Key Leaders with Kelly DeGraff: The Belief in the Power of People

The all-new Key Leaders series features Robert M. Tobias awardees' takes on working in the public service, how they learned from challenges and some advice for future public servants. Today's post features 2022 awardee, Kelly L. DeGraff , Senior Executive Service (SES) Deputy Associate Director of the Federal Executive Boards with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

What attracted you to public service/federal government? 

Looking at the path that led me to public service, it always circles back to one central tenet — the belief in the power of people. It was the same belief my parents instilled in me since my childhood, the conviction that every single individual, no matter their origin or circumstance, has the right to a fair shot - to equity – to opportunities. This belief wasn’t just theoretical. It took root within me when I first stepped into a role as part of the inaugural AmeriCorps NCCC class in 1994. While originally I was led to AmeriCorps by my father who was eager to see me begin to pay back my student loans, this evolved into a calling (thanks Dad!).

I was drawn to serving communities, not because of the challenges they faced, but because of the courage and potential they harbored. The world is grappling with the specters of climate change, economic disparity, disaster preparedness, and more. It was within these struggles that I saw opportunity - a chance to make a tangible, transformative difference.

The resilience people exhibit in the face of adversity is incredible. This is where I realized my purpose was not just to serve, but to empower. 

What keeps you energized about your work today?

There's a quote I love from the late, great Congressman John Lewis: "You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light." It's about being there for our neighbors in times of need – big or small – and ensuring we can all rise again. That sense of purpose, of being able to make a real difference when it matters the most, that's what keeps me energized. That and people. The daily narratives of perseverance, optimism, and dedication to progress continually inspire me. As Steve Jobs once noted, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." To this, I would add the significance of being motivated by those with whom we share our workspace. I have been exceptionally lucky to collaborate with some truly remarkable individuals. However, it's not always smooth sailing, nor should it be. Some days are tough, and but during those times, I find strength in staying focused on our mission. Supplementing this with a rejuvenating walk, a milk shake (I know I should say wine like all of the cool kids but as much as I’ve tried, I just don’t care for it!) or even a brief moment of pause all makes a significant difference.

Describe a time where you had to address a particularly challenging problem and what you learned from the experience.

The best answer relates to my personal experience with FEMA, where I can unofficially say that in the face of climate change, we are witnessing a dramatic shift in the fabric of our environment. Some regions in our nation are baking under unprecedented heatwaves, while others are grappling with floods that threaten their very existence. Extreme storms are becoming increasingly frequent, and the specter of wildfires looms large over vast stretches of our country. The landscape of disaster is changing, and with it, our approach to disaster management and readiness.

Disasters no longer abide by a calendar. They are no longer confined to seasons, but are constantly present, their complexity and frequency increasing at an alarming rate. The challenge we continue to face isn’t just about mobilizing resources for timely response and recovery. It is a deeper, more pervasive issue: how do we prepare our communities for this new reality? How do we ensure they have the tools, the knowledge, and the resilience to face these evolving threats? In tackling this challenge, we are refining our approach at FEMA. It isn’t enough to just respond, we have to lean into mitigation and preparedness efforts. This requires an unprecedented level of cooperation among different agencies, local governments, and communities. We need to ensure our response isn’t just swift, but also inclusive and effective. We are building systems that are not just robust, but also flexible and adaptable.

And in doing so, we are learning invaluable lessons. Community involvement is crucial. Engaging community members not only helps in creating plans that are tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a community, but it also ensures community buy-in. We know that disasters do not respect administrative boundaries. Effective mitigation and preparedness efforts require coordination among various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as with non-governmental organizations and private sector entities. This collaboration ensures a unified and efficient effort. We know we need to invest more in infrastructure, implementing building codes land-use policies that consider potential hazard risks, and encourage enrollment in flood insurance. 

But perhaps the most powerful lesson is about unity. Each community brings a unique set of strengths and experiences. When we come together and leverage this diversity, we are capable of extraordinary resilience. 

These experiences continue to shape my leadership. And they underscore the importance of unity, of preparedness, and of resilience. Leadership is not just about responding to challenges, but also about anticipating them, preparing for them, and building the capacity to withstand them. These challenges remind me that we are at our strongest when we stand together, when we prepare together, and when we build resilience together. Because in our unity lies our strength, and in our shared resilience lies our hope for the future. 

How did your time in the Key Executive Certificate Program impact your understanding of leadership?

The Key Executive Certificate Program was more than just a course for me. It was a journey in which my understanding of leadership was both challenged and refined. The program brought together a diverse cohort of federal leaders, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table. We learned from each other, challenged each other, and together, navigated complex issues and scenarios. This network of peers provided incredible insights and perspectives, forging connections that have endured beyond the confines of the program. Complementing this was the deep bench of knowledge provided by the AU faculty. Their expertise, drawn from years of research and practice, provided the intellectual foundation of the program. They challenged us to question our assumptions, to explore new paradigms, and to continually strive for excellence in leadership.

It offered a power lens to scrutinize and refine my leadership. It reminded me of a quite from Nelson Mandela: "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front." This was a powerful reminder that leadership is about empowering those around you, nurturing an environment where every voice is heard and valued. The program reinforced the idea that real leadership is not about being the loudest in the room, but about fostering a collective effort towards shared goals. It's about creating harmony in diversity, unity in purpose. It emphasized the importance of ethical decision-making, and the critical role of leaders in setting the moral compass for their teams. Further, the program underscored the importance of inclusivity. Leadership isn't about creating followers, but about fostering leaders. It's about empowering others, about nurturing their growth and development. It's about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their background, their beliefs, or their identity. 

But perhaps the most powerful lesson was about the courage, humility, and wisdom inherent in effective leadership. Leadership is about having the courage to make tough decisions, even when they are unpopular. It's about having the humility to listen, to learn, and to admit when you're wrong. And it's about having the wisdom to inspire and empower others, to lead not by authority, but by example. 

What advice would you give to people thinking about working in the public service?

Having spent over two decades in public service I've seen firsthand how small acts, and decisions we make, can send out ripples that reach far and wide. Each policy implemented, each program initiated, every hand extended in support and solidarity - they all matter. They shape lives, they shape communities, and they shape the future of our nation. 

As Robert F. Kennedy beautifully said, "Each time a man stands up for an ideal... he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." That's what public service is all about - sending forth those ripples of hope. It's about never underestimating the impact you can make, the difference you can create.

Now, I won't sugarcoat it - public service can be tough. It can be challenging and, at times, downright frustrating. You'll face obstacles, you'll grapple with bureaucracy, you'll be pushed to your limits. You'll bear witness to some of the harshest realities, the deepest inequalities, and the most pressing challenges our nation faces. It can weigh heavy, leave you questioning if it's all worth it. But let me tell you, it is. Despite the challenges, despite the frustrations, public service is profoundly rewarding. Each challenge faced is an opportunity to grow, to learn, to rise above. Each frustration is a call to innovate, to improve, to push for change. And the rewards? They are immeasurable. So, my advice to those considering a career in public service?

Embrace the challenges - they will make you stronger. Welcome the frustrations - they will make you wiser. And never forget the power of the ripples you send out - they can change the world. It won't always be easy, but I promise you, it will always be worth it. 

What makes working in the public service unique?

Public service is unique because it's not just about a job and a paycheck. It's about being part of something bigger than yourself. It's about the satisfaction of knowing that your work has a direct impact on the lives of people. It's about the bonds you forge, the communities you help uplift, the resilience you build. As I often tell my team, echoing the words of President Obama, "We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." In public service, you're not just observing history, you're actively shaping it.

Learn more about the Robert M. Tobias Awards.