Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph -- Approximately 400 human resources professionals attended the 2021 Civilian Personnel Summit in San Antonio, Aug. 2-6.
The annual event brought together civilian personnel specialists from around the force in-person and virtually this year for education and collaboration.
“Our civilian human resources professionals come together every year to share best practices, latest processes and discuss policy changes so we can better serve the field,” said Sharon Seiber, the Air Force Personnel Center’s deputy director for civilian programs. “Being in-person this year also helped to build and strengthen relationships, which is so important in our business.”
Civilian personnel offices at installations around the world play a critical role supporting more than 180,000 Air Force appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees. This includes work that spans the entire talent management lifecycle including recruitment, retention, training and development.
“This community must collectively partner to support, advance and enable warfighter readiness and lethality by increasing the capabilities of our civilian enterprise,” said Glenda Scheiner, director of civilian force management, Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Programs.
Scheiner reflected on the challenges the HR community has seen in the last couple of years, including adapting to changes in the work environment driven by the COVID-19 global pandemic and supporting the standup of the first new military branch in over 70 years, the United States Space Force.
Throughout the week, HR leaders educated attendees on latest initiatives, policies, and the progress being made in areas such as talent acquisition and management and telework. This year, the conference also included breakout sessions on hiring authorities, retirement and permanent changes of station, as well as pay-related topics.
“Our community of experts directly supports Air Force priorities and capabilities to be able to answer the nation’s call,” Seiber said. “The civilian HR team is indispensable as a strategic partner, managing the workforce through human capital strategies, planning, initiatives and execution. Their contribution is visible throughout the Air Force.”
For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit AFPC’s public website at http://www.afpc.af.mil/.