What I Wish I Knew: Before RIFs & Creating Workspaces for Humans to Thrive

We’ll be talking with John O’Duinn, Senior Advisor to the Human Capital Officer at the Internal Revenue Service and General Services Administration, retired. John’s expertise spans a wide range, from coder and Silicon Valley guru to member of the USDS and the 18F. His book, Distributed Teams: The Art and Practice of Working Together While Physically Apart, covers practical mechanics of how to work in and run distributed organizations, as well as the broader benefits of distributed organizations, including diversity, environmental, urban planning, and community renewal.

PMAA AdministratorNovember 24, 2025What I Wish I KnewComment

What I Wish I Knew: Before RIFs & Transitioning from Federal Service

In uncertain times, resilience matters more than ever. We’ll explore practical strategies for building and strengthening your resilience skills during career transitions. Our interviewee, Traci DiMartini, a former Human Capital Officer at the IRS, will share inspiring examples of strength and resolve she has witnessed in fellow civil servants — stories that remind us of our capacity to adapt and thrive.

PMAA AdministratorOctober 27, 2025What I Wish I KnewComment

What I Wish I Knew: Before Joining a Think Tank

This session of What I Wish I Knew features RAND's Vice President and Director, Global and Emerging Risks Division, Jim Mitre, Urban Institute's Director of Policy Management Keith Fudge (2009 PMF), and Arnold Venture's Program Integrity Fellow Doug Criscitello.

PMAA AdministratorFebruary 27, 2025What I Wish I KnewComment

What I Wish I Knew: Before Working with Politicals

Our latest WIWIK panel discussion features PMI/PMF alums who have worked closely with political appointees. We discuss the opportunities and potential pitfalls of the unique relationship senior government officials have with administration hires. We are joined by alums Arianne Gallagher-Welcher of USDA, Nate Shultz of HUD, and Tony Scardina of the Forest Service.

PMAA AdministratorSeptember 20, 2023What I Wish I Knew

What I Wish I Knew: Before Joining the Nonprofit Sector

In this session, we're bringing together PMF alums Matthew McCurdy of BLKHLTH, Adam LaRose of the Capital Area Food Bank, and Erin Foster West of National Young Farmers Coalition. These alums have made the leap from public service to the nonprofit sector and will be sharing their insights on the pros and cons, opportunities and pitfalls, and, of course, what they wish they knew before they made the move.

PMAA AdministratorApril 19, 2023What I Wish I Knew

What I Wish I Knew: About Financial Planning and Retirement

It's always the right time to plan for your retirement, and the right plan can make a big difference! On January 24, PMAA hosted DOL Deputy Director for Education and Outreach Debra Golding and certified financial planners Ned Kissinger and Garrett Kunkel from Kissinger Wealth Management Group, moderated by PMAA Board Member Louisa Quittman.

PMAA AdministratorJanuary 23, 2023What I Wish I KnewComment

What I Wish I Knew: Before Going to the Private Sector

PMAA hosted veterans of the public to private sector transition. Listen for fantastic insights on the opportunities and challenges of shifting sectors, as well as tips for how to excel.

PMAA AdministratorMay 12, 2022What I Wish I Knew Comment

What I Wish I Knew: Before I Became a Manager

Mark Johnston, Leticia Hawkins, and Henry Hensley drew on the their decades of combined leadership and management experience to help us identify pitfalls, opportunities, and hacks that will leave you better prepared to lead others and take on new responsibilities.

PMAA AdministratorMarch 16, 2022What I Wish I KnewComment

What I Wish I Knew: Before Returning to Federal Service

This month’s Couchella introduced a panel of PMI/F alumni to discuss their experiences re-entering the Federal Government after spending time in other sectors.

PMAA AdministratorMarch 4, 2021Couchella, What I Wish I Knew

What I Wish I Knew: Before Presidential Transitions

Join PMAA as we host a special panel of experts to walk you though everything you need to know about Transition time.

PMAA AdministratorOctober 14, 2020What I Wish I Knew

What I Wish I Knew: Before Returning to Federal Service

In our tenth Couchella event, we learn from Michael Lawyer (2009 PMF) and Dr. Bill Brantley (1997 PMI), PMAA Board Members and HR professionals acting in their personal capacities.

PMAA AdministratorMay 28, 2020Couchella, What I Wish I Knew