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AAFEA is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

Browse photos from our 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop.

Thanks to our 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop Sponsors and Strategic Partners

Strategic Partners

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About AAFEA

History

AAFEA was founded in February 2002 by William A. Brown, Sr. (SES Retired); Tracey Pinson (SES Retired; deceased); Dr. Lenora Gant (SES); and Catherine Bland (GS-14 Retired), and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the State of Maryland. We thank our founders for their vision, leadership, and dedication to others!

View AAFEA History Video

Vision

AAFEA is widely recognized as the leading non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.
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Mission

The mission of AAFEA, Inc. is:

  • To promote the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government;

  • To sponsor and advocate programs, policies, practices and processes that promote career enhancing opportunities and the development of critical skills for African Americans;

  • To establish partnerships and alliances with other senior level associations, public and private sector organizations and academia to leverage resources to develop intellectual capital to effectively execute the business of the federal government.

Strategic Priorities & Goals

  • Strategic Priority 1: Deliver High Quality Continuing Professional and Leadership Development Programs for SES at All Levels of Seniority

  • Strategic Priority 2: Deliver High Quality Professional and Leadership Development Programs for GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent) aspiring to senior levels of government

  • Strategic Priority 3: Enhanced Member Service and Engagement

  • Strategic Priority 4: Enhance Administrative Operations

  • Strategic Priority 5: Promote AAFEA Brand and Recognition as a Resource and Association of National Thought leaders.

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Progress Reports

Past Presidents

Byron M. Adkins, Jr.
2020 - 2021

Reginald F. Wells, Ph.D.
2020

Leslye Miller Fraser, JD
2016 - 2019

William A. Brown, Sr.
2002- 2015

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Leadership

The AAFEA Board of Directors includes retired and current members of the Senior Executive Service and other high-ranking federal executives.

AAFEA Officers

President
Tyra A. Dent
(SES Retired)

Vice President
Dr. Patrina Clark
(SES)

Financial Secretary
Pamela Hubbard

Treasurer
Mark Attucks
(SES Retired)

General Counsel
Kerry Neal
(SES)

Parliamentarian
Roxie J. Jones
(SES Retired)

Chancellor
Gisile Goethe
(SES)

Secretary / Historian
Tatiana Nwankwo

Member-At-Large
James McDonald
(SES)

Member-At-Large
Jeffrey "Jeff" Cleveland

Directors

Communications Director
Hollie Bodiford-Taylor

Membership Director
Michele Hodge
(SES)

Community Affairs Director
Camille Haylock
(SES)

Program Director
Onika Coke-Munoz
(SES)

Technology Director
Pamela Isom
(SES Retired)

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Membership

Thank you for your interest in the African American Federal Executive Association, Inc. (AAFEA), a non-profit association founded in February 2002 by African American members of the Federal Senior Executive Service. AAFEA promotes the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Federal Government. We sponsor programs and advocate for policies that enhance the opportunities for African Americans to serve our nation in senior-level positions.AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent). Equivalent grades for uniformed service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Service in the rank of Major and higher or equivalent.+

Benefits of Membership:

Signature Leadership Development Programs

  • AAFEA Next Generation Program (five-month leadership development experience)

  • AAFEA Fellows Program (12-month executive leadership development experience)

  • ECQ Boot Camp (writing development)

Member-Only Activities

Discounted Events & Incentives

  • AAFEA Spring Social

  • Special Themed Events

  • Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala

  • Annual 3-Day Leadership Development Workshop

  • Incentives offered by partner organizations – Senior Executive Association (SEA) and Blacks in Government (BIG)

You are part of a network of caring, supportive current, and retired African American senior federal employees dedicated to excellence and helping you achieve your career goals.A separate program fee applies to selected applicants.

New AAFEA Membership Dues StructureMembership Dues:
Active GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $125/year
2-Year Membership - $225/year
Active SES (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $150/year
2-Year Membership - $275/year
Retired Federal Employees
Retired GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies) - $50/year
Retired SES (or equivalent in other agencies) - $75/year

AAFEA is now accepting membership applications and renewals. We invite you to join AAFEA!If you are a ready to join or renew now, please click the link below to pay online.

