Wasn't Callahan the chick profiled on 60 minutes? She came off like a victim in the story. This paints her in a whole different light. I hope in addition to losing her job, she lost her pension.
I confess that I haven't yet read what I linked as I was ready for bed when I posted the link. Callahan became too visible and was foisted on her own retard.
more about this See Cut-Rate Diplomas: How doubts about the government's own "Dr. Laura" exposed a résumé fraud scandal, Paul Sperry, Reason Online, January, 2005. G
Re: more about this I had one problem with the Sperry article and that was the reference to TESC as offering credit for life experience.
From the sounds of it... Callahan was a true horrible psychotic manager who fortunately had diploma mill degrees so her morale busting/abusive management style could be rooted out of federal government without having to resort to the typical and lengthy process of review, doubting the employees words, and eventually coming to some compromise that still would leave her in some paid role. Having both been a senior manager (not like Callahan though!)and lived under others similar to Callahan, behavior of her sort (petty, vindictive, insecure, inferiority/superiority complexes) has no place in leadership....
Civilian employees of the federal government don't get "pensions" (in the strictest sense) anymore. They now have an employee/employer-contribution plan, not unlike a 401k/503b. Callahan, likely, was able to take her funds with her. (I'm no expert on civilian retirement; I'd welcome any clarifications from those who know more about it. As a retired Air Force officer, I have a defined benefit plan--or "pension.")
Really? I thought the FEDs got pretty good pensions. In 5 years my brother can retire from the CHP (State) at age 50 with a 90% pension for life (and I don't think he contributed a dime). I wish I could have that - Still, the 60 minutes story made her out to be a victim. This article paints her in a whole different light. Thank you for posting it!
In response to Carl's post, I read all the stories that I could get about her and her history. I came away with the same conclusion as Carl. Callahan was apparently a backstabbing, belittling, vindictive, horrible manager who's only concern was politics rather than accomplishing any constructive goals. Her academic fraud was just an excuse to get rid of her.
I guess this might be my cue. http://www.opm.gov/retire/ While the government does have a retirement plan (several actually) there are trade offs. Recent personnel plan innovations that have been in the private sector forever are starting to be initiated such as (are you ready) "Pay for Performance". Now there is a novel idea lets actaully compensate folks for their good work and not cause they hang around forever. I don't want to bore you folks with details (take a look at the link and if you have a specific question I'll do my best to respond). But to specifically answer Rich we have the Thrift Savings Plan (www.tsp.gov) which functions similarly to a 401K style. Recent improvements have made this open to military members as well and there have been some good advancements in the area of contributions allowed to the plan. We do still get a "pension", actually retirement but it is valued differently than previousy and places new employees (1986 and up) in the situation of contributing to social security not unlike the private sector. Some classes of employees get special rates ( I used to be until I moved up in position) or special retirements (law enforcement and others). While we don't match our civilian counterparts (the highest salary is around $160K) there are some intrinisic benefits that make civil service attractive. I like it because I am able to work at the highest levels with really good industry partners on new technologies that most folks never see (or probably care to see). I also get satisfaction serving the community. I look at the wonderful trips I have taken to Europe, southeast and southwest asia and let's not forget the fun time had by all in Africa, and am thankful that I met these cultures. My recommendation to anyone is to give a serious look to some government service since it can build your resume, but get out after no more than ten years. I am way too close to retirement to follow my own advice but the new educational reimbursement policies, internships, etc... can help anyone starting out who actually has the initiative. Lastly, Callahan knew what she was doing. Look at her congressional testimony where she was asked about her education. She never mentions anything beyond her associates. Would you only admit to an associates if you held a true PhD? She really messed up while under the Clinton administration when she got into technical disagreements with a contractor. The contractor , not another civil servant initiated the issues with her incompetence which in light of a PhD in CS struck a cord. She was too arrogant to know when to keep a low profile, otherwise she would have been wisked into a position of same pay but less public eye. She courted the attention. Regards, Kevin
