OUR MISSION
Federal Executive Boards mission is to strengthen the management and administration of Federal activities and promote government wide management improvement; and encourage interagency cooperation with the objectives of improved intergovernmental coordination, cost reduction, and better services to the public. Boards improve internal management practices and communication, eliminate duplication of effort and provide a central focus for Federal participation in community affairs through liaison with officials of state and local governments and the private sector. FEBs are an efficient and effective force for progress. Similar to the President's Cabinet in our Nation's Capital, FEB membership becomes automatic and mandatory by virtue of the incumbent being the Senior agency official within the FEB's geographic boundaries. Unlike the Cabinet, membership is not limited to Department-level organizations. FEB activities and committees are not just for executives.
"Although each executive agency and its field organization have a special mission, there are
many matters on which the work of the departments converge. Among them are
management and budgetary procedures, personnel policies, recruitment efforts, office
information duties, and similar matters. There are opportunities to pool experience and
resources and to accomplish savings. In substantive programs, there are also opportunities
for a more closely coordinated approach in many activities."
With these words, President John F. Kennedy introduced the first 10 Federal Executive Boards in 1961 for the principle purpose of strengthening and coordinating the activities of government operations.
FEB’s mission is to create interagency excellence outside of Washington, DC. FEB’s accomplish their mission by: Communicating, coordinating and collaborating with Federal, state, and local government agencies. FEB’s provide information, referrals and guidance for intergovernmental and community outreach.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The Federal Executive Boards (FEB's) were established in 1961 by a Presidential Directive to improve coordination among Federal activities and programs outside Washington. The need for effective coordination among the field activities of Federal departments and agencies was then, and is still, very clear. Approximately 84 percent 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 representatives of the departments and agencies. In addition, Federal officials outside Washington are the principal contact of the Federal Government with the citizens of this country.
Originally 10 FEBs were created in major centers of Federal activity to serve as field level organizational structures comprised of the highest level official of each Federal agency. Chicago was added to the FEB Program on February 26, 1962. Additional Boards were subsequently added, and there are now 28 FEBs located throughout the country. Federal Executive Boards report to the President through the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The Federal Executive Board operates under Federal Regulations 5 CFR Part 960 and By-Laws approved by the membership. The Chicago FEB is headed by a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer elected by the membership. In addition there is an Executive Committee of twelve elected members. Former Chairs of the FEB continue to serve as Ex-Officio members. The executive Committee meets monthly and is responsible for outlining the focus and policies of the FEB and its committees each year. It also makes recommendations on matters involving interagency coordination and action. The Executive Director serves as the principal staff assistant to the FEB Chair and provides a full range of staff services. The position does not represent an individual agency as do other members of the Board, but rather the Federal community as a whole.
The FEB supports and promotes national initiatives of the President and the Administration, and responds to the local needs of Federal departments/agencies on the community through program activities of its committees and councils. Memberships on these committees include Federal employees who have been selected by their agency head to serve because of their positions, responsibilities, and expertise.