December: 2025 Year in Review

🏛️ 2025 Year in Review: Resilience, Advocacy, & the Power of Leadership

“Managers are the backbone of the IRS — leading with integrity, compassion, and courage, even in the most uncertain times.”
— Kelly Reyes, PMA Executive Director

As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on a year marked by challenge, advocacy, and the enduring strength of leadership. Federal managers across the nation—especially those within the IRS—faced some of the most difficult circumstances in recent memory. Yet through every obstacle, PMA members once again demonstrated what true leadership looks like: integrity, commitment, and unity.
Despite the government shutdown, repeated workforce disruptions, and the strain of managing through uncertainty, PMA continued to be a steady voice—advocating for fairness, inclusion, and respect for every manager in public service.

PMA Support During the DRP and RIF

During the uncertainty of the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and the RIF process, PMA stood firmly beside our members. We provided timely, factual communications to cut through confusion and ensure managers received accurate policy updates as they developed. PMA shared detailed guidance on eligibility, timelines, and employee rights, while also offering practical tools to help managers support their teams with clarity and compassion. Through direct outreach, weekly updates, and dedicated Washington, D.C. analysis, we kept members informed of every development. Above all, PMA acted as a steady advocate—amplifying manager concerns, elevating operational challenges to agency leadership, and ensuring the voice of IRS managers was heard throughout these significant workforce changes.‍

Standing Strong Amid the Shutdown

The 2025 government shutdown was one of the most difficult challenges in recent years. Despite limited guidance and operational uncertainty, IRS managers continued to lead with professionalism and resolve.
Throughout the shutdown, PMA provided weekly updates to keep managers informed on policy developments and agency responses. We also supported members through three Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) employee releases, offering advocacy and guidance during this difficult period.

Your leadership held the agency together when the system itself was under strain — and for that, PMA thanks you.

Taking Our Fight to Washington

This year, PMA leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent IRS managers and to support the Government Managers Coalition directly before lawmakers and IRS leadership.
We made our message clear:

• Protect telework as a proven tool for productivity, retention, and well-being.
• Address unbearable work environment challenges caused by short staffing and unrealistic expectations.
• End the exclusion of managers from critical decision-making sessions that impact their teams.

PMA also sent a formal letter to Senator John Thune, proposing a practical, bipartisan solution to prevent future government shutdowns.
‍There must be accountability to both houses of Congress during a Shutdown. Federal managers should never again be forced to lead through political paralysis.

Collaborating for Change

PMA maintained regular meetings with the IRS Human Capital Office (HCO) throughout 2025 to advocate for fairness, leadership accountability, and consistent communication.
We pressed for:

• Greater transparency in workforce realignments
• Leadership training and mentoring opportunities
• Inclusion of managers in policy and operational discussions

We also applauded the federal court injunction halting reductions-in-force (RIFs) during the shutdown — a decision that reinforces the importance of workforce stability and respect for public service.

Leadership in Action: Ogden, Utah

PMA proudly hosted our Annual Board Meeting and Leadership Conference in Ogden, Utah, bringing together regional leaders for a transformative leadership event.

The conference featured:

• Leadership education sessions focused on adaptive management and communication.
• A leadership panel with IRS executives that encouraged open dialogue and shared insights on leading through change.

This event reaffirmed PMA’s commitment to building stronger leadership pathways and cultivating collaboration across every level of management.

Moving Together for a Cause - FEDS in Motion

PMA members once again demonstrated their generosity and community spirit through our 3rd annual FEDS in Motion Challenge.

🚴‍♀️ 22 PMA members participated
📍 Over 800