The Resource North Carolina Office of State Human Resources
Second Quarter 2018
Meet the Secretary
Machelle Sanders Department of Administration
Consolidated Class & Comp System Launch
Agencies Offer Volunteer Week Support Statewide
17 State Employees Honored with Caswell Awards
DIT Trains Injured Vets for Cybersecurity Jobs
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ay often is associated with the renewal of spring and the promise of sunny days ahead. We at the Office of State Human Resources have been eager for this moment, having worked through several challenging seasons to finally present and implement the long-awaited overhaul of the Classification and Compensation System. A two-minute video designed to help explain the complexities of the legislatively mandated Statewide Compensation Project, and how it will create opportunities for better labor market equity over time, is available online. Learn more about the new Class & Comp system on page 2.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire team at OSHR for their diligence in building this complex system, and the Barbara Gibson, Director Office of State Human Resources agency-based Human Resource Directors who have likewise supported this mission. It hasn’t been easy, and the result is not perfect – no system is, especially one that manages a process so important and emotionally-charged as compensation – but we have come a long way from the 1949 model that had been in place. We are hopeful that the General Assembly will allocate funds to allow more state agency employees to advance in their salary grade. Be sure to read about the Governor Cooper’s recommended budget to learn how it may impact you and your agency. I have long been impressed by the leadership of Machelle Sanders, North Carolina’s eloquent Secretary of the Department of Administration. Sanders believes that every step in her personal life and distinguished business career has brought her to this opportunity to serve state employees, business operators and those who advocate on behalf of underserved North Carolinians. We’re delighted to share her strong words in this issue. This has been a blossoming season for celebrating the extraordinary dedication of state employees. In April, we presented Richard Caswell awards to 17 state employees from nine agencies who have marked 45 or more years of public service. And last week, we honored the commitment and service all colleagues through State Employee Recognition Week. If you missed it last week, take a moment to watch Governor Cooper’s video message commending state employees for their dedication.
Barbara Gibson Director, Office of State Human Resources
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Statewide Compensation Project Moves Toward Full Implementation
Click on the image to view new video.
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he long-awaited Statewide Compensation Project for employees of state government agencies is on track for full implementation in June. Affected employees were notified of their new job classification and salary grade in May, and the online system used to post and apply for state jobs is being upgraded this month.
The replaced Class & Comp model was implemented in 1949 and is a system of salary grades with ranges. In 2007, about 30 percent of state employees were converted to a career-banded compensation system. “Having two different compensation systems was inefficient and not reflective of the job market as a whole,” says OSHR Director Barbara Gibson. “This new system has several advantages compared to the previous process: It reflects modern job titles and fields; it replaces two older systems with one system; and it provides legislators and other state government leaders with better information to use to allocate state funding to help avoid employee turnover and increase retention.”
A two-minute video was produced for state employees to explain the how the new classification and compensation system was developed and how it may affect them. Agency Human Resources Departments also are providing information to help employees understand their new classification and how the system will create better opportunities for labor market equity over time. No state employees will earn less as a result of the new, legislatively mandated Class & Comp system. The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) projects that there is sufficient funding in the $7.8 million Salary Adjustment Fund allotted by the General Assembly in 2017 to adjust salaries of about 4 percent of employees now below the minimum pay of their salary grade. For employees in state-funded positions, the increase will be included in May payroll, retroactive to Feb. 1, 2018. Agencies will identify resources to address affected positions paid through non-appropriated funds.
Learn More Online Statewide Compensation Project Two Minute Video About New System Frequently Asked Questions New Job Classification Specs New Pay Salary Grades Agency Human Resource Contacts
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Governor Cooper Presents Budget Recommendations
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Photo/ Paul E. Barker
overnor Cooper presented his Common Ground Solutions 2018-2019 recommended budget adjustments on May 10. The Governor’s plan prioritizes safer and stronger public schools, provides more workforce training for high-paying jobs, and protects the health of families across North Carolina – all without raising taxes.
