Michaelle “Mickey” Theall

When we think about federal government challenges, we usually think about high-level policy debates, budget gridlock, or massive IT overhauls. But there is a hidden crisis quietly undermining agencies from the inside out. It isn’t happening in abstract policy meetings—it’s happening every single day at operational desks. It is the federal HR operations crisis, and the numbers behind it are staggering. For more than two decades, the federal government’s HR skills gaps have landed it squarely...

Follow me... At 6 p.m., just 24 hours after an employee’s death is reported, a Benefits or Retirement Specialist is on the phone with the next of kin. This is the unseen reality of federal HR, where professionals navigate life-altering events and an overwhelming, compounding workload. This blog is a direct challenge to agency leadership: it's time to stop the reckless neglect of this vital field and invest in the people who hold the government's workforce together.

Navigating career changes as a federal employee? Get a clear, friendly breakdown of the key differences between Severance Pay and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VSIP). Learn about eligibility, payment methods, and the crucial reemployment rules to help you make an informed decision.