President John F. Kennedy established the first 10 Federal Executive Boards (FEB) in 1961 to "increase the effectiveness and economy of Federal agencies.” Currently, 28 FEBs are located nationwide in areas with a significant Federal population. The Boards are comprised of local, senior-level Federal agency officials.

The need for effective coordination among the field activities of Federal departments and agencies is clear. Approximately 84% of all federal employees work outside the national capital area. Decisions affecting the expenditure of billions of dollars are made in the field. Federal programs have their impact largely through the actions of field departments and agencies. In addition, federal officials outside Washington are the principal contact of the federal government with the citizens of this country.

Today, the Boards are more relevant than at any other time in history. In continuing times of personnel reductions, budget cutbacks and reorganization, interagency collaboration is critical to achieving results. As the local Federal ambassador, the FEB identifies opportunities for partnerships with intergovernmental and community organizations. Interagency collaboration is no longer just a wise choice; it is the platform for meeting agency mission goals.

The FEBs are models for partnership-based government. The Boards serve as a vital link to intergovernmental coordination identifying common ground and building cooperative relationships. FEBs also have a long history of establishing and maintaining valuable communication links to prepare for and respond to local and national emergencies. While promoting issues related to Administration initiatives, they provide targeted training programs, employee development, shared resources, and local community outreach and participation. The Board’s role as a conduit of information and a meeting point for a variety of agencies--each with a different mission--is critical to a more effective government. FEBs promote awareness of the Federal Government’s involvement in, and contribution to, communities across the country.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is responsible for the organization and functions of FEBs (5 CFR Part 960).

The Portland Federal Executive Board was formed in 1969 and renamed the Oregon Federal Executive Board in 1998 as part of an effort to expand its service area. Over that span, thousands of federal employees have worked together to create a more cost-effective federal government in our region. Ron Johnson, the current Executive Director, has led the organization for twelve years.

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Vision

Creating partnerships for intergovernmental collaboration.

Mission

To create value to the public by fostering communication, coordination and collaboration with Federal, state, and local government agencies.

Guiding Principles

1. Account for outcomes
2. Respond to local needs and national priorities
3. Leverage resources
4. Balance priorities
5. Promote the FEB network

Strategic Objectives

The Federal Executive Boards will –

1. Deliver services under two Lines of Business:
   
   Emergency Preparedness, Security and Employee Safety
   Human Capital Readiness
   
   
2. Advance local and national initiatives through intergovernmental partnerships
   
   Building the capacity of the Federal Executive Board
   Combined Federal Campaign or other community outreach

Oregon Federal Executive Board Governing Body

The OFEB is governed by a Policy Committee, which meets quarterly and consists of 15-18 local federal agency directors or senior managers. A Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually and serve from Oct. 1 - Sept. 31. Reporting directly to the Policy Committee are the Administrative Services, Combined Federal Campaign, Emergency Preparedness, Operating and Public Affairs Committees. The Alternative Dispute Resolution/Shared Neutrals Committee is part of Administrative Services.

The OFEB staff, consisting of an Executive Director and Management Analyst, also reports directly to the Policy Committee, and is charged with executing the OFEB's programs and supporting all committees.