Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Linda M. Springer addressed over 1400 attendees at the 2006 OPM Federal Workforce Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Springer challenged attendees to do more to transform government for results by promoting the endless opportunities in civil service and to appeal to those considering retirement.

"Ready or not, we are facing issues that will challenge the future workforce such as the impending retirement boom. This conference provides tools for us to become transformers now -- to think about the possibilities in our agencies so we can address these challenges before they become a federal workforce crisis."

This year's conference theme, Transformation for Results, will be reflected in each of the forums and sessions, emphasizing the Bush Administration's vision of results in the human capital management initiatives of the federal government.

"Federal government leaders must be the trendsetters, thinking more broadly as we explore non-traditional ways to attract the best talent for the future workforce," Springer said. "We need to look through a lens of transformation to retain current talent and attract the best people so we can uphold the great tradition of public service and dedication. This workforce planning will yield results the tax payers and federal employees can be proud of."

This year's event also features Maryland's Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, OPM Deputy Director Dan G. Blair, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson and Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.

Panelists from across government and the private sector will address human capital strategies, as well as the issues and challenges facing the federal workforce. Plenary sessions and forums will focus on strategic, operational and tactical issues to provide for an effective workforce that better serves the American public.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM 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.

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