President John F. Kennedy established FEBs by Presidential Directive in 1961 to achieve better interagency coordination and communication among Federal departments and activities outside of Washington, DC. The need for effective coordination among Federal organizations’ field activities was clear then and is even more important in today’s environment. Approximately 85% of all Federal employees work outside of the National Capital area and most Federal programs are implemented through the regional and district offices of Federal departments and agencies, as they are the Federal government’s principal representatives to the vast majority of citizens. The Boards function in 4 general areas: (1) Coordinating local approaches to national programs and shared management needs; (2) Providing a forum for the exchange of information between Washington and the field about programs, management methods and administrative issues; (3) Communicating from Washington to the field about management initiatives and other concerns for the improvement of coordination; and (4) Raising awareness at the national level of local issues with potential far reaching impacts. Per regulation, the Director, US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), maintains oversight of the FEB Network. Today, there are 28 FEBs located in areas with a significant Federal population. FEBs are comprised of the highest ranking local officials from each Federal agency in the geographic area. The Philadelphia leadership team consists of a Policy Committee with a Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, several at-large members who serve at the discretion of the Chair, as well as councils and committees specific to FEB programs. An Executive Director manages the board’s daily operations.