Employee News & Stories
Black History Month — Resistance Through Agricultural Innovations
The 2023 Black History Month theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how African Americans have resisted repression. Despite discrimination and other obstacles, many African American innovators have contributed significantly to the advancement of agriculture in America.
Tiffanie Newman: Versatility at FSIS and in Daily Life
Government Information Specialist Tiffanie Newman has been with FSIS for nearly 14 years. She is part of the Freedom of Information Act Staff (FOIAS) within the Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education. Prior to joining FOIAS in 2015, Newman managed administrative work for OPACE’s Congressional and Public Affairs Staff and worked for the Office of the Administrator.
Meet Pickle-Eating Champ, CSI Joe Smith
Joseph Smith, a consumer safety inspector (CSI) in the Chicago District, has been with FSIS for almost ten years. He began his career with the agency in February 2013 as an intermittent employee — working only when an inspector was out sick or on annual leave — and has worked his way up to his current CSI position.
Supervisors Make All the Difference!
The Office of Field Operations (OFO) initiated a Supervisory Consumer Safety Inspector (SCSI) continuous development program to enhance the supervisory skills of SCSIs. Administrator Paul Kiecker was invited to attend the virtual “Leadership Matters” webinar Aug. 11 and found it to be exceptional. The scenarios highlighted how supervision and leadership are not about simply being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge, putting the team before yourself, and finding ways to motivate, encourage and support your team. Kiecker recognized the volunteers who were involved with Operational Excellence coins during the virtual event, then traveled across the country to meet them and issue the awards in person.
Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
Over 75 years ago, Congress established what would become National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM was initially called National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week and was observed during the first week of October. However, to be more inclusive to those with different types of disabilities, the word “physically” was removed in 1962. By 1988, Congress expanded the recognition to the entire month of October and gave it the name NDEAM.
