FR 2021-01360

The document, published by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), announces the members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) Performance Review Board. This board is tasked with evaluating performance appraisals and ratings for senior executives within the agency. The board members for the current term are James Reeves, Terry Balazs, Gary Thatcher, and Kelu Chao, each holding prominent positions in the agency. The board operates for a term lasting one year, and part of its responsibilities include recommending salary adjustments, bonuses, and Presidential Rank Awards based on performance.

General Summary

The announcement serves as an important update regarding internal mechanisms aimed at ensuring accountability and performance optimization within USAGM. By selecting experienced individuals to review executive performance, the agency seeks to maintain high standards and motivate excellence among its senior staff. This notice provides transparency on the composition of the board, pivotal for stakeholders interested in organizational governance practices.

Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from this announcement. Firstly, there is no mention of any compensation or incentives for the board members, which could pose questions regarding the use of public funds and internal motivations. Additionally, the criteria for selecting board members remain undisclosed, potentially raising concerns over fairness and impartiality in the selection process. Furthermore, the brevity regarding the board’s roles and responsibilities might leave readers unclear about how the board's work directly impacts performance management. Lastly, the absence of detail on any oversight process for the board's recommendations could lead to worries about accountability and decision-making transparency.

Impact on the Public

For the public, the existence of such a board reassures oversight and structured performance evaluation within a publicly funded agency, which is critical for accountability. However, the document's lack of detail on selection processes and absence of oversight mechanisms can lead to skepticism regarding the fairness and transparency of the decisions made by this board.

Impact on Stakeholders

For USAGM employees, particularly those under review, the announcement could be perceived positively, as knowing the board’s composition provides clarity and a sense of structure. However, the unspecified criteria for board member selection and absence of checks on the board’s recommendations might cause unease among employees regarding potential biases.

In summary, while the document provides useful information about the composition and intentions of the SES Performance Review Board, it leaves several critical questions unanswered. Addressing these would enhance confidence in the processes designed to manage and reward senior leadership within the agency.