Page 15 - FCW, October 2016

Emily E. Antos
After ultra-marathon runner Emily Antos graduated with a degree in math from the University of Mary Washington,
she joined Naval Sea
Systems Command, where she did classified engineering work. But she said she “craved actually designing,” so she went on to earn a master of systems engineering degree through Old
Dominion University and then joined the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.
She is now a leader of the Sea Warrior Program’s Mobility Project Team, which focuses on delivering
mobile apps to sailors on their personal devices to simplify self-service career management. So far, the team has created 13 apps that are untethering sailors from desktop computers.
“We’re trying to
Abigail Bowman
Abigail Bowman understands digital messaging and platforms. She also recognizes the power of data and analytics to educate senior executives at the Commerce Department about the value of digital engagement.
Mike Kruger, Commerce’s director of digital engagement, jokingly says he stole Bowman from another bureau within the department, but he’s serious when he says he spotted Bowman’s talent and knew he wanted her on his team — and he even created a new position to get her in the building.
“In some traditional roles, the director does the fun stuff and the deputy makes the trains run on time,” but because of Bowman’s skills, interests and creativity, “we don’t do that,” Kruger said.
In addition to managing the department’s social media accounts and modernizing aspects of the Commerce website that hadn’t been touched
in years, Bowman introduced analytics into the department’s communications programs to quantify what types of outreach work best and on what platforms. Now the department’s writers strive for high engagement, not a specific word count.
Although Bowman is a skilled digital communicator, coworkers say what sets her apart are her interpersonal skills and perfectionism.There is no such thing as “good enough for government
work” in her world, and that attitude has rubbed off on her colleagues.
Kruger is a political appointee who will likely be leaving his position during the presidential
transition, and Bowman is finishing up her Presidential Management Fellowship this fall, but
Kruger has high expectations for her. “She has so many good ideas for
government,” he said. “She has moved quickly and is the only person I’d put in charge of ‘my’ office when I leave. She’ll be the boss someday
soon.”
— Chase Gunter
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