Correction News

August 2000


Fellowship participant hopes to become permanent employee

RALEIGH- Barry Bridges knew he wanted to be a public servant and the Governor’s Public Management Fellowship Program (GPMFP) has helped make that possible. He’s now starting his second year in the program, which was first established in April 1998 and modified a year later.

Bridges has been involved in the program since July 1999 when he was assigned as an investigator in the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity division. He checks out discrimination complaints filed on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability.

Bridges said he was honored when the University of North Carolina at Greensboro nominated him for the fellowship, where he received a masters in public affairs. "It’s been exciting working in Correction," said Bridges. "There is never a dull moment." Before coming to the Department, Bridges was not only a student, but also a 4-H agent for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

The two-year fellowship was designed to recruit professionally trained public administrators, develop their knowledge and skills, and retain competent fellows as career public servants.

Participants receive a set salary and the same benefits as permanent state employees. When the fellowship ends, the fellow will receive a permanent job with state government, assuming satisfactory performance and a desire to remain a public servant.

Bridges hopes to continue working in Correction or another state agency when he completes the fellowship next year. "I am interested in a career that involves management, analysis and problem solving," said Bridges. "By working here (Correction), I know that there are so many different job opportunities."

Bridges lives in Raleigh with his wife and two sons. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing with his children, running, reading and playing the guitar.

For more information on the fellowship program check out its web site at www.osp.state.nc.us/GPMFP.htm.


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