Working At Home II
Readers of Government Inc. yesterday may have noticed the name Stephen O'Keeffe, a public relations executive who also testifies before Congress as a specialist about issues that his clients want the world to notice.
O'Keeffe had organized a "town hall" meeting about telecommuting, this time as organizer of a group called Telework Exchange, a "public-private" entity that promotes telecommuting by federal workers. At the event in Washington, General Services Administration chief Lurita Doan expressed strong support for the idea, saying she'd like to see half of all eligible employees at the GSA telecommuting by 2010.
O'Keeffe called early yesterday after reading the item. Not that he had any complaints. Gracious and sharp, O'Keeffe said he wanted to discuss the context of his role in the group. "There is nothing here that's untrue," he began.
He explained that telecommuting is a very important topic that's only going to become more urgent going forward, with gas prices and congestion on the rise. Naturally, his public relations clients, primarily a group of technology companies, want to see the government embrace telecommuting because then they will be able to sell the software and machines to enable that to happen.
At root, he acknowledged, the Telework Exchange is a marketing move. "Telework Exchange is funded by the private sector," he said, adding that up to 15 companies a year pay $5,000 to support the effort.
"There is definitely a marketing component to it."
O'Keeffe said his job -- as a public relations executive -- is to inform the public about a complex issue. Many people don't realize that there's already a mandate inside the government to encourage telecommuting, he said. Technology companies want federal workers to know that.
"It seems like there's an awareness problem," he said.
He agreed "there should be sunlight in the process." But he wanted to make it clear "it's important to provide sufficient framing" by reporters.
Fair enough.
One more thing: Rep. Tom Davis. O'Keeffe acknowledged working closely with Davis at times. He said he testified before the Government Reform Committee last year, when Davis was still chairman. Davis also offered his verbal support to the group after it was announced. But he said Davis and his staff have lately "not been involved in Telework Exchange" and had nothing to do with yesterday's event.
By Robert O'Harrow |
September 14, 2007; 7:27 AM ET
GSA
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Posted by: Michael Lent | September 14, 2007 9:02 AM
So how is this Telework Exchange different than any other trade association in Washington? Every group seems to have their own consituency and therefore their own agenda.
Posted by: Fairfax | September 14, 2007 9:58 AM
I'm applying for a job with the Government as a telecommuter employee, right now. Please list the positions available. I have a degree in higher education.
Thank you.
Posted by: Edna Mac Donald | September 18, 2007 11:08 AM
i retired on disability from the IRS as a Revenue Officer in 1999, at the time I was making 60,000.per year. I am 53 years old and if I am able to work at home and receive what the pay is currently for Revenue Officers GS12 step 7 which is where I was when I retired I would love to do so or there any positions I can work at home on.
Posted by: gsynell mixon | September 25, 2007 2:18 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
There seemed to be some slight odor in the air yesterday, but today's information suggests it was unwarranted.
So, why was this item noteworthy in your blog, as opposed to say, Barr's column?