Executive Corner

A resource for keeping the NIH executive community informed about training opportunities, executive performance management and other matters of interest.

Brought to you by the Division of Senior and Scientific Executive Management (DSSEM).


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News and Announcements

Provisional Certification for Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) Performance Appraisal System

With OMB concurrence, OPM approved HHS for a provisional certification for the Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) performance appraisal system, effective July 2, 2023, to July 2, 2024. This certification authorizes pay for SL/ST up to Executive Level II, $212,000, and the higher aggregate limitation on pay, $272,100 for CY2023.

To avoid a certification authority gap and continue applying the higher maximum rate of pay and higher aggregate, the department will request full certification in April 2024, which requires full compliance with the SL/ST basic performance management system for the FY 2023 performance cycle.

FY 2023 Presidential Rank Award Winners Have Been Announced!

The Presidential Rank Award (PRA) is one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service, and these awards are critical to recognizing the hard work and essential contributions of dedicated civil servants in the American federal workforce. The President selected 232 winners across 31 different agencies for the 2023 awards program for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service over an extended period. These individuals are all members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior-Level (SL), and Scientific and Professional (ST) corps. NIH had an amazing four winners this year! Join us in congratulating NIH’s winners (listed below)! A complete list of 2023 winners may be viewed on the OPM site.

FY 2023 NIH Presidential Rank Award Winners:

  • Ms. Camille Hoover, M.S.W.
  • Mr. Keith R. Lamirande, M.B.A.
  • Ms. Colleen McGowan, MHA, FACHE
  • Mr. Jerry Sheehan, M.S.

HHS SES News

Development Opportunities and Other Information

Senior Executive Orientation Briefing: Being Future Ready – Leading America’s Workforce – This orientation is designed for new members of the SES, SL/ST, and other SES equivalents in their first two years of appointment. Seasoned executives who have not previously attended are welcome to attend. The program features keynote speakers who are policymakers, current and former SES, and subject matter experts. In addition to plenary discussion, speakers may engage participants in interactive exercises and small group discussions. The program concludes with a federal judge administering the oath of office, affirming Constitutional heritage and responsibility. Certificates will be mailed to participants after the program. This orientation is in person at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA, from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM. HHS colleagues who attended in 2023 reported a well-designed program and a good use of their time. They appreciated the opportunity to meet other executives from across the government. To register for the March 22, 2024 orientation, click HERE. To register for the August 2, 2024 orientation, click HERE – tuition: $985.

SAVE THE DATE! Empowering SES: Navigating the Climate Change and Health Equity Performance Requirement on March 28 from 11:00 – 12:00 PM. Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad promotes efforts to improve climate literacy across the HHS workforce, emphasizing education for sustainability. HHS’s Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) will discuss how climate change impacts public health and healthcare in the United States during this informative session.

Inclusive Leadership in Action: Addressing DEIA Systemically - Efforts to make government more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible (DEIA) have brought us far – especially by providing the knowledge and language to understand how to promote DEIA practices further. But there is still much work to do. Making meaningful progress on the vision of the Strategic Plan to “embed DEIA throughout the federal workforce” - begins with your own work. In this highly interactive course, you’ll explore what it means to lead inclusively from “the inside out.” You’ll start by analyzing your own biases, mindsets, beliefs, and behaviors to help you better lead inclusively. Using tools such as systems mapping, you’ll analyze the organizational systems and structures that need examining to create and sustain inclusive cultures. In this safe learning environment, you’ll also work through your own real-life challenges and practice skills needed to promote inclusive cultures, diverse teams, and systems and policies that are equitable and accessible to all. To register for the March 25-28, 2024 program, click HERE – tuition: $3700. June 10-13, 2024, click HERE. September 9-12, 2024, click HERE.

Working with Congress for Federal Executives - As a senior leader, understanding how Congress functions can help you develop strategies to represent better your department or agency with Members of Congress and Congressional staff. This seminar explores the complex mix of policies, personalities, and politics that drive policy development on Capitol Hill. To work effectively with Congress, it is essential to know the culture and realities of Capitol Hill. During this virtual presentation, you’ll get a first-hand look at the workings of Congress by virtually visiting Congressional hearings and interacting with various key players who have worked with Congress. You'll better understand the current political environment where federal managers must be effective through group discussions, breakout exercises, video presentations, and an interactive case study. For more information and to register for the April 22-24, 2024 program, click HERE. Tuition: $3700


Performance Management

USA Performance (USAP)
An automated performance management system for SES and Senior-Level Title 42 executives.

Executive Performance Management - Awards and Recognition
Information on the executive performance cycle and the various award programs.


Compensation

The Senior Executive Service (SES) covers managerial, supervisory, and policy positions classified above GS-15. Compensation is through a performance-based pay system.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has overall authority for the SES program. They provide oversight and assistance to HHS and NIH.


SES Information and Guidance

Candidate Development Program

The Candidate Development Program (CDP), is a tool used to identify and prepare aspiring senior executive leaders. 

This program is not offered on a regular basis. When the application period is open, HHS and other sponsoring agencies will post opportunities on USAJobs. If interested, you may apply to the program.

Vacancies and Rotational Opportunities

For additional information and guidance, check out the NIH Senior Executive Service SharePoint Site


Training Opportunities


Executive Careers

Recent NIH Executive Vacancies