Tiffany Bonner is a management and program analyst in the human capital branch (HCB) of the office of the chief operating officer (OCOO), financial and human capital division. HCB is responsible for managing ONC’s staffing, hiring, awards, engagement, training, and performance management programs.

1. Tell us about some of the projects or initiatives that you lead.

While I have my hands in a little bit of everything associated with human capital, I currently serve as lead for onboarding, performance management, executive resources, and training. Additionally, I attend recruitment events on behalf of ONC targeting both experienced industry professionals as well as students and recent graduates.

I have several important roles at ONC. I am the lead for onboarding new federal employees and a resource to my team and others in ONC. Helping hiring managers bring on bright, new talent is essential for ONC to achieve its mission. Being able to work with ONC staff on various projects has helped me become a more well-rounded professional and build positive work relationships.

2. What led you to your career here at ONC?

My journey at HHS started after my junior year of college working as an intern in the office of human resources in the Rockville Human Resources Center (RHRC). In my time at RHRC, I explored career opportunities in the federal government and made many valuable connections. After graduating college, I joined ONC’s human capital team. I went from an intern to a contractor to a federal employee on this team, and here I am 11 years later! I have learned and grown so much in my time at ONC and truly value all the work relationships I have made and knowledge I have acquired.

3. What are some skills or strengths that you contribute to your work at ONC?

My ability to learn is my best skill. I came to HHS with limited human capital knowledge and training. By doing the work and taking on various assignments over the years, I have been able to learn so many new things and serve as an excellent resource to ONC staff and potential job applicants. Whenever I am faced with a new challenge, I learn as much as I can about it and find a way to resolve it. No matter what I am tasked with, I always get the job done!

4. What is something you’ve accomplished at ONC that you’re most proud of, and why?

I am extremely proud of the work that we have done in OCOO on the Pathways to Public Service (PTPS) program. Initiated by deputy national coordinator for operations Lisa Lewis Person in 2019, the PTPS program equips minority-serving institutions students with the knowledge and skills for successful careers in public service through internships and entry-level positions. Through this initiative, I was able to meet and connect with many students, attend career fairs at universities, and work with an incredible team of professionals across HHS. Now, thousands of students and recent graduates have the tools they need to help them on their journey to federal employment and have been introduced to the work of ONC.

5. What would you say is the best or most interesting part of working for ONC?

I think it is important to recognize that there is an extensive scope of work done by human capital. Many may not realize how many programs and projects we have going on at any given moment. In addition to the visible work directly impacting staff, there are always projects and challenges we must tackle to keep things running smoothly and resolve before they become an issue. The work we do has an impact on every single ONC staff member and their ability to do their job. Human capital plays a critical role in ONC’s overall success.

6. How would you characterize ONC’s success?

I think ONC’s success depends on its people. Having the right people in the right positions to get the job done creates success. From leadership to interns, ONC has an extremely talented workforce (of course, I’m biased!). ONC’s highly skilled and dedicated staff excel not only in community engagement but in expertise and work ethic. This collective strength facilitates the achievement of our mission to create systemic improvements in health and care through access, exchange, and use of data all the easier.

7. Tell us about a project you are currently working on and how it fits into ONC’s mission.

I am currently working on developing ONC’s recruitment and outreach strategies and tools. It is my hope that ONC will have a stronger presence in the job market to attract a diverse and skilled pool of candidates. This will aid ONC in finding individuals that are passionate about the work that we do and eager to work with us.

8. What are the core values of ONC that are important to you?

The value principles for OCOO are collaboration, expertise, innovation, outcomes- focused, transparent, and accountable. While all are equally important, the one that stands out most to me is being outcomes-focused. With any task I am assigned or take on, my primary objective is to get the job done and get it done right. By tapping into all of the other principles, I am able to achieve the best possible results while providing excellent customer service and support. That is what is most important to me.