FMA Announces Ron Gryga as Manager of the Year
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce Ron Gryga as the winner of FMA's Manager of the Year award. He is a member of FMA Chapter 275, Hearings & Appeals Managers Association (Social Security Administration), Illinois. Gryga received the award late last month at FMA’s 84th Annual National Convention.
In a career that has spanned more than 31 years, Ron has spent about 75 percent of that time in some form of leadership or management, rising through the ranks until his current position as Hearing Office Director (HOD), a position he has held since May 2000.
FMA National President Craig Carter praised Gryga, saying, “Ron is a dedicated public servant who is most deserving of this recognition. He provides guidance and counsel to FMA as National Vice President, clear leadership in fulfilling SSA’s critical mission, and stewards a positive environment for his fellow managers and his community. He is a trusted advisor and a friend, and FMA is proud of his steadfast service to our nation, ensuring millions of Americans receive the Social Security benefits they have earned, and his selfless giving to his community, and to FMA.”
His accomplishments center on ensuring policy compliance, goal attainment and thinking outside the box when obstacles are presented by identifying the best and most feasible solutions. His office consistently gets praised for its service delivery.
Gryga exemplifies all that FMA stands for, advocating excellence in public service. He joined FMA Chapter 275 in 2000 and has been an active member ever since. After working as an Executive Officer for eleven years, he was elected Chapter President in 2010. He was also asked to serve as SSA Chair for FMA. In this role, Ron often met with the Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioners, to advocate on behalf of SSA managers. Ron has served on FMA’s Executive Board in a variety of capacities, including as a Regional Director, National Treasurer, and as National Vice President, where he led the effort to refresh FMA’s National Bylaws in 2021.
The FMA Manager of the Year award is presented annually to an outstanding manager or supervisor in the federal government who is a member of the Federal Managers Association. Chapters may nominate one member to their respective region director, and that officer submits up to two nominees from the region, along with supporting documentation, for consideration of the award. The selection committee reviews three categories in determining the winner:
Workplace accomplishments/contributions
FMA involvement at the chapter, regional or national levels
Local community accomplishments/contributions
“FMA, the Social Security Administration, and our nation are privileged to have a leader like Ron Gryga,” Carter continued. “His leadership within FMA and at the SSA leave no doubt he has earned this award. We are honored he represents the best of the Federal Managers Association. Congratulations on this honor, and thank you, Ron, for your service.”
If you are not already a member of FMA, please consider becoming a member.
The views reflected in this column are those of FMA and do not necessarily represent the views of FEDmanager. To learn more about the Federal Managers Association (FMA), visit their website: FedManagers.org.