“Our economic recovery has been good for those at the Governor Cooper announces his budget very top, but many families are still struggling to get recommendations during a May 10 press conference. ahead. My budget makes middle class families a priority and ensures that all North Carolinians have opportunities to find good jobs, put more money in their pockets, The budget leaves room for a school construction bond of up to $2 billion that Governor Cooper and raise their families in safe and healthy communibelieves the legislature should ask voters to pass in ties,” said Governor Cooper. 2018. Governor Cooper’s budget allocates $24.5 billion and makes crucial investments in education and job training, The budget takes concrete steps to improve school safety and youth mental health and includes $130 health care, economic development and public safety. The budget achieves these goals without raising taxes or million to hire more support personnel like nurses and school resource officers and upgrade facilities to borrowing from special funds. be more secure. For more on that proposal, please Stronger and Safer Schools click here. Governor Cooper’s budget gives educators a meaningful Additionally, the budget supports North Carolina’s raise, takes concrete steps to improve school safety and veterans and military families. It restores full lays out a plan to make North Carolina a Top 10 Educated funding to the North Carolina Scholarship for State.In his budget, the Governor proposes an average Children of Wartime Veterans for the children of 8 percent teacher pay raise this year, with every teacher veterans killed or disabled during combat and receiving at least a 5 percent raise. This includes veteran establishes a position in benefits administration so teachers who have been left behind in the legislature’s veterans can more easily get the support they have teacher pay plan. The budget pays for the teacher raise earned. by targeting the scheduled income tax cuts to the NC Job Ready middle class, freezing additional tax breaks for income over $200,000 a year and corporations. Earlier this year, Governor Cooper laid out NC Job Ready, his key priorities to develop a strong workThe budget puts North Carolina on track to reach the force. The Governor’s budget invests in those priornational average in teacher pay in four years and to ities to train and grow our state’s skilled-workforce be a Top 10 Educated State by 2025 by adding 2,000 ities to train and grow our state’s skilled-workforce pre-K slots, proposing $25 million for textbooks and digital learning and providing educators a $150 stipend to recruit high paying jobs to North Carolina. It provides $30 million in the NC GROW (Getting Ready to learning and providing educators a $150 stipend to for Opportunities in the Workforce) program – free cover out-of-pocket classroom supplies.
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to broadband and improving infrastructure necessary to recruit good jobs. Another $13 million will help develop economic development sites and recruit new industries.
training at community colleges for high-demand industries. It includes $20 million in Finish Line Grants to help students on the cusp of graduation but facing financial difficulties finish their degrees. And NC Job Ready includes $10 million that will help employers provide on-the-job training. For more information on this proposal, click here.
The budget offers state employees their largest raise in a decade and a cost of living adjustment for state retirees. It provides every state employee with a recurring $1,250 raise or 2 percent - whichever is greater. State law enforcement officers and institution-based personnel will receive an additional $1,000 recurring raise. Retirees would receive a 1 percent recurring cost of living adjustment. It includes $20 million for the Salary Adjustment Fund to implement the new market-based Class & Comp system. And to further enhance staffing at North Carolina prisons, it provides $10 million to create a 457-supplemental retirement contribution system for certified State Correctional Officers.
Healthier Families and Safer Communities Governor Cooper’s budget increases access to healthcare, protects our state’s natural resources and improves safety in North Carolina’s prisons, creating safer and healthier communities for families. The budget recommends closing the health insurance coverage gap by expanding Medicaid to cover 670,000 North Carolinians and inject $4 billion in our economy. In addition, the budget proposal adds more than $9 million to increase community mental health funding and treatment to combat the opioid crisis.
Rebuilding from Hurricane Matthew and Saving for the Future Hurricane Matthew devastated eastern North Carolina and caused $4.8 billion in damage. While North Carolina has already disbursed more than $630 million for recovery, more work remains to rebuild communities even stronger than they were before. Graphic courtesy of SEANC
To ensure North Carolinians’ health isn’t threatened by dangerous polluters, the budget provides $14.5 million to give state experts the resources to protect our air and drinking water, combat emerging contaminants like GenX and upgrade our state’s outdated permitting system. For more information on this proposal, click here.
Governor Cooper’s budget provides an additional $139.5 million to help families still recovering and takes steps to prepare for future storms. The budget sets aside an additional $184 million for our state’s Rainy Day Fund so we can be prepared for the next storm or unforeseen disaster that hits.
Finally, Governor Cooper’s budget takes meaningful steps to address unacceptable violence in state prisons, investing $28 million to improve the safety and security of corrections staff and the communities they serve.