AAFEA Member Meeting Calendar

The AAFEA Meeting Calendar for the Membership Year includes General Membership Meetings, SES Coffee Talks, Special Events, and Board Meetings. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Washington DC metropolitan area.- General Membership Meetings are open to all current, financial members. Details regarding location and times will be provided to the membership via email in advance of the meeting. In general, meetings are typically scheduled over the lunchtime period.- SES Coffee Talks are open to all current, financial members. The SES Coffee Talk series is a small group (20-40 person) discussion forum. Forum leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and the executive responsibilities and challenges faced by established and newly minted members of the Senior Executive Service.To date, the SES Coffee Talk series has presented members of the SES from the National Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The forum leaders represent a variety of disciplines including law, foreign relations, human resources, and engineering.The after work forum is held monthly at The City Club in the Washington metropolitan area. The SES Coffee Talks are available to all current AAFEA members and a reservation is required. Dates and locations are announced via the AAFEA newsletter.- Special Events include the Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials and the Annual Workshop. Details regarding these events are posted on the AAFEA website and circulated via email and the AAFEA newsletter.- Board Meetings are open only to AAFEA Board members. The Board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of each month at the City Club, Washington, D.C., except in July and August.Questions about membership? Need more information? Contact AAFEA

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

- What are the benefits of membership in AAFEA?
Benefits include access to current and retired members of the SES and other high ranking federal officials; participation in the AAFEA mentoring program; and access to the AAFEA Scholarship Program. In addition, AAFEA distributes information to our members regarding high-level GS and SES vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.
- Does AAFEA collect resumes or recruit for the federal government?
AAFEA is a private professional organization. We do not recruit for the US government or maintain resumes. Our mission is to ensure the government develops policies and programs that enhance the opportunities for African Americans in the Senior Executive Service. Please note that as a benefit to our members, AAFEA does distribute information regarding federal vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.
- What is a financial member?
Financial members are those persons whose dues are current and paid in full. If you are in doubt regarding your status, please contact us.
- I am a current financial member of AAFEA, but I am not receiving member updates or communications. What should I do?
Please contact AAFEA to ensure that your membership is current and that we have the correct contact information on file. AAFEA suggests that a personal (non-governmental) email address be used for all membership communications.

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Awards & Scholarships

Nomination Period Now Open
March 12, 2024 – April 1, 2024

Annually, the AAFEA Board of Directors requests award nominations and accepts scholarship applications to honorably recognize professional achievements of distinguished leaders, influencers, and role models: and support the continued professional development of AAFEA members.Thank you for your assistance in helping AAFEA recognize persons who are demonstrating leadership in ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in the senior ranks of government.

Ebenezer Bassett Award

- Named after Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett, an educator, abolitionist, and civil rights activist
- U.S. first African-American diplomat as Minister Resident and Consul General in Haiti from 1869 to 1877

Criteria

The Bassett Award recognizes career members of the Senior Executive Service and non-career senior federal officials for distinguished service to our nation in-accordance with the following criteria.

1. Career Member of the SES who:
- Has a distinguished career of service to our nation.
- Advocates for diversity in the SES.
- Promotes the professional development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the U.S. Government.
- Serves as a role model for others through their consistent and exemplary behavior that models the performance expected of a member of the SES.
- Serves as a mentor to African-Americans seeking to enter the SES.
- Enhances opportunities for African-Americans to serve our nation in senior level positions.

2. Non-Career Member of the SES (e.g., a political appointee) whose notable leadership accomplishments have significantly advanced the objectives of AAFEA, which is to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government. Recipients must have demonstrated their accomplishments, by example, direct action, development of significant policy initiatives, or other substantial efforts, which may include:- Achieving Results - Highly effective in achieving positive results/change in the numbers of African-Americans within the senior ranks of the United States Government as a direct result of the individual’s contributions and efforts.
- Leading People - Cooperative collaboration and teamwork across the organizational, directorate, agency, government and/or industry level to accomplish results of a substantial nature.
- Influencing Change - Innovative approaches used in the conception, design, or execution of projects, programs, initiatives, and activities (work represents a high degree of creativity or fundamental departure from usual practice) that advance the mission of the Executive’s agency or other organization.
- Role Model - Through their consistent and exemplary behavior, models the performance expected of a member of the SES, which due to their position, significantly advances the public’s positive perception of an SES official.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.
The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Ebenezer Bassett Award

