The History of The Federal Executive Board Network

President John F. Kennedy introduced the first ten FEBs by Presidential Directive on November 13, 1961 with these words:

“Although each executive agency and its field organization have a special mission, there are many matters on which the work of the departments converge. Among them are management and budgetary procedures, personnel policies, recruitment efforts, office information duties, and similar matters. There are opportunities to pool experience and resources and to accomplish savings. In substantive programs, there are also opportunities for a more closely coordinated approach in many activities.”

Today there are 28 FEBs serving as a forum for communication and collaboration among Federal agencies outside of Washington, DC.

Approximately 85 percent of all Federal employees work outside the national capital area. Federal programs have their impact largely through the actions of field representatives of the departments and agencies. In addition, Federal officials outside Washington are the principal representatives of the Federal government for the citizens of this country.

FEBs accomplish their mission by fostering communication, coordination, and collaboration among Federal agencies, and also with state and local governments. FEBs provide information, referrals and guidance for intergovernmental relations and community outreach. The FEBs support and promote national initiatives of the President and the Administration, and respond to the local needs of Federal departments and agencies in the community through program activities of its committees and councils. Members of these committees are Federal employees who have been selected by their agency head to serve based on their positions, responsibilities, and expertise.

The Federal Executive Board network continues to be a constructive, unifying force within the Federal Government. In the course of its more than 55-year history, the FEB system has more than proved its value in ensuring a clear and effective communications medium between all levels of Government. FEBs operate under the oversight of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in accordance with regulations located at 5 CFR § 960 (external link).

“As a first step in bringing Federal officials outside of Washington closer together, I have directed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to arrange the establishment of a Board of Federal Executives in each of the Commission’s administrative regions.”

On July 6, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the establishment of three new Federal Executive Boards.

“The work of Federal Executive Board is my work too, and they will have my continued personal interest and support.  The Boards deserve and will have the full cooperation of Federal executives in Washington and in the field. “

13) Cleveland, OH

14) Honolulu-Pacific  (This is the first statewide FEB established)

15) Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Known today as the Minnesota FEB)

On August 13, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon authorized the establishment of 10 additional Federal Executive Boards.

“I concur in the recommendations of the report on Federal Executive Boards submitted by you and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

Act immediately to carry our those recommendations. Federal Executive Boards can be an effective means of implementing a wide range of Administration policy. “

16) Baltimore, MD

17) Buffalo, NY

18) Cincinnati, OH

19) Detroit, MI

20) Albuquerque (Changed to the New Mexico FEB in the early 2000s)

21) New Orleans, LA

22) Newark, NJ

23) Portland (Changed to the Oregon FEB in 1998)

24) Pittsburgh, PA

25) Miami, FL (Changed to the S. Florida FEB in 2011)

President Gerald R. Ford

On March 30, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford announced the establishment of a Federal Executive Board in Houston, Texas.

“As a result of their demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm, I believe FEBs can continue to be instrumental in supporting Presidential initiatives and programs.”

26) Houston, TX

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARDS

Agency Authority and Oversight

November 10, 1961-August 15, 1969: The Federal Executive Boards operated under the authority of the US Civil Service Commission.

August 15, 1969: The Federal Executive Boards were transferred from the US Civil Service Commission to the Bureau of Budget (Now Office of Management and Budget)

October 13, 1978: Civil Service Commission was reorganized into three new organizations

  • January 1, 1979. US Office of Personnel Management
  • Merit Systems Protection Board
  • Federal Labor Relations Authority

June 7, 1982:  Federal Executive Boards were transferred from the Bureau of Budget to the US Office of Personnel Management

August 29, 1984-Present: 5 CFR was amended by the Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, to include Part 960-FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARDS

The FEB responsibilities are outlined in Title 5, United States Code of Federal Regulations, Part 960 (5 CFR Part 960).

Federal Executive Board Historical Documents