“My budget shows what we can accomplish with the right priorities. This is a balanced proposal that lowers taxes, improves our schools and helps North Carolinians get better paying jobs and live healthier lives. My plan ensures that families across North Carolina will benefit from our state’s success,” said Governor Cooper.
More Money in Families’ Pockets Governor Cooper’s budget invests in good jobs for all of North Carolina. It provides $43 million to strengthen rural North Carolina, expanding access to broadband and improving infrastructure nec4
Cyber Warriors:
DIT Trains Veterans for New Cybersecurity Careers
By John Strange
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s a retired first sergeant in the U.S. Army who was injured almost 22 years ago in the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, Vicky Steward truly appreciates the hundreds of times that civilians have approached her over the years to thank her for her service. Today, she is one of five apprentices working in a pilot program for the Department of Information Technology (DIT) and other state agencies while training for a second career in cybersecurity. The nation’s and the state’s gratitude now has greater weight and meaning in her life.
“When I was selected for this program, it said to me, ‘Thank you for your service’ on a whole different
“When I was selected for this program, it said to me, ‘Thank you for your service’ on a whole different level,” Steward says. “It didn’t just thank me for my level.” service, it thanked my family for the sacrifice that they made…. I really feel like the state is giving back. -Vicky Steward This is the thanks for my service, and now I am able The two-year pilot program is in its second year. to take care of my family.” Five apprentices work eight-hour days Monday The Disabled Veterans Cybersecurity Apprenticeship through Thursday, guided by mentors in their work. program is a collaboration between the DIT and On Friday, the apprentices meet for training at ISG other state agencies; ISG, a Raleigh-based IT firm in Raleigh. They receive regular salary and benefits, specializing in cybersecurity; and educational and by the time they graduate from the program in organizations in the state, including Wake Technical October, they will be eligible to take the examination Community College and other community colleges. for and obtain a CISSP – Certified Information System Security Professional Associate certification. Tony Marshall, ISG’s president and chief executive officer, says the program is a “win-win all the way “My favorite part about the program is working around.” State government and businesses gain a alongside and with professional people willing to well-trained, reliable, and dedicated workforce in share information and who are passionate about cybersecurity, a field that does not yet have enough keeping the network secure,” Steward says. “Just qualified workers, and veterans receive training and understanding and seeing the sense of urgency that expertise in a rising and lucrative IT field. these state employees have about securing the network.”
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her injuries made it difficult to stay on top of an ever-changing IT field. After she was away from the work force for a long rehabilitation, she found herself back at square one.
“The return to civilian life is the second-most difficult period of time in the life of a veteran,” says ISG consultant Rodney Anderson, who retired from the Army as a major general after a 33-year career. “The first, of course, is transitioning into war. But short of that, the transition from a structured environment with a known paycheck and benefits into the unknown is really a difficult thing.” More than 200,000 members of the U.S. military return to civilian life each year, and according to Anderson, about 8,000 a year pack away the uniform at Fort Bragg. “Our veterans face an uphill battle in many ways,” Marshall says. The typical veteran joins the military at a relatively young age and learns the language, culture, fellowship and loyalty to the country – the “esprit de corps” – of life in military service.
Videos by Mary-Alice Warren, Department of Information Technology
“You understand what your job is, you’re very focused on that, you’re very good at your job,” Marshall explains. “And then you leave that job. You move into your civilian life. It’s a different language, you’re not treated with the same level of respect, it’s a little harder to traverse, and it’s difficult. “Because the people who are training our veterans have been in this situation before,” he adds, “they understand how to help with that language transition. They understand what that individual is going through, and we can make it a soft transition.” She learned about the cybersecurity apprenticeship at NCWorks, a program of the state Department of Labor. She applied and was accepted, joining four other former soldiers and Marines who were injured during their service.
“The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship is a ‘win-win all the way around.’”
- Tony Marshall
“We have this tremendous group of very talented individuals who are traversing through our state. They are very talented, they’re very skilled and they can be a financial benefit to the state if we can keep them here,” Marshall says. “From an economic standpoint, it’s great to have these warriors here working for us. We need them in the state, and they help us secure our state systems.