2023 Recipients

Dr. Janice Underwood

Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA)
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

National President
Blacks in Government (BIG)

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Kerry K. Neal, Esq.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition (SPE), Grants, and Risk Management
US Department of Education (DOE)

Past Recipients

2022 - Byron Adkins, Jr., Department of Interior Business Center
2022 - Honorable Marcia Fudge, US Department of HUD
2022 - Ret. Gen. Dennis L. Via, Booz|Allen|Hamilton
2021 - Tia N. Butler, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
2021 - Wilmer J. Graham, U.S. Department of HUD
2021 - Gisile Goethe, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
2021 - Tony D. Williams, Bureau of Labor Statistics
2020 - Tinisha L. Agramonte, Motorola Solutions, Inc.
2020 - Samuel C. Jones, U.S. Census Bureau
2020 - Claudia J. Postell, Social Security Administration
2019 - Clarence C. Crawford, USPTO
2019 - Johnathan M. Holifield, WH HBCU Initiative
2019 - General Colin L. Powell, US Army General (Ret)
2019 - Rachel Torres, Department of Labor
2018 - William G. Bostic, Jr., SES Retired
2018 - LTG Nadja West, US Army Surgeon General (Ret)
2017 - Georgia Coffey, VA
2017 - Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming, EPA & DHS
2016 - Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden, Jr., NASA
2016 - William A. Brown, Sr., Army Corps of Engineers
2016 - Sam Coleman, EPA
2014 - Dr. James Meng, Navy
2013 - John Berry, OPM
2013 - Lisa P. Jackson, EPA
2012 - Leslye M. Fraser, EPA

Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award

Named after one of the founding members of AAFEA, the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award recognizes career staff persons at the GS-13 to GS-15 level who are trailblazers in having significantly advanced the objectives of AAFEA to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

Criteria

Recipients of the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award:
- Have a distinguished career of service to our nation.
- Advocate for diversity within the senior ranks of government.
- Actively create paths for others to pursue training and other opportunities leading toward senior level positions (GS-13 through SES positions or equivalent).
- Contribute to the growth and development of others, even as they seek to advance themselves.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.
The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award

2023 Recipients

Larry L. Johnson

Special Agent in Charge
Social Security Administration (SSA)

Petrina Nelson

Senior Procurement Analyst
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

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Dr. Natasha L. Edmondson

Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner
US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Past Recipients

2022 - Dr. Jacqueline Charles, DOD
2022 - Jamila Harris, DVA
2022 - Eraina McCoy
2022 - Andrea D. Williamson, HUD
2021 - Onika Coke-Munoz, DVA
2021 - Dr. Tilantine Benjamin, USDA
2020 - Cliff McCoy, TSA
2020 - Alvin Smith, DOC
2020 - Valerie Swanson, DOL
2020 - Connie Yates, FDA
2019 - Derrick Blue, DVA
2019 - Bisa Cunningham, CDC
2018 - Tanya Lawrence, US EPA
2017 - Dennis Day, Air Force
2016 - Albert B.R. Blake, DoD
2014 - Theresa Jackson, DISA
2013 - Joyce Taylor, Navy

William A. Brown, Sr. Scholarship Award

The William A. Brown, Sr. Scholarship Award was established in honor of one of AAFEA’s founders and its first national president. The scholarships are awarded to GS (or equivalent) candidates pursuing higher education, professional development, and/or coaching to enhance their ability to become a member of the SES and to members of the SES who are seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

Criteria

  • Applicants must be active AAFEA members for a minimum of one year.

  • Past applicants who were not selected in previous years are eligible to re-apply.

  • Past recipients of the scholarship are not eligible to re-apply for three years after receiving an award.

Each scholarship award recipient will receive an amount not to exceed $2,500.
For additional information/details and to apply using your Google account, please view the scholarship application.

How to Submit:

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the William A. Brown Sr. Scholarship Award!

