Please see our latest 2012 Newsletter, updated legislative activities, updated national board members, photo gallery and other portions of this website.  Lots of exciting things are coming our way in 2012.  The next two events follow:

1.  2012 Unsung Hero Award Program will be coming soon.  It ia scheduled for May 14th, 2012 on the Whitten Building Patio in Washington DC.  This year's program will prove to be the best ever.  We received over 100 nominations for this year's event.  This far exceeds the 43 we received in 2011.  Selections will be made soon and the 12 individual and/or team winners will be notified.  As is done each year, all nominees will receive recognition from OPEDA, sent via their Agency head, regardless of whether or not they are selected to be honored at the event.

2.  We will be soon gearing up for our tri-annual Presidential and Council elections.  A newsletter will be forthcoming soon with details and ballots.  I will be nominated for a 2nd term as President through 2015.  However, OPEDA will be saying farewell to three of our Council members.  I cannot emphasize how much we have appreciated their contributions over the years -- more to follow on this after the election.  We will also be welcoming the three new Council members who will be elected to replace them.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

I would like to congratulate Bruce Marti on his retirement as the  OPEDA Membership Secretary on December 31, 2011.  Bruce joined OPEDA in 1964, almost 50 years ago and has been a loyal and faithful member ever since.  Best wishes to Bruce and his family in his retirement and for the New Year.

I also warmly welcome Julie Schuble to the OPEDA team.  As Assistant Executive Director, in only one month, Julie has proven to be a very capable, productive and indispensable member of the OPEDA team.  With the addition of Julie, the OPEDA office will be more fully available to our members during regular working hours and ensure someone is there to assist our members with any questions or needs.  If you are in the DC Area, please stop by and say hello and introduce yourself to Julie.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank and congratulate our most recent OPEDA President (Acting), Jeff Williams, on his recent retirement.

As many of you know, Jeff served as acting President on my behalf for several weeks last Summer 2011 while I was seriously ill.  Jeff's enthusiasm was contagious.  He did an excellent job.  As always, Jeff put his heart and soul into the job and moved the Organization forward in many key areas through his can-do attitude and superior leadership.  On behalf of OPEDA, I want to thank Jeff for his hard work and many contributions to OPEDA.