For Steward, her return to civilian life was complicated by her continuing recovery from injuries she received during the June 1996 terrorist attack on Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. Her rehabilitation, while also managing a new civilian career in information technology, proved challenging. She was successful in her job, but taking time off for treatment and rehabilitation for 6
“It’s great to be able to offer these positions to these individuals, and watch them grow, watch them succeed, watch them teach others, watch them learn, and just be able to be supportive. This initiative really needs to grow, and we are going to figure out ways to make it grow.” “There’s a lot at stake here. It’s meaningful for the future of North Carolina, and the future of the United States,” says Steward. “Cybersecurity is not the next front; it is the front. It’s happening right now. To be a part of that is very meaningful to me. State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette is working to bring more veterans into the program. I’m getting an opportunity to contribute daily to the security of our citizens.” John Strange is the internal communications specialist and Mary-Alice Warren is the visual communications specialist at the Department of Information Technology.
State Employees, Visitors Must Wear Identification Badges
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• Every state employee assigned to work in a state government building must authenticate – tap their official ID badge against a badge reader – before entering the building. • If you do not have your ID badge with you, you will be asked to sign in at an entrance where a security guard is present. • Visitors must sign in with the receptionist or State Capitol Police. • ID badges are to be worn at all times between the shoulder area or no lower than six inches below the waist while employees are in any state agency building.
ure, it may be inconvenient or clash with your outfit, but all state employees must wear their state agency identification badge – and visitors must wear agencyapproved passes – when present in a state building. “A safe and secure work environment is best accomplished when all members proactively adhere to security procedures and report security concerns and observations,” says Angelo Owens, Director of Safety for the Department of Administration.
Owens urges state employees to be mindful of unfamiliar people in their building who are not wearing either an ID badge or appropriate visitor pass. If you are concerned about unfamiliar people in your building, notify your supervisor or State Capitol Police.
Owens suggests that state agency employees review the State ID Badge Policy and recognize that it is the responsibility of building security personnel to ensure that ID badges are visible. Among the points included in the policy are:
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Governor Cooper and State Leaders Meet in Asheville to Focus on Western North Carolina Issues
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overnor Roy Cooper, representatives from cabinet agencies and senior staff met at UNC-Asheville on April 23 to discuss issues facing the region, including economic development, public safety, and health care.
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Before and after the meeting, Governor Cooper and cabinet secretaries participated in events across Western North Carolina including in Buncombe, Burke, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties: • Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders visited Safelight, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, in Hendersonville. • Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Will Miller visited Headwaters Outfitters, an outdoor recreation company in Rosman. • Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan helped kick off the Western Water Initiative at the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina in Asheville. This effort brings together partners from various state agencies, conservation groups and local businesses to protect clean water. • Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen joined Governor Cooper at the opioid roundtable in Waynesville.
Message board at Marshall High School welcomed Governor Cooper.
• Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Larry Hall deliver schoolchildren’s letters to veterans who are residents of the State Veterans Home in Black Mountain. • Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi Hamilton joined Governor Cooper to kick off Hometown Strong in Madison County. • Public Safety Deputy Secretary Pam Cashwell read the Governor’s proclamation for Re-entry Week at an event with the Buncombe County Re-entry Council in Asheville. • Revenue Secretary Ron Penney visited the NCDOR Service Center in Asheville to check on tax processing. • Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon presented the Extra Mile Award to three NCDOT employees in Graham County credited with saving a motorist’s life in Robbinsville. • Office of State Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson visited Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock and toured the college’s NCWorks Career Center, Mechatronics Lab and Southeastern Advanced Molding Technology Education Center. Governor Cooper introduces Hometown Strong, his rural development initiative, at Liberty Middle School in Morganton. 8
Meet the Secretary
Machelle Sanders
Department of Administration By Jill Warren Lucas
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nspired by her parents, both career educators, Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders has always been drawn to public service. After a distinguished, 29-year career in the biotech/pharma industry, she was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in January 2017 to lead DOA’s diverse business and advocacy functions. Sanders believes that every step, from science summer camps and a revelation in a home economics classroom to a driven work life, led her to this opportunity. Indeed, she thinks of it more as a calling than a job, an act of divine intervention that has positioned her to improve conditions for state employees, business operators and social advocates, and all those who call North Carolina home. Learn how she developed big dreams while growing up in a small town, and how faith and family shaped her unique path to leadership. Describe your childhood in Belhaven, about 30 miles east of Washington, N.C.