2023 Recipients

Tiffany Davis-Edwards
Philomena West

Past Recipients

Millicent Alexander
Ronald Allen
Christoper Andall
Shawn Arthur
Tameka Bell
Carol Belloni
Marvin Benton
Monique Baskin
Albert Blake
Quan Boatman
Hollie Bodiford-Taylor
Shay S. Bracey
Chadd Breaker
Cynthia Bryant
Dyan Bullock
Yolanda J. Butler
Monique Cephas
Dr. Jacqueline A. Charles
Tamara J. Cox
Tiffany N. Davis-Edwards
Dionne Dent-Lockett

Hope Dudley
Ogochukwu Ekwuabu
Marion H. Giles
Linda Gray
James T. Ham
Vickie Harper
Jamila Harris
Demetrius Holiness
Veronica Jackson-Patrick
Janelle Johnson
Andrea Jones
Conchita Lawrence
James McDonald
Zannia S. McDonald
Jonathan McKinney
Christopher Miller
Michelle Mills
Nygina Mills
Syreeta Mollett
Shanae L. Moody
Marcia Muirhead
Bronzywn Palmer

Penny N. Popps
Tamara Powell
Jannea R. Prescott
Jovanda L. Sanderlin
Tyrell Schoolfield
Kelli Singleton
Alvin F. Smith, Jr.
Kevin Stanford
Monique F. Stewart
Sukenna Stokes
Angelia Talbert-Duarte
Latasha Thompson
Vanessa Tabern
Irene Vance
Tammy Wade
Sharonda Ware
Zina Watkins
Philomena West
Bradley Washington
Alycia Williams
Jenifer Williams
Andrea Williamson

Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award

We are pleased to formally announce that the Community Partner Award has been renamed the Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award, in honor of AAFEA co-founder, Dr. Lenora P. Gant. The Dr. Lenora P. Grant Community Partner inaugural Award will be presented during the 20th Annual AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop and annually thereafter to selected senior-level associations, public/private sector organizations/companies, and/or academia that have consistently and significantly partnered with AAFEA to support and/or advance AAFEA’s strategic objective to promote the development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior and executive ranks of the United States Government.

Criteria

Recipients of this award must have demonstrated their accomplishments by impactful and/or tangible engagements, development of significant policy initiatives, or other substantial efforts, which may include:- Achieving Results - Highly effective in helping to prepare African-Americans for senior leadership positions within the United States Government as a direct result of the company/organization’s contributions and efforts;
- Leading People - Cooperative collaboration and teamwork with AAFEA or across the organizational, directorate, agency, government and/or industry level to accomplish results of a substantial nature; and/or
- Influencing Change - Innovative approaches used in the conception, design, or execution of projects, programs, initiatives, and activities (work represents a high degree of creativity or fundamental departure from usual practice) that advance AAFEA’s mission.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.
The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award

2023 Recipient

Shirley A. Jones

National President
Blacks in Government (BIG)
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Past Recipients

2022 - Jason A. Briefel, Senior Executive Association
2021 - Michelle Clark, Management Concepts, Inc.
2020 - Bernice Alston, Royal Consulting Firm

Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award

The Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award was established in April of 2022, in memory of Samuel C. Jones, a longstanding, devoted, and committed AAFEA mentor. The inaugural award was presented posthumously to Sam during the 18th Annual Leadership Development Workshop. AAFEA honors the legacy and impact of Sam and the significance of mentors in the professional development of aspiring leaders.The Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award is presented annually to a deserving AAFEA member(s) of the Senior Executive Service (SES) who has demonstrated consistent and impactful service as an AAFEA mentor. Nominees must have served a minimum of three years as an AAFEA mentor.

Goal

To recognize AAFEA members at the GS-15 and SES levels, who have demonstrated exemplary service as a mentor to AAFEA members, and have played a vital role in supporting AAFEA leadership development programs and enhancing the member experience. at the GS-13 through Senior Executive Service, or equivalent.

Criteria

Recipients of the Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award:
- Member of the Senior Executive Service or GS-15
- Continuous AAFEA membership
- Served as a formal mentor to an AAFEA member for 3 years or more
- Demonstrated mentorship externally

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.
The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [ insert name] for Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award

2023 Recipient

William G. Bostic, Jr.

Past Vice-President of AAFEA
Retired SES US Census Bureau
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Fellows Program

2024 Application Period Now Open

AAFEA Fellows Program

Annually, the AAFEA Fellows Program identifies a select group of high-performing federal leaders to participate in a rigorous 1-year developmental program designed to prepare them to compete for senior leadership and executive positions in the federal government.AAFEA will accept up to 20 participants in the Fellows program.The deadline for applications is Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. The deadline will not be extended.

