Mike Causey

2012 Causey Awards Winner – Patricia Pointer

Patricia Pointer, deputy comptroller for HR in the Treasury Department's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), was nominated for her efforts to integ...

Federal News Network Staff

July 16, 2012 4:45 am

2 min read

wfedstaff | April 17, 2015 3:57 pm

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Patricia Pointer
Deputy Comptroller for HR
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

FROM HER NOMINATION:

In 2011, Patricia Pointer’s responsibilities included leading the human capital aspects of integrating the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), an independent agency, into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a result of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. She ensured the transition of 700 employees went smoothly, protected the rights of employees, maximized their opportunities and met their needs during a period of extraordinary change, while at the same time helping to ensure success of the OCC’s new and expanded mission. As a result of her effort, no employee was displaced or adversely impacted.

These are herculean efforts, which Pointer accomplished with grace and competence, all the while helping the OCC maintain its tremendous ranking as one of the very best places to work, based on employee responses to the annual Office of Personnel Management Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Patricia tells Federal News Radio about the similarities between HR and teaching.

Want to hear more from Patricia Pointer? Listen to our full radio interview with the Causey Award winner in the “Listen” box above.

Judges’ Comments:

“Transferring 700 positions without incident requires heavy lifting and sensitivity.”
“… Supported major public policy initiative while preserving emphasis on people who had to make it happen.”
“… Clearly understands the nuances and intricacies of Federal HR policies and procedures.”

GET TO KNOW THE AWARD WINNER:

My job title is Deputy Comptroller for Human Resources. My job title should be Trusted Advisor.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Listen to your conscience.
What is the worst piece of advice you have ever received? I really can’t think of any. I’ve had the benefit of a lot of wise people in my life.
Who has been your biggest role model, and why? My dad. He instilled in me so many of my fundamental values. The importance of hard work, dependability, promise keeping, gratitude, and so much more.
If I could do it over again, I would go to law school.
If I could have one super power it would be to have a “reset” button.
In my opinion, public service is under appreciated these days. It’s a noble profession that deserves to be honored and valued.
If you didn’t work for the federal government, what would be your dream job? I love what I am doing now and am quite content.
What is the last book you read? I’m now reading “A Good Man: Rediscovering my father, Sargent Shriver” by Mark Shriver. I did not fully appreciate what an amazing public servant and committed family man he was. It’s very inspirational.
I’d rather be sailing on the Chesapeake Bay!