Jayce Williams / Department of Administration
The population was about 1,100, with visitors – and that includes the Fourth of July visitors. I grew up as an only child surrounded by a loving family and a loving community. I’ve always been described as curious about life in general, and especially how things work and how I could create something, whatever it was. My parents were educators, so we had very active summers. I went to science camp and loved library reading clubs. We’d take wonderful family vacations to many places in North Carolina and beyond every summer until I graduated from high school. My parents ensured that there was something educational to gain from every experience.
Secretary Machelle Sanders 9
Outside of your family, who influenced you?
What made the challenge of state government attractive to you?
When I was in the ninth grade, my home economics teacher was Mrs. Rachel Swindell. I was not excellent at the technical part of home economics, which was cooking and making blouses. Oh, the collar! While I never did finish that shirt, she noticed I was good at motivating others to get things done, figuring out ways for them to be successful. She sponsored me to become a district officer for Future Homemakers of America, and I won. Then I ran for vice president of the state chapter, and I won that office. The next year, I was elected president.
It’s an opportunity to leverage my knowledge, my leadership experience and business acumen, and have an even broader impact than I’ve had before. Before, I may have been serving a certain therapeutic area for patients who have debilitating illnesses. With this position, I have an opportunity to improve citizens’ lives statewide. Not only for the citizens of today but also the citizens of tomorrow. I say it is a dream come true to serve with Governor Roy Cooper’s team and shape and move forward ideas, policies and steps that will improve the state and help North Carolina achieve its full potential.
It was a way to get more involved in the community and to have a platform for important work in North Carolina, and also to highlight the importance of home economics being more than just sewing and cooking but a conduit for leadership development. It also was helping people prepare for their future careers, for leading and taking care of their families. From there I began to get engaged in other activities, like student council. I noticed that I enjoyed working with different people to solve problems.
Another teacher recognized your strength in science, which eventually brought you to N.C. State to study biochemistry. What did you envision doing with your degree?
Secretary Sanders meets with students at Wake STEM Early College High School in Raleigh.
What is your favorite book? “Dreams From my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama. It’s not your typical political memoir. It resonated with me because of the values he had in his upbringing. He had diverse experiences, experiences that maybe were leading him in a certain direction at the time without his recognition of that. When I look over my life, I think that each and every experience positioned me to this role at this time.
I thought I might go to medical school, but that did not happen. My parents raised me with values that focused on improving conditions for others, especially those less fortunate. I was able to do that in the 29 years I spent in the biotech/pharma industry. The biotech/pharma industry is mission driven and primarily focused on changing and saving lives of those impacted by illnesses. When I left that industry, most recently at Biogen, I was vice president of manufacturing and general manager.
When I first read that book years ago, I started thinking: What is it that I can do to serve the state? How can I have greater impact? I asked myself the question: If I was to die tomorrow, would there be something I regretted not having done, or given a try? For me, it was being in more of a traditional public service role than I had in the past. 10
What motivates you? I would say helping others. My passion motivates me. My family motivates me. The strength of my daughters motivates me. And the fear of failure motivates me. It motivates me to consistently strive for being the best I can be, to deliver the best results that can be delivered. Failures are not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve learned a lot through my failures. In this role, there’s a lot of accountability and responsibility. Failure would be letting citizens down, letting employees down; letting Governor Cooper down. I don’t want to do that.
What is your mission as Secretary? I set three imperatives for DOA when I started. The first one is to identify and implement new and improved ways of working that create value for tax payers. The second is to provide superior customer service. The third is to create a culture of trust through enhanced employee engagement and inclusiveness.
I believe that my role is to lead in a way that it brings out the best in others. And I believe it is also my role to put forward tasks, objectives, imperatives and work that is going to make North Carolina stronger and better. This aligns with the Governor’s priorities, which is that we have North Carolinians who are better educated, healthier, and that they have more money in their pockets so they can live prosperous lives. That’s weaved into everything that I do.
Not bad for a small-town home economics student who failed at sewing a collar into a blouse. Fortunately, there are other people who can do that really well. It might be hard for some people to imagine how I got here, but it truly is divine purpose, which makes it not so weird after all. I really do have one agenda and that’s to serve people.