Program Goal

The overarching goal of the AAFEA Fellows Program is to prepare high-performing aspiring federal leaders to successfully navigate the Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring process. The Program activities have been designed to afford impactful developmental experiences aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and underlying competencies.

Program Fee

The Fellows Program fee is $2,000.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a:

  • Current permanent Federal employee,

  • Current member of AAFEA in good standing

  • Supervisory Grade 15 or equivalent with at least two years of supervisory experience OR supervisory Grade 14 or equivalent with at least three years of supervisory experience.

All applicants must timely submit the following:

  • The Online AAFEA Fellows Application with a current resume and professional headshot photo for AAFEA announcements and graduation.

  • Letters of Recommendation submitted directly to the AAFEA Chancellor at [email protected]

  • Two letters of recommendation for Grade 15 and equivalents and three letters for Grade 14 and equivalents.

  • All documents are due Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. The deadline will not be extended.

Note: Applicants may be required to participate in a one-on-one interview with the AAFEA Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor and/or SES designees of the AAFEA Board of Directors.

Program Requirements

The AAFEA Fellows Program requires focus, commitment, and dedication, as the design is comprehensive and rigorous. Program activities are generally scheduled during non-duty hours.Fellows should expect to spend between 8 and 12 hours each month on program activities (including the 4-hour mandatory monthly cohort session). The cohort format and the capstone project add to the Program’s richness by creating shared experiences with fellow federal government leaders that will last beyond the Program.

Program Elements

  • Meet and Greet/Formal orientation and program kick-off, Monday, June 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Monthly educational programming delivered by current and former federal executives (scheduled in-person and remote typically on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET)

  • Preview the AAFEA Fellows Program Summary

  • Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with a current or former career member of the SES.

  • A Clifton Strengths Assessment and Insights Report with a coaching session on aiming your Strengths.

  • One set of OPM Executive Core Qualifications narratives.

  • Mock SES interviews with feedback from a panel of seasoned SESs.

  • Design, implementation, and evaluation of a Capstone Project aligned with the AAFEA Strategic Priorities.

  • Graduation celebration during the annual AAFEA Leadership Workshop.

Key Dates

  • Application Period Closes: Friday, March 22, 2024, 11:59 PM EST

  • Decisions to Applicants: May 6, 2024

  • Program Acceptance and Payment Due: May 31, 2024

  • Program Kick-off (in-person): Monday, June 3, 2024

  • Program Graduation: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

AAFEA Welcomes the Fellows Class of 2024

Sylvia Ballinger
Saphronia Branford
Carlisa Broadway
Antonio Mitchell

Rehena Mohammed
Carlene Randolph
Danielle Rowell
Audrey Story

Fellows Graduates Alumni

Muhtarat Agoro, Esq.
Lisa-Marie Aird
Duane Alston
LaTanya Anderson
Starlisha Anderson
Shawn Arthur
Monique Baskin
Tracy Y. Bellamy
Dianne Benjamin
Dr. Tilantine Benjamin
Marvin Benton
Joy Best
Hollie Bodiford Taylor
Tanaga Boozer
Brent Oliver Bracely
Chadd Breaker
Dr. Marsha Brookins
Dr. Joi Brown
Tamara Brown-Driver
Cynthia Bryant (SES)
Dyan Bullock
Jerri Calhoun
Ted Canidy
Laurita Finch Clark
Zinethia Clemmons
Jeffrey Cleveland
Onika Coke-Munoz (SES)
Kena Z. Coleman
Dr. Kim Colon
Dr. Charles Conyers
Jerome Cooper
Danyale Corradi
Jerome Crocker

Bisa Cunningham, Esq.
Sheila Darrell
Patricia Davison-Lewis, Esq.
Willie Davis
Brandi Dennis
Evangela Dortch
Dawn DuVerney, Esq.
Abdelali Elouaradia (SES)
Wayne Engram
Julius L. Evans
Audrey Farley (SES)
Larry Farrior
Linda Fobbs
Maisha Foskey
D. Foster
Carmen Gamble
Robin Gates
Tania Gates
Felicia Gibson
Marion Giles
Elvera Gleaton (SES)
Takiyah Tia Golden
Dr. Janeen Guest
Evangeline Hawthorne
John Hill
Demetrius Holiness
Vincent Holman, Sr.
Pamela Hubbard
Delphine Hudson-Crosby
John L Jackson
Elliott Johnson, Jr.
Larry Johnson
Willie Mae Johnson

