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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...