Guest Post: Public Service Recognition Week

Written by: Michael Culpepper – Chief Officer for VHA’s Workforce Management and Consulting Office (WMC)

This year, Public Service Recognition Week (PRSW) is celebrated from May 4-10, 2014. It is a time to honor the dedication and allegiance of public servants who serve our country and communities. It also provides us with an opportunity to focus attention within the Veterans Health Administration on the outstanding work that is being done by the men and women who work tirelessly in service to our Veterans.

I have been very fortunate in my career to have been a public servant in a variety of capacities.  While getting my education, I served in the US Army National Guard for 6 years. After graduate school, I became the Director of Human Resources for the IRS. After serving with the IRS, I moved to the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as their Chief Human Capital Officer. In 2011, I was selected as Deputy and later as Chief Officer of VHA’s Workforce Management and Consulting Office. It has been an incredible and humbling 27 years of working alongside so many individuals who truly are dedicated to helping improve our communities and our country as a whole.

As Chief Officer of WMC, I oversee a diverse office that manages employee recognition, career development, recruitment programs, training and career development, and retention of a diverse, highly skilled, motivated, and effective workforce capable of accomplishing VA’s mission. From clinicians who offer direct patient care to administrators and office personnel that help with a variety of support functions behind the scenes, VHA honors its Veterans through the incredible work of its employees.

Over the past few years with VHA, I have come to realize that the majority of our employees are connected to Veterans in a variety of special ways. Many are Veterans themselves who want to continue to serve their fellow Veterans. Others are the spouses, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends of Veterans. Most feel that as a grateful nation, our service to Veterans is truly an honor. Our employees care about making a difference in the lives of Veterans, because they are our heroes, our family and our friends.

During Public Service Recognition Week, I wanted to personally thank you for all that you do each day in service to our Veterans. I would also ask you to take the time to thank employees across all federal, state and local governments whose public service makes such a difference in our Nation.

For those interested in a career with VA, visit VACareers.va.gov and apply TODAY!

To learn more about Public Service Recognition Week, visit http://www.publicservicerecognitionweek.org/

About Michael

Mike Culpepper is the Chief Officer for VHA’s Workforce Management & Consulting Office (WMC). Prior to his appointment in 2012, he served as the Deputy Chief Officer for WMC since July 2011. As the Chief Officer, he oversees a diverse office that provides leadership and superior service in developing and administering workforce practices for those who serve America’s veterans.

Mr. Culpepper was appointed to the SES in August 2007. Prior to joining VA, he served as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and as a Director for Human Resources at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).