Spotlight State Civil Service March 2025
#1 Issue
The Spotlight's Mission is to foster meaningful communication with all stakeholders of the State Civil Service System.
Every Day For Every Citizen
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., Director
Director's Message
Welcome to the first State Civil Service Spotlight issue of 2025 — now presented in a fresh, new format! While the design has evolved, the newsletter’s mission remains the same—to foster meaningful communication with all stakeholders of the state civil service system.
• Social Security Fairness Act Updates • Excellent Compliance Audits • State Civil Service Commission Updates • State Civil Service Division Highlights In this Issue:
First, I’d like to extend congratulations to our newly elected Chairman, Stewart Gentry, and Vice Chairman, Scott Hughes. Elected by their fellow Commissioners at the February Commission meeting, their leadership will be instrumental in shaping workforce initiatives and strengthening our commitment to serving the citizens of our state.
As we begin this year, supervisors and second-level evaluators across state government are completing annual performance planning sessions with their teams. This year’s process is especially exciting as we roll out the implementation of SuccessFactors’ cloud-based Continuous Performance Management (CPM) system. This new tool now automates our performance management process. Additionally, our CPM rules empower supervisors and employees to engage in ongoing performance discussions, fostering clarity, development, and achievement. It’s been a productive first quarter of learning and planning, and I’d like to highlight why CPM is a truly collaborative effort. CPM is more than a method of planning and evaluating performance—it’s a commitment to continuous growth. When supervisors, second-level evaluators, and employees work together throughout the year to monitor progress, provide feedback, and address challenges, we create an environment where employees are fully supported in reaching their goals. Feedback—both constructive and affirming—has the power to shape performance, enhance engagement, and strengthen workplace relationships. Likewise, employees’ insights can offer valuable perspectives that help refine processes and improve outcomes for state agencies and the citizens we serve. When opportunities for improvement arise, it is vital that supervisors address them promptly, with the full support of agency leadership. This approach ensures that employees receive the guidance they need to succeed while maintaining the high standards of public service. Providing clear expectations and developmental opportunities helps employees excel in their roles and reinforces our collective dedication to delivering exceptional service to our state. A culture of continuous feedback not only supports professional growth but also fosters accountability and excellence.
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civilservice.louisiana.gov | jobs.la.gov | scsinfo@la.gov
Director's Message Continued
At times, performance challenges may require more structured interventions. In such cases, it is crucial to take timely and transparent action. Supervisors are encouraged to reach out to their human resources offices for assistance on improving performance and/or behavior. If such challenges are egregious, don’t wait until the end of the performance evaluation year, use the disciplinary process to rectify issues immediately. Supervisors play a pivotal role in guiding their teams, ensuring that expectations are clearly communicated and that employees have access to the necessary resources for improvement. Addressing concerns proactively not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a positive and high-performing work environment for all. Ultimately, we all share the responsibility of fostering a culture of excellence. Our commitment to continuous performance management ensures that every employee has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive in their role. Together, we aim to uphold the highest standards of public service, driving meaningful impact for our agencies and the citizens of our state. Thank you for your dedication to excellence, collaboration, and the shared mission of serving our state. Here’s to a successful and productive year ahead! Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., State Civil Service Director
Louisiana State Civil Service and the Recruiting & Outreach Center will be closed for the following upcoming holidays:
18 April
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Good Friday Holiday
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
Social Security Fairness Act (WEP/GPO) Update On January 5, 2025, Former President Biden signed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, into law. This legislation marks a significant step forward in enhancing the financial security of approximately 90,000 Louisiana public servants and many more across the nation. H.R. 82 eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), long-standing provisions in Social Security that have substantially reduced benefits for retirees who also receive a pension from employment not covered by Social Security. On February 25, the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Read more about the latest update. Social Security urges beneficiaries to wait until April to ask about the status of their retroactive payment, since these payments will process incrementally into March. Since the new monthly payment amount will begin with the April payment, beneficiaries should wait until after receiving their April payment, before contacting Social Security with questions about their monthly benefit amount. Visit the agency’s Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn more and stay up to date on its progress. Visitors can subscribe to be alerted when the webpage is updated.
Excellent Compliance Audits
State Civil Service would like to commend Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home for a perfect Compliance Audit. This agency achieved 100% compliance in all categories audited. The results received by this agency show the value and importance of excellence they place on Civil Service rule compliance. They are to be commended for a job well done!
