FEDTalk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In times of economic uncertainty, it is important to know how to navigate the real estate market to protect your investments and financially plan for your family. This week on FEDtalk, we break down the state of the market, key considerations for relocating, and tips for making better homebuying decisions. Don’t let the fear paralyze your investments, hear from industry experts about how to get ahead of the market. Joining host Jason Briefel this week is Joe Vultaggio and Gavin Luckman from Cardinal Financial and Amber Tucker from BGRS Worldwide Relocation. Cardinal Financial is a nationwide financial company that assists homebuyers with purchasing a mortgage, refinancing, and home loans. Cardinal also provides education services to home buyers whether you are purchasing your first home or looking into additional investments. Cardinal recently launched a public service program providing specialized services and rates to those working in the public sector. Luckman and Vultaggio serve as Branch Managers with the company. BGRS is a global leader in relocation and move services. BGRS provides relocation services to many federal agencies, corporations, and foreign governments. BGRS also provides thought leadership on a variety of topics from government relocation and household goods to commercial moving and storage. Tucker serves as a Vice President specializing in linking relocation issues to government workforce issues. The show airs on Friday, November 4, 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.

Getting things done in a bureaucracy can be hard, but Marina Nitze and Nick Sinai have found success. Now, they are working to ensure employees at every level and in every kind of bureaucracy can create change despite their environment. Nitze and Sinai’s new book “Hack Your Bureaucracy: Get Things Done No Matter What Your Role on Any Team” helps employees from the front-line to the top make real change in their roles. In a conversation with host Jason Briefel, Nitze and Sinai explain the real-world experience working in both the federal sector and the private sector that informed the tips they share in the book. The group discusses unique elements of the federal bureaucracy that make change hard, and how employees can push through those obstacles. Not only does the group discuss tips for individual change, but also how employees can lead the charge on organizational change. Nitze is currently a partner at Layer Aleph, a crisis response firm that specializes in restoring complex software systems to service. Nitze is also a fellow at New America's New Practice Lab, where she works on improving America's foster care system through the Resource Family Working Group and Child Welfare Playbook. Nitze was most recently the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under President Obama, after serving as a Senior Advisor on technology in the Obama White House and as the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the U.S. Department of Education. Sinai is a venture capitalist, adjunct Harvard faculty, and a former senior White House official in the Obama Administration. As a Senior Advisor at Insight Partners, Sinai serves on the board of Rebellion Defense, Hawkeye360, LeoLabs, and Shift5. He writes and teaches about technology in government and serves as a commissioner on the Atlantic Council's Commission on Remaking the US Defense Innovation System. Recently, Sinai co-founded the U.S. Digital Corps, a new two-year federal fellowship for early-career technologists, launched in the summer of 2021. The show airs live on Friday, October 21, 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.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, FEDtalk is recognizing efforts to increase Hispanic/Latino representation in government and government efforts to elevate Hispanic/Latino stories to the public. Joining us on the program is Jorge Zamanillo, inaugural Director of the Museum of the American Latino, and Javier Inclán, Vice Chair of the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers. Zamanillo provides a status update on Washington D.C.’s newest museum and explains the importance of telling Hispanic/Latino American stories as an integral part of American history. Zamanillo also provides listeners with a rundown of the ongoing events and galleries the Museum is offering prior to its opening. Inclán discusses the value of Hispanic/Latino representation across the ranks of government, especially in leadership. Inclán also breaks down the Council’s theme for this Hispanic Heritage Month, Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The show airs live on Friday, October 5, 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.

The impacts of 9/11 are permanent, pervasive and have had an enduring impact – especially on the first responders from across the nation. On this week’s FEDtalk, guests will discuss their first-hand accounts and the often not discussed line of duty deaths occurring so long after this tragic day. The shows guests will also discuss the mental health struggles and wellness initiatives over the last two decades, and the effects, transformations and resources borne of this lasting historical legacy. Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Dr. Julie Tropeano, and Jon Adler join host Tony Vergnetti for the program. Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D., is a 9/11 first responder, Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Government, Director of Mental Health and Peer Support Services for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), and mental health speaker, advisor and resiliency facilitator. Dr. Julie Tropeano, DNP, APN-BC, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Shore Healing Psychiatric Services, Clinical Director of the CISM team for the New Jersey Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolant Association, on-call clinician for mental health services at NJ PGA 105 State Corrections, and the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association. Jon Adler is the former Director of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the current president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation. Adler previously served with the United States Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York as the Chief Firearms Training Officer and was a 9/11 First Responder. The show airs live on Friday, September 2, 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.

The acquisition world is constantly changing and requires a workforce that can keep up. Robert Daugherty, Acquisition & Contracting Product Director at Management Concepts and Melissa Starinsky, Managing Member at Starinsky, LLC discuss ongoing trends in acquisition and how experiential learning can enhance the workforce’s skills. The group discusses what true adult learning looks like and how the government can move away from old models that lack an employee centric approach. Guests from Management Concepts outline how their approach to rethinking training and rethinking success to target a modern government professional. The show airs live on Friday, September 2, 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.

FEDtalk is at the Women in Federal Law Enforcement 22nd Annual Leadership Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Recorded right from the conference, listen to panelists discuss leadership and career building for women in federal law enforcement and tune in for a sit down with two of WIFLE Award Winners. WIFLE National President Cathy Sanz discusses the vision for this year’s leadership training and some of the favorite sessions of attendees. Listeners are introduced to WIFLE’s newest board member Lynda Williams. Williams also hosted a panel on leadership that listeners will learn more about. WIFLE Training Presenter Tinesha Cherry of Customs and Border Protection also joins for a segment on resume building and interviewing. She discusses the top tips Cherry provided conference attendees and provides an overview of the day-long career preparation session she led. Finally, WIFLE Award Winners U.S. Marshal Sonya Chavez and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar join to discuss their award-winning work. U.S. Marshal Chavez received the WIFLE President’s Award and Special Agent in Charge Salazar received he Outstanding Federal Law Enforcement Employee Award. The show airs live on Friday, August 19, 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 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.

Video games and augmented and virtual reality simulations are the next phase in the federal government's workforce development strategy. Considering the potential to aid recruitment and development of federal employees, stakeholders are looking for ways to employ some of the most promising young talent and equip the workforce to meet ever-evolving agency missions. This week on FEDtalk, host Jason Briefel welcomes Staff Sergeant Ian Mills, Head of Marine Corps Gaming (MCG); Oliver Noteware, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Street Smarts VR (SSVR); and Cody Caddell, Director of Digital Transformation for C2 Technologies Inc. (C2Ti). The panelists discuss the benefits of integrating gaming into public safety and medical training, the impact of simulation training on readiness, and ways to utilize this technology to enhance recruitment and retention. The show airs live on Friday, August 5, 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, including Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. 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.

FEDtalk is recognizing National Whistleblower Appreciation Day with all three newly confirmed Members of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). With its first quorum in five years, the MSPB is back and ready to hear cases. The newly confirmed Board is facing a backlog of over 3,500 cases with about 25 percent whistleblower cases. Acting Chair Cathy Harris and Board Members Tristan Leavitt and Raymond Limon discuss the Board’s approach to the backlog and plans for protecting whistleblowers. The group discusses the value of career staff at the MSPB and how this staff has been critical to keeping the Board running in the absence of confirmed leadership. Finally, the MSPB Member discuss how our government can transform its culture to better defend whistleblowers and give words of appreciation for federal whistleblowers. The show airs live on Friday, July 15, 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 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.

This week’s FEDtalk show features attorneys from the law firm of Shaw Bransford & Roth (SBR) to discuss personnel issues and trends emerging from the pandemic era. The pandemic caused an immediate shift in both legal investigations and the federal workforce. As a result, many previously routine procedures and protocols had to adapt to a “new normal.” Attorneys from the firm discuss which pandemic-era reforms are here to stay and how investigations into personnel disputes will be changed by the new processes. The group also discusses the changing nature of the federal workforce, and how the onset of new workplace flexibilities has changed the landscape of personnel disputes. SBR Senior Attorney James Heelan hosts the program with SBR Partner Conor Dirks and Associate Attorney Michael Sgarlat. The show aired live on Friday, June 3, 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 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.

FEDtalk is celebrating Pride Month with a discussion on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in government. The program begins with a fireside chat with The Honorable Shawn Skelly and continues with a discussion on the issues with Linda Ortiz, LGBTQ Program Manager at the Internal Revenue Service, and Karla Walter, Senior Director for Employment Policy at the Center for American Progress.