Secretary Sanders welcomes members of the new Commission on Inclusion to its inaugural meeting in April. 11
Be Proactive in Keeping Workplaces Safe and Injury-free K
eeping state employees safe and workplaces accident-free is the goal of the Statewide Safety and Health Steering Committee, which works in conjunction with the Office of State Human Resources. In recognition of the proactive roles that state agencies, universities and employees take in reducing the incidence of work - related injuries – and to urge those in private business to engage in identifying and eliminating workplace hazards – Governor Roy Cooper has designated June as Safety Awareness Month in North Carolina. “Your ability to bring your best to the people of North Carolina depends on your own safety and well-being,” Governor Cooper says in a video message. He urges all state employees to follow safety, health and environmental rules – and to share suggestions, ideas or concerns to promote safety.
“Working together, we can keep all our workplace, ourselves, and our coworkers safe and healthy,” Governor Cooper adds. Agency and university system employees may submit a concern about workplace safety by using the Hazard Prevention reporting form. The Statewide Safety and Health Steering Committee works with all state agencies and the university system to promote workplace safety through inspections, training, injury analysis and other vital steps. A benefit of education and stepped-up awareness is a 2 percent decrease in the new claims projection for fiscal year 2018 from the previous year, and an 18 percent reduction in claims since 2013. Additionally, the current projection for workers’ compensation expenditures is $87.8 million, an 11 percent reduction from FY 2017. Likewise, lost time for injuries in FY 2017 was reduced by 23 percent since 2013.
Governor Cooper designates June as Safety Awareness Month in North Carolina. View his Safety Awareness Message. 12
Protect Your Privacy by Checking Your Social Media Settings By Jill Lucas
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Protect Your Privacy: Check Your Social Media Settings By Jill Warren Lucas
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t’s a fair guess that some of North Carolina’s more than 75,000 state employees were among the 87 million Facebook users who had their personal information leaked to Cambridge Analytica or other companies that leverage personal information for commercial gain. This not only affects home users but also those who post information on behalf of state agencies. Rob Main, chief information officer at the Office of State Human Resources, urges all social media users to review their privacy settings to minimize risk. “Social media can be a great way to connect with constituents, as well as friends and family, both near and far,” Main says. “Unfortunately, social media can also be a means by which others can gather essential elements of friendly information which, when combined, can be used in a harmful way against you.” It’s not just what you choose to post about yourself, such as going on vacation (and leaving your property unattended) or acquiring new valuables, that reveals information to would-be thieves. It’s the metadata that some companies crave to sell you products, influence your behavior, or even cause you direct harm.
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“With the recent headlines surrounding the harvesting of personal information,” Main says, “it’s an important reminder to ensure that your privacy settings are as restrictive as possible to protect yourself, your family, and potentially your employer.” To adjust your settings on Facebook, for example, click on the small white triangle at the far right of the top blue bar, then scroll down and select Settings. Review and adjust your settings in Privacy to ensure that visibility of your content is limited to your approved list. Also click on Apps and Websites to control how external sites can access your data, or to remove programs you no longer want.
Rob Main, Chief Information Officer at OSHR
Such information can be retrieved from sources that look harmless. Remember the fun game that predicted which character you’d be in “Game of Thrones,” or the one that confirmed your IQ was higher than 97 percent of your friends? Maybe it was the app that let you see what you’d look like with a new hairstyle or quizzed your memory of songs played at prom.
In some cases, you may decide to allow social platforms to share your information. An example would be approving use of your Facebook login for easy access to other applications. Now that you’ve protected your data, consider following the social media platforms used by your agency. Like many state offices, the Office of State Human Resources shares information for state employees and human resources professionals on Facebook and Twitter.
Whatever the teasing topic, such entertainments often require you provide access to your personal information – and, by extension, those of your friends and associates – for the privilege of playing and posting the outcome.
Let Us Hear From You!
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hank you for taking the time to read The Resource. We want to hear from you about great colleagues who deserve a shout-out in future editions. We’re looking to share the stories of more coworkers who go above and beyond to support their team and provide essential services to residents and visitors. Know someone who followed a remarkable path to their current position? An unsung hero who is always there to save the day? Maybe it’s the person down the hall who never forgets a birthday or special occasion, or the one who unwinds from a long day at the office by volunteering to help others. Please share your suggestions by email to the.resource@nc.gov.