Cassandra Atkins, HR Supervisor; Wesley Pepitone, Administrator; M. Weeks (not pictured)
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
State Civil Service Commission Updates
Commissioners Scott Hughes, Stewart Gentry, Codi Plaisance, and Nathan Kernion, Jr. during the Oath of Office administered by SCS General Counsel, Sherri Gregoire
Jonathan N. "Nathan" Kernion, Jr.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has recently reappointed J. Stewart Gentry and appointed Jonathan N. “Nathan” Kernion Jr. to the State Civil Service Commission. Mr. Gentry, from Monroe, was nominated to the Commission by Dr. David Jeffreys of Louisiana Christian University. He currently serves as the President of New York Furniture Co., Inc. and as the Managing Partner of Richland Farm Partnership. Additionally, he is a Partner at Albany Finance, New York Leasing, and Gentry Properties. Mr. Gentry is also involved in numerous boards and committees on a volunteer basis. He represents the 5th Congressional District. At the State Civil Service Commission meeting on February 5, Mr. Gentry was elected Chairman of the Commission. Mr. Kernion, from Metairie, represents the 1st Congressional District. He brings extensive experience from the construction industry, where he serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Cycle Construction and is actively engaged in several industry organizations. Mr. Kernion took the Oath of Office at the regular State Civil Service Commission meeting on February 5, administered by Sherri Gregoire, SCS General Counsel. The State Civil Service Commission is a seven-member body responsible for overseeing the administration of the State Civil Service system. It serves as an impartial review board, enacting and adjudicating State Civil Service Rules that govern state personnel activities, and it hears appeals from state employees and agencies. Commission meetings and hearings are held monthly and are open to the public. Six members of the Commission are appointed by the governor, with the seventh being an employee representative elected by state employees. Each member serves a six-year term. Other members of the Commission include D. Scott Hughes, Vice-Chairman (Centenary College); Candes C. Carter (Xavier University); Craig A. Netterville (Tulane University); Jo Ann Nixon (Dillard University); and Codi Plaisance (employee representative). Read the Media Release
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
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State Civil Service Division Highlights Compensation
Since the inauguration of Governor Jeff Landry on January 8, 2024, the Compensation Division has worked diligently to support state agencies in aligning their workforce structures with their missions and goals. Through job assessments, restructuring efforts, and strategic pay initiatives, the division has played a key role in helping agencies recruit, retain, and fairly compensate employees. Efforts have included: • Developing career progression opportunities for historically standalone classifications • Modernizing job titles • Creating new job series to provide clearer advancement paths Additionally, SCS is currently working on updating outdated classifications to reflect current agency names. The division has undertaken both large- scale and specialized job assessments across various agencies, ensuring that classifications accurately reflect the complexity and responsibilities of essential roles. This has included extensive work with critical positions, such as Engineering Technicians and Accountants. Beyond individual job assessments, the division has focused on broader workforce projects, such as developing standardized procedures for desk reviews, implementing Special Entrance Rates to enhance recruitment, and creating retention strategies for high-demand positions. All of our initiatives, whether modernizing job classifications, helping agencies to align organizational structures with agency goals, or developing internal best practices, are essential steps in ensuring our state’s compensation and classification plans remain competitive, effective, and forward-thinking.
Doronica Ezejiofo and Amber Jones, Compensation HR Consultants, visit the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
Andrea Dixon, SCS Compensation HR Supervisor; Kevin Carter, SCS Compensation Assistant Division Administrator; Heather Hebron, SCS Compensation Division Administrator; Channing Gauthier, SCS Compensation HR Consultant; and Garri L. Brown, Port of New Orleans Chief People & Culture Officer
The Compensation Division continues to collaborate with agencies to help them think creatively about workforce solutions and ensure that compensation structures remain competitive. As the division continues these efforts, it remains committed to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in shaping a modernized and effective state workforce.
Learn more about the Compensation Division
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
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With a recently updated, remodeled space, the Recruiting and Outreach Center provides a welcoming environment for applicants to receive personalized assistance while working on their applications or meet with a staff member one-on-one to learn more about making a difference by becoming a public servant and address any questions they may have. The thoughtful additions included in the remodel now allow for a more efficient meeting space between state agencies and potential candidates for open positions. The Recruiting and Outreach Center invites interested state agencies to take advantage of the updated, modern space to schedule targeted career fairs to recruit top talent to fill their vacancies. The Recruiting and Outreach Center team is an active participant in career fairs taking place throughout the state at state universities, community colleges, and various community events, which provides an opportunity to educate students and other Louisiana residents about the benefits associated with becoming a Louisiana state employee. Often serving as an individual's first introduction to State Civil Service, this outreach allows job seekers to learn more about the wide range of roles available and how they can potentially make a difference in their community as a public servant. Additionally, the center also hosts pop-up informational sessions to explain how to apply for state jobs. These sessions help candidates understand the process, become familiar with minimum qualification requirements, and learn about hiring timelines. Connecting Talent to Opportunities Within Louisiana State Government Louisiana State Civil Service’s Recruiting and Outreach Center continues to be an indispensable resource for individuals pursuing a career in state government. A strong commitment to recruiting candidates for open positions and educating the public about opportunities available in state service remains the central focus of the center. The Baton Rouge Recruiting and Outreach Center, formerly known as the Testing and Recruiting Office, provides an avenue for the public to reach out directly to the agency without the need for a scheduled appointment. The center also administers the Protective Services Exam, which is a requirement for certain entry-level and intermediate-level protective service positions within state government. State Civil Service Recruiting & Outreach Center Division Highlights Division Highlights Division Highlights Division Highl
The Recruiting and Outreach Center is now utilizing NEOGOV’s ATTRACT recruiting software tool.