A'ndrea Jones
Mary Jones
Torrance Jones
Wanda Jones
Micki Jones-Moore
Patrice Jones-Washington
Tabisa Kalisa
Erainust Lowery
August Martin
Eraina R. McCoy
Elizabeth McCullough
Zannia McDonald
Dr. Gail McFadden-Roberts
Tyeshia McIntyre-Bray
Curtis McNeil
LaTonya Miller-Turner
Nygina Mills (SES)
Yvette Selby Mohamadu
Kerry Neal, Esq. (SES)
Petrina Nelson
Tatiana Nwankwo
Bronzwyn Palmer (SES Equiv)
Victor Powers (SES)
Victoria V. Prince
Dr. Tracy Ramsey
Deloris Rankins
Dr. Tasha Reid Hippolyte (SES)
Ami Richardson, Esq.
Vickie Richardson (SES)
Cynthia Riddle
Joshua Rivers
Angel Robinson (SES)

Dr. Malissa Ross
Victoria Rucker
R. P. Simmons
Dr. Jacob Simmons
Alvin Smith
Michelle Smith
Tanya Smith
Katina Stapleton
Dr. Mark Stevens
Sukenna Stokes
Renee Stroud
Valerie Swanson
Vanessa Tabern
Robin M. Bryson Talmadge
Anthony M. Taylor
Lisa Taylor, Esq.
Douglas Thomas
Melissa Thomas
Dawn Tucker-Thomas
Irene Vance
Bradley Washington
Markel Waters
Zina Watkins
Dr. Jeffrey Weaver
Philomena West
Dr. Scena Webb
Terry White
Connie W.Y. Yates (SES)
Diana Williams
Terence Williams
Jacqueline S. Woodard
Felicia Young

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Career Development Plan Program

2024 Application Period Now Closed

AAFEA Next Generation Career Development Plan (CDP) program for GS 13, GS 14, and Equivalent levels Class

Annually, the AAFEA will identify a select group of GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent level federal employees (hereafter GS-13/14) to participate in its Next Generation Career Development Plan (CDP) Program. The CDP program is a rigorous 6-month developmental program designed to prepare participants to compete for advanced career positions in the federal government. The program is delivered virtually with Zoom Conferencing.AAFEA will accept up to 25 participants for this cohort.

Program Goal

The overarching goal of the AAFEA Next Generation CDP Program is to prepare GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent employees to successfully navigate their federal career growth. The program activities are designed to provide impactful developmental experiences aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s Leadership Journey competencies.

Program Fee

The Program fee is $850 for AAFEA members: $1,250 for non-AAFEA members.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a:

  • Current permanent Federal employee

  • GS-13, GS-14, or Equivalent

Note: GS-14 level and Equivalents with more than three years of supervisory experience are encouraged to apply for AAFEA’s Fellows program.During the application period, all applicants must submit an online application with a combined pdf file that includes:

  • An essay written by the applicant to describe their interest in the program and personal growth goals, not to exceed two (2) pages.

  • A resume outlining grade level, work experience, and education, including any relevant volunteer experience, not to exceed four (4) pages.

Note: Applicants may be required to participate in a one-on-one interview with the AAFEA Chancellor and Vice Chancellors and/or a panel interview with members designated by the AAFEA Board of Directors.

Program Requirements

The AAFEA Next Generation CDP Program requires focus, commitment, and dedication, as the program design is comprehensive and rigorous. Program activities are during non-duty hours.Participants should expect to spend approximately 6 hours each month on personal development program activities (including the 4-hour mandatory monthly Saturday meeting). Participants must attend at least four sessions to complete the program, including the career plan presentation to senior leaders.
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Program Elements

  • Monthly virtual meetings for 6 months, typically on 3rd Saturdays of each month

  • Meeting time from 9 AM to 1 PM ET

  • Clifton Strengths Assessment and Insights Report with a coaching session

  • Monthly educational programming facilitated by current and former federal executives

  • Network with peers across the federal government

  • Design and evaluation of a Personal Career Development Plan with feedback from seasoned Senior Executive Service members and GS-15 federal leaders