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Make ReadyNC a Part of Your Emergency Plan
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ay 13-19 is Hurricane Awareness Week in North Carolina. N.C. Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety has numerous resources to help residents and visitors prepare for the devastating impact of a hurricane. One of the best is the ReadyNC website and mobile app. The free tool offers tips on how to prepare for and stay safe during storms and hazards, and how to create an emergency plan and kit. During an emergency, it will update lists and resources, including counties that are being evacuated and where shelters are open. Throughout the year, ReadyNC also provides current weather and traffic conditions.
Click here for the mobile app
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Richard Caswell Award Presentation Honoring State Employees with 45 or more years of service
2018 Honorees:
Seventeen state employees with 45 or more yeas of public service were honored with the Richard Caswell Award in April at the North Carolina Museum of History. The recipients, who work at seven state agencies, have collectively devoted more than 766 years to public service.
Department of Administration Vernon Shelton Administrative Office of the Courts Barbara Graves Amelia Linn Betty Kelso Christine Smoot
“The dedication and commitment demonstrated by each of the award recipients cannot be underestimated,” says Barbara Gibson, director of the Office of State Human Resources. “I think of them as superheroes of state government. Their not-so-secret powers include deep institutional knowledge, dedication to their department, and an unwavering enthusiasm for serving the people of our great state.”
Department of Environmental Quality Bill Moore Roger Thorpe
The award is named for North Carolina’s first governor, a lifelong public servant.
Department of Health and Human Services Arlena Jones Janice Martin John Miller Gerri Nash
Carl Privette Clementine Pulliam Charlotte Rouse
Department of Revenue Alice Creech Department of Transportation Clayton Evans Wildlife Resources Commission David Allen
Caswell Award recipients listen to remarks from emcee Steve Daniels.
Photos by Katy Warner, Department of Transportation and Jayce Williams, Department of Administration. 17
DEQ Secretary Michael Regan (left) greets Caswell Award honorees Bill Moore (center) and Roger Thorpe. While eligible for recognition last year, Moore put off receiving his award so he could accept it alongside his colleague. The two have been semi-retired and job-sharing the same position since 2004.
Kristi Jones, chief of staff for Governor Cooper, credited the Caswell honorees’ extraordinary service over the course of 45-year careers.
Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Gordon Myers enthusiastically congratulates David Allen, who joined the agency as a temporary wildlife technician in 1973.
Deputy Secretary Mark Benton presented awards to four DHHS employees, including Clementine Pulliam, Arlena Jones, John Miller and Charlotte Rouse (from left, with awards). Emcee for the program was Steve Daniels, WTVD news anchor. 18
North Carolina State Employees contribute time and talent during
Volunteer Week
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gency leaders and state employees across North Carolina took time to lend a hand to support neighbors in need during National Volunteer Week in North Carolina, April 15-21. The Resource is proud to share photos from several participating offices and departments that embraces projects to benefit their local communities. Employees gave hundreds of work hours through community service leave or used personal time to support a wide range of activities, ranging from reading to schoolchildren and helping to build or rebuild homes, sorting donated goods for reuse and picking up trash to beautify our roadways.
Secretary Larry Hall, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, led his team in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
Staff from the Governor’s Office volunteered to sort donations at The Salvation Army on Tryon Road. From left: Ashlie Bucy, Darryl Childers, Eliza Sease, Megan McLeod and Caroline Farmer.
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Katie Trout and Patrice Bethea from the Department of Transportation helped clean up roadside debris.
Secretary Erik Hooks (right) and Deputy Chief Chip Hawley of the State Capitol Police meet a tornado survivor in Guilford County when DPS staff volunteered to help with storm recovery efforts.
Barbara Gibson, Director of OSHR, read to preschool students at ABC Land ll in Wendell.
The Green Chair Project was the chosen charity for Department of Commerce staff members (left to right) Beth Gargan, George Sherrill, Heather Horton, Kenny Flowers, John Hardin, Charlotte Clevenger, Danny Giddens, Allan Sandoval and Jackie Keener.
Kim Mitchell and Nicole Stephens of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen (second from left) volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Garner. 20
Volunteer divers engaged with students on a field trip to Fort Fisher Aquarium.
The Resource Barbara Gibson, Director, Office of State Human Resources Jill Warren Lucas, Communications Director Pamela Yelverton, Public Information Officer
the.resource@nc.gov