Washington DC - Kay Coles James, the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management announced today the addition of three US military veterans to the OPM. "It is a priority of President George W. Bush, and it is my personal mission to see that each and every veteran who wants to serve his or her country as public servants be given the chance to do so," said James. "OPM plays a central role in communicating to the nation the importance of and opportunity to serve in the nation's Civil Service and I am pleased to welcome new members of the OPM team," she said.
Paul L. Holbert's military experience spans over 20 years of service and duty concluding with his retirement as the Brigade liaison for the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division G3.
Holbert brings a vast wealth of leadership experience to the OPM and to his new duties as a Management Analyst. Holbert holds a Ph.D., in Education from LaSalle University, a Masters in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, and comes from the Windwalker Corporation in McLean, Virginia where he was a Project/Program Manager.
Jerry L. Porter joins the OPM team as a Public Affairs Specialist. Porter served in the U.S. Army 6th Engineers (light) for just over 3 years until a service connected disability brought his military service to an early end. He then attended Georgia Southern University and earned a Bachelor of Science in communications. Working throughout the South East and Mid Atlantic, Porter brings over 10 years of experience in broadcasting, journalism, and creative design to OPM.
Hans Petersen comes to OPM from the Small Business Administration where he served as the Administrator's speechwriter. Petersen has also worked for the government in Public Affairs with EPA and the U.S. Navy. Prior to joining the government, he worked in broadcasting. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Petersen is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and also devoted two years in Nigeria with the Peace Corps. He has been married to his wife Betty for 31 years. An American history buff, Petersen received a PBS Emmy in 1994 for his one-man-show as "Tom Paine".
In making the announcement OPM Director James stated that "veterans have served our nation with distinction and they have put their civilian lives on hold to defend our democratic principles. They have sacrificed in ways we can not begin to understand"
OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public
with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies
with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools,
guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work
force performance.