The team is able to use this product to receive more applications for under performing job postings. ATTRACT enhances the visibility of harder-to-fill positions by reaching out directly to potential candidates. State agencies can now contact the Recruiting and Outreach Center to assist with recruiting applicants for their more challenging vacancies using targeted email campaigns sent to applicants who have shown an interest in similar job titles or who have the background needed to be a suitable candidate for the position. State Civil Service’s Recruiting and Outreach Center remains an essential part of the recruitment process for Louisiana state government positions. Whether through attending career fairs across the state to directly connect with job seekers, leading informational sessions, hosting targeted hiring events for state agencies, or utilizing innovative tools like ATTRACT, the center is steadfast in its mission to seek out talented individuals to serve in meaningful public service careers with the state of Louisiana. The Recruiting and Outreach Center is dedicated to ensuring that state agencies meet their workforce needs through adaptive, innovative recruiting strategies. Learn more about the SCS Recruiting and Outreach Center
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
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Learning, Performance, and Culture
State Civil Service’s Comprehensive Public Training Program (CPTP) is excited to announce the launch of our brand- new Leadership Academy! This academy was designed with Louisiana State employees in mind and can be an integral tool in preparing yourself to take on leadership roles!
YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED While CPTP has always offered top-notch supervisory training, many state employees are not aware of it until they become supervisors. Additionally, some mandatory supervisory training really only impacts existing supervisors (Leave Management, for example). We received feedback from our agencies that training was needed for future leaders so that they can hit the ground running when they become supervisors or group leaders. To design an optimal program, we conducted significant research; surveying undersecretaries, HR Directors and existing new supervisors as well as comparing programs offered by other state governments and analyzing the latest leadership research conducted at nationally known universities. From these sources, we developed the critical content areas aspiring leaders need to master including conflict management, strategic thinking, delegation, coaching and directing others, and building a personal brand of transparency and trust. OPEN TO ANYONE, DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE We designed a program that was available on demand, and flexible enough to meet the varied needs of Louisiana State employees. For each of our twelve content areas, participants complete one or two required courses, and at least one choice course. These courses can be accessed through LaGov Learning, and are mostly web-based, with some instructor-led options. Participants can complete the program in as little as 9 months. However, we understand that priorities may shift and life can be unpredictable, so we offer flexibility, allowing up to 20 months for completion.
Read More
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State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2025
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Research shows most learning happens outside of a class or classroom. Knowing this, we have built features into this program to help learners take what they have learned in the courses and apply it in real life. These features include Portfolio Builders, surveys, and live virtual events. Portfolio Builders are activities that result in a tangible work product. These items can then be used to show skills in interviews or act as templates for real world work. We have placed Portfolio Builders throughout the program so that by the end of the program, learners will truly have a self-created portfolio of work projects, templates, spreadsheets, and other tools. We also know how important support from leadership is for our learners. We will send surveys to learners and their supervisors at regular intervals in the program to measure the transfer of learning into real life. We will be looking to see if behaviors and strategies are deployed on the job! Additionally, we want existing supervisors to help their learners succeed, so we have provided a separate course for them about how they can support their employees in the program. In fact, it is the only continuing education option available to state supervisors in 2025, ensuring that classified supervisors are informed about the program and equipped to provide meaningful and practical support. Finally, to provide opportunities for networking and live coaching, we have planned a series of live virtual events that will spotlight existing leaders who have “skins on the wall” who can give real insight into their own leadership journeys, and what helped them achieve leadership positions. We will take a look at women in leadership, making the transition from colleague to supervisor, managing multiple generations, networking and more. Learn more about the Leadership Academy. In addition to the resources on our website, please contact either Dr. Dana LeBherz, Learning, Performance and Culture Administrator, or Glyn Hays, Assistant Learning, Performance, and Culture Administrator. Follow us. Kymberlie Broussard, SCS Learning, Performance and Culture Consultant; Kristen Thomas, Department of Corrections Warden; Nicole Tucker, SCS Chief Operating Officer; and Dr. Dana LeBherz, SCS Learning, Performance and Culture Division Administrator
Louisiana State Civil Service | P.O. Box 94111 | Baton Rouge, LA 70804 US
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