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    Management Development Centers

    SES Briefings for New Executives

    OPM, in conjunction with the White House, conducts periodic briefings for new SES members. The sessions incorporate lectures, discussions, question-and-answer periods, and opportunities for networking. Topics covered include Administration goals and initiatives, practical advice on how to work effectively with sectors outside the Executive Branch, how the SES works, attributes of effective leaders, etc. In addition, we are offering a one day session for new non-career executives to assist the political appointee SES as they transition to their new roles in Federal government service. The briefings end with a swearing-in ceremony and a reception.

    The briefings are generally announced four to six weeks ahead of time, and fill up quickly. Check this site frequently to learn the date of the next session.



    Invitation to the SES Briefing and the Leadership Accelerator


    June 24-25, 2009 for career and non-career SES or Equivalent

    Use SES Briefing online link to register for these 2 days

    June 26, 2009 new program for non-career (new political appointee) SES

    Use Leadership Accelerator online registration link for this 1 day session.

    Dear Colleague,

    I am pleased to invite you to the first of the Obama Administration's series of senior briefings for new Senior Executive Service (SES) members or equivalent to learn about the President's agenda, his vision and values, and to discuss the unique challenges you face with your new responsibilities. As a new member of the SES, you will play a key role in making President Obama's agenda of change a reality.

    The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts these programs with the White House. The next SES Briefing will be held June 24-25, 2009 for new career and non-career SES. On June 26, 2009, we will offer the Leadership Accelerator to non-career executives (political appointee SES) to assist you in transitioning to your new role in the Federal sector.

    These sessions for new SES members provide an overview of executive branch priorities and a unique opportunity to interact with a broad range of policymakers. You may have heard from your colleagues about our previous briefings that included presentations from Cabinet Secretaries, top advisors to the President &$150; including the Vice President. Though particular officials are not available for each briefing, you will be provided insights and information on domestic and foreign policy issues from the Administration's most knowledgeable individuals.

    The programs are held at the Ronald Reagan Building. A swearing-in ceremony and reception in your honor conclude the 2 -day program. Non-career executives, please remember to register also for the Leadership Accelerator.

    To accept my invitation, please register by June 11, 2009. In the past, these programs have filled prior to the deadline, so register online right away. Enclosed are program and registration information.

    Sincerely,

    Kathie Ann Whipple
    Acting Director, Office of Personnel Management
    www.opm.gov/ses



    SES Briefing Information for Career and Non-career SES or equivalent

    WHEN June 24-25, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration check-in and coffee and tea begin at 8 a.m.

    WHERE Atrium Ballroom at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.

    WHAT The keynote address will be delivered by a senior Obama Administration official. There will be important discussions on current government-wide issues facing the SES, a presentation on executive leadership, an overview of the President's agenda, and how to effectively work with Congress. Plan to be there. It is a program that you won't want to miss!

    SWEARING-IN CEREMONY & RECEPTION The program concludes with a Federal judge administering the oath of office, followed by a reception in your honor. If you wish, a photographer will take your picture with the officiating judge and your certificate. Business attire is appropriate. Due to limited space, family members and/or friends cannot attend.

    COST $850, payable by Government-issued purchase card or your own agency specific procurement forms. This includes briefing materials, a framed certificate, luncheon, coffee breaks, and an evening reception.

    HOW TO REGISTER Register online by June 11, 2009 for the two day program by selecting the link below or fax your registration form and payment information to OPM at 304-870-8078. We accept Government-issued purchase cards or your own agency specific procurement forms. We must receive all payment information by the registration closing date prior to confirming registration. Government travel cards cannot be used to register for events.

    SES Briefing link to register online for the 2 day program.


    Leadership Accelerator for noncareer SES (political appointees only)

    WHEN June 26, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration check-in and coffee and tea begin at 8 a.m.

    WHERE Horizon Ballroom at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.

    WHAT The Leadership Accelerator will focus on acculturation challenges and issues of senior executives as they make the transition into the Federal sector. The course will provide political appointees with an awareness of the Federal workplace "climate", the values of Federal senior leaders, as well as their leadership styles. The goal is to speed up and ease the transition - resulting in accelerated accomplishment and job satisfaction.

    COST $500 for the day, payable by Government-issued purchase card or your own agency specific procurement forms. This includes briefing materials, luncheon, and coffee breaks.

    HOW TO REGISTER Register online by June 11, 2009 for the one day program by selecting the link below or fax your registration form and payment information to OPM at 304-870-8078. We accept Government-issued purchase cards or your own agency specific procurement forms. We must receive all payment information by the registration closing date prior to confirming registration. Government travel cards cannot be used to register for events.

    Leadership Accelerator online link to register online for the 1 day program..


    Other Important Information

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE June 11, 2009, at 4 p.m. or when we reach capacity, whichever occurs first. These programs will fill up quickly. The SES Briefing has space for 250 participants; the Leadership Accelerator for only 50 participants. We cannot accept registrations received after the closing date or once we reach our limit.

    CONFIRMATION NOTICES We will email a confirmation notice of your registration to the address you provide. OPM staff only can confirm your registration. A confirmation from your Agency's training office does not mean you are registered with OPM. If you do not receive a notice from OPM by June 11, 2009, please call 304-870-8008. We will gladly fax or email another one.

    CANCELLATIONS Written cancellations or substitutions must be received by the registration closing date. If you cancel after that date, OPM will bill you for the full registration fee. Email requests to register@opm.gov or fax to 304-870-8078.

    SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND REQUESTS Please tell us as soon as possible if you have any special needs. We are happy to provide interpreters and accommodate special diets, but must know in advance to prepare for your needs.

    LOCAL TRANSPORTATION The Ronald Reagan Building is accessible via the Metrorail system (subway). Parking is available under the building but it is expensive and commercial parking in the surrounding area is limited. We highly recommend using the subway. To use the Metrorail, take the Blue or Orange line to Federal Triangle Station. As you exit the station, the Reagan Building is directly in front of you, across the plaza.

    HOTELS Please contact your Agency Headquarters SES Contact for hotels located near the Ronald Reagan Building and Metro stations.

    GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION For additional information, please call Cynthia Grantham at 304-870-8008. In the event of an emergency or inclement weather on the day of the event, please call 202-606-2100 for the event status.