  • Graduation celebration with Certificate of Completion

Key Dates

  • Application Period Closes: February 19, 2024, 11:59 PM EST

  • Decisions to Applicants: March 9, 2024

  • Program Acceptance and Payment Due: March 22, 2024

  • Program Kick-off (virtual): Saturday, March 23, 2024

  • Program Graduation: Saturday, August 17, 2024

The AAFEA Board of Directors is excited about your interest in the Next Generation CDP Program for GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent levels and wishes you great success in every endeavor.Please email any questions about the AAFEA Next Generation CDP Program to [email protected]

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Events Calendar

Coffee Talk Series

The SES Coffee Talk Series is a small group discussion forum. Forum leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and the executive responsibilities and challenges faced by established and newly minted members of the Senior Executive Service.

Webinar Series

The AAFEA Webinar Series is a monthly professional development opportunity that promotes career advancement for AAFEA members and aspiring senior leaders within federal government with substantive, informative and interactive and candid dialogue with select African American members of the Senior Executive Service.

Annual Leadership Development Workshop

The Annual AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop focuses on the programs, policies, practices, and processes that promote career enhancing opportunities and the core subjects critical for becoming a member of the SES. This three-day event is designed for federal and military professionals with experience at the GS-13 and above level.

Social Events

The AAFEA Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials & Dinners provide attendees with unique opportunities to socialize and network with senior federal professionals.For more information about any of these events, please contact us with your query.

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Contact Us

AAFEA, Inc.
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20817
E | [email protected]

Send an Inquiry

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Now Accepting Applications for 2023
April – September 2023

Annual Award Nomination Period Now Open:

February 13, 2023 – March 15, 2023

AAFEA Welcomes the Fellows Class of 2023

- Class of 2023

- Class of 2023

- Class of 2023

Accepting Nominations for 2022 AAFEA Awards and Scholarships

Nomination Period:
January 24, 2022 – February 25, 2022

The Application Period for the AAFEA Fellows Class of 2023 is OPEN!

AAFEA Celebrates
Woman's History Month!

Thank You Byron!

AAFEA extends its gratitude to outgoing President Byron Adkins for his phenomenal leadership during his tenure. Byron's involvement in and vision for AAFEA extend beyond his position at the helm and is summarized in his own words: "I believe AAFEA has a unique opportunity to be a global organization with regional hubs and affinity groups within each cabinet agency, allowing us to expand our reach and capability to best meet our mission."

Annually, the AAFEA Fellows Program identifies a select group of high-performing federal leaders to participate in a rigorous 1-year developmental program designed to prepare them to compete for senior and executive leadership positions in the federal government.AAFEA will receive applications for the 2023 Fellows Program Class March 1-31, 2022. Program begins September 2022 through September 2023, held monthly on the first Saturday.

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William G. Bostic, Jr.
(SES Retired)

Anthony C. Thomas
(SES)

Chancellor
Wilmer J. Graham
(SES)

Communications Director
Kevin Cooke
(SES)

Celebrating Public Service Recognition Week. Thank you for your service!

Serving and supporting our members during COVID-19.

AAFEA Scholarship Application period is now officially OPEN. APPLY NOW!

The Board will present these awards and scholarships to the selected distinguished individuals at the inaugural AAFEA Scholarship and Awards Gala on May 8, 2020 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in College Park, MD. We invite you to nominate persons you believe should be considered for these awards and scholarships based on the criteria listed below.

Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2021

Application Period Has Closed
The Application Period for the AAFEA Fellows Class of 2022 is March 1 - March 31, 2021.

Key Dates:

- Application Period Open: 3/1/2019 – 3/31/2019
- Candidate Screening: 4/1/2019 – 4/22/2019
- Board Approval of Members of the Class of 2020: 5/2/2019
- Notification to Applicants: 5/17/2019
- Signed Acceptance Letter and Payment of $500 Program Fee: 6/28/2019
- Virtual Onboarding Activities: 7/15/2019 – 8/16/2019
- Fellows Orientation/Program Kick-Off (in-person): 9/15/2019, 2 to 6 p.m.
The AAFEA Board of Directors is excited about your interest in the Fellows Program and wish great success for you in all of your future endeavors. Please email any questions about the Fellows Program to [email protected].

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