a professor emeritus, former dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, and a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He was previously the Sid Richardson Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. His books include, most recently, The Divided States of America and Can Governments Earn Our Trust? FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The federal government has an aging workforce and struggles to bring on younger talent. This week on FEDtalk, we are learning to bridge generational divides in the workplace. This program will cover how to recruit and retain the next generation of civil servants, as well as how to seamlessly integrate different generations into the workplace. That includes optimizing the onboarding process and managing different work styles, needs, and preferences. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel, a non-attorney partner and Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., sits down with Stacy Outlaw, Chief Marketing Officer at WAEPA; Jeffrey Vargas, founder of Generationology; and Stephan Matthews, Regional Council President for Region XI of Blacks In Government, Inc. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May, the federal community recognizes both Public Service Recognition Week and National Police Week. During this time, we celebrate and honor those in public service. It is also a time to advocate for the interests of public servants and public safety officers. This week, organizations representing and supporting federal employees discuss how they have been active this month highlighting the work of public servants and advocating for policies that improve that work. FEDtalk host Natalia Castro, Deputy Director of Government and Public Affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., sits down with Chad Hooper, Executive Director of both the Professional Managers Association and the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys; Larry Cosme, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; and Robyn Kehoe, Executive Director of the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes, bad things happen to good federal employees. Those who are the subject of an adverse administrative action, disciplinary proceeding, or civil lawsuit could be wiped out emotionally and financially trying to defend themselves. This scenario happens more than you think. Even if the allegation is baseless, the ordeal can take a toll, not only on you, but also your family. This week, we are continuing coverage on the trifecta of legal risks and the disciplinary processes that federal professionals could face each day that could take away their livelihood. During the conclusion of this two-part series, FEDtalk will provide examples of some real-life cases that federal employees have faced in their scope of service. FEDtalk host Tony Vergnetti, President and Founder of FEDS Protection and the attorneys from Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C, will discuss the emotional, physical, and financial tolls taken on federal employees and the different outcomes based on those with and without professional liability protection during the legal process. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we are covering the trifecta of legal risks and the disciplinary processes that federal professionals could face each day that could take away their livelihood. FEDtalk will break down why professional liability insurance is more than a nice to have – but a need to have in an ever-challenging landscape of federal service. FEDtalk host Tony Vergnetti, President and Founder of FEDS Protection and Eric Impraim, FEDS Protection Marketing Director, will discuss in this first of a two-part series on how professional liability insurance could be the difference between happiness and hopelessness if allegations of wrongdoing are brought against you in the course and scope of your job.   FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, FEDtalk is discussing Neurodiversity and National Security. It is no secret that our nation needs to harness a wide variety of skills, talents, and abilities to meet growing national security concerns. On this episode, agencies will learn how they can harness the potential of unique cognitive talents to improve their workforce and mission delivery. FEDtalk host Natalia Castro sits down with Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg, President of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation; Teresa Thomas, Neurodiverse Talent Enablement and Cyber Engagement Program Lead at MITRE Corporation; and Cortney Weinbaum, Senior Management Scientist at RAND Corporation. The show is based around the 2023 RAND Corporation report “Why National Security Needs Neurodiversity: Drawing on a Wider Range of Cognitive Talents to Tackle National Security Challenges.” Read the full report here: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1875-1.html Check out a shorter research brief here: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA1875-1.html  FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we are covering South by Southwest – an annual conference centered around technology, film, music, education, and culture. The 10-day event rapped up last week, and FEDtalk sits down with government attendees to learn about what they saw and why government attendance is important. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel sits down with Trish Martinelli, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum; Michele Perez, Assistant Deputy Secretary Office of Field Policy and Management for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Mika Cross, Workforce Transformation Strategist & Strategic Advisor. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FEDtalk is celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women's Day with a discussion on women in the federal workplace. Guests will discuss how agencies can create a more inclusive space, elevate intersectionality, and improve the gender diverse leadership pipeline. FEDtalk host Natalia Castro sits down with Catrina M. Bonus, newly appointed President of Women in Federal Law Enforcement; Pamela Richards, President of Federally Employed Women; and Lauren McNally, Director of the Women’s Leadership Center (American Management Association). FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal HR has not been the subject of much attention in recent years. Nonetheless, this week’s FEDtalk guests view it as critical for improving human capital management across government. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel sits down with Jenny Mattingley of the Partnership for Public Service and Rob Seidner of edX to discuss the path forward for professionalizing federal human resources. Mattingley serves as the Partnership’s Vice President of Government Affairs. She previously has served at OMB focusing on hiring reform efforts and the workforce priority of the President’s Management Agenda. Seidner is the Director of Government Partnerships at edX – an online learning platform offering courses on executive education as well as online degree programs and professional certifications. Rob previously worked at OMB doing federal human capital policy. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of the State of the Union this week, the FEDtalk team is hosting a “State of the Workforce”–an open and honest conversation about the state of the executive branch. Regular FEDtalk hosts Jason Briefel and Natalia Castro are sitting down to the politicization of the federal workforce, congressional investigations, the President’s Management Agenda, and so much more. Briefel and Castro bring to the conversation their experience working as advocates for the federal community in Shaw Bransford & Roth’s Government and Public Affairs practice, where they serve as Director and Deputy Director respectively. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2022, the technology industry laid off over 150,000 employees. Thus far in 2023, an additional almost 70,000 employees across 210 tech companies have lost their jobs. As the private sector tech industry undergoes a major transition, government can step up to support transitioner workers. In this episode, guests discuss how the federal government can attract tech talent and why technologists should look to public service. FEDtalk host Jason Briefel sits down with Angie Quirarte and Jennifer Anastasoff from the Tech Talent Project, Peter Morrissey from the Volcker Alliance, and Jessica Watson from the U.S. Digital Response. The group recently worked with the Office of Personnel Management on a job fair with representatives from more than 50 government agencies highlighting opportunities for technologists to transition into government work. Whether you currently work with an agency in need of tech talent or are a recently laid off tech employee, this program provides key information on how to bridge the tech talent gap in the federal government. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on FEDtalk, host James Heelan–Senior Counsel at Shaw Bransford & Roth–joins the program with colleagues Conor Dirks and Michael Sgarlat. Mr. Dirks is a Partner at Shaw Bransford & Roth, and Mr. Sgarlat is an Associate Attorney. The Attorneys author the weekly case law updates on FEDmanager and FEDagent and speak from a combined almost three decades of experience representing federal employees in federal district and appellate courts, and administrative forums. From the first decisions coming from the newly confirmed Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to law enforcement retirement, the attorneys recap the most impactful cases for feds in 2022. Tune in to hear about their number one case in which the MSPB overruled ten years of case law on the Douglas factor ‘disparate penalty’ analysis, limiting the scope of comparators that employees may use when arguing they have been disproportionately punished. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, FEDtalk hosts Natalia Castro and Jason Briefel recap on this year’s programs and discuss their favorite programs to host this year. Castro discusses the honor of hosting Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for Readiness Shawn Skelly on the Celebrating Pride in Government program. The program includes ASD Skelly’s keynote conversation about the value of inclusivity across government. Briefel discusses the opportunity to host all three newly confirmed members of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Briefel notes his work on restoring a quorum at the MSPB for over five years. In segment three, the MSPB Members tell the federal community the board is back in business and ready to serve federal employees. Finally, Castro discusses the Hispanic Heritage Month program with the American Museum of the American Latino’s inaugural Direct Jorge Zamanillo. In the final segment, Zamanillo discusses how the Smithsonian I keeping Hispanic Heritage alive all year long, with regular exhibits online and in a variety of museums. FEDtalk is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental. Members get fully-covered, in-network preventive care, including up to three covered cleanings a year, plus no deductibles for in-network services, like fillings and root canals. Visit bcbsfepdental.com to learn more. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week is FEDtalk’s annual Open Season Special. We sit down with insurance experts to demystify the plan selection process. We will cover what’s new in insurance this year, why employees should re-evaluate a range of coverage options, and what federal and private plans have to offer. Joining host Jason Briefel this week Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer at WAEPA, and Jay Fritz, Chief of Program Analysis and Systems Support in OPM’s Federal Employees Insurance Operations Division. From OPM, Fritz shares the important numbers, resources, and dates to keep in mind while doing Open Season shopping. Given the concerning state of the economy, the group discusses ways feds can save money while shopping for coverage and reviewing their options. WAEPA is a non-profit association providing current and former federal employees with affordable life insurance options. Zerante discusses why feds should take some time after Open Season to reconsider their life insurance coverage and WAEPA new offerings for former Feds. The show airs on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 11:05 am EST on Federal News Network. You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental. Members get fully-covered, in-network preventive care, including up to three covered cleanings a year, plus no deductibles for in-network services, like fillings and root canals. Visit bcbsfepdental.com to learn more. FEDtalk is brought to you by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices