Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Associate Director Marta Brito Perez recently visited with executives from the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston Federal Executive Boards. During the meeting, Perez complimented attendees on their dedication to the American people, and their important role during these "uncertain times."

"I want to thank you for the great job you do - especially in these challenging days," said Perez. "As OPM Director James has said, the importance of communication between federal agencies in times of potential crisis cannot be overstated. The FEBs have an important role to play in accomplishing objectives set before them and your ability to quickly and effectively communicate with members of your federal community is a valuable tool to be used in improving homeland security."

To date, the FEBs across the country, have been very active in providing Continuity of Operations (COOP) training and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the General Services Administration in sponsoring emergency tabletop exercises.

"You have the capability to quickly communicate important information about leave options, counseling opportunities, benefits information and dozens of other details that are critical to the federal work force's well being," said Perez. "And the FEBs' ability to work with state, city and county emergency officials has opened many doors of communication at the local level to enhance intra-governmental coordination."

As an added effort, OPM is seeking the assistance of local FEBs in surveying local agencies to assess their emergency preparedness and provide training to address areas of need.

The training will emphasize the Designation of Emergency Employees, Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place plans and drills, and the use of human resource flexibilities such as Telework for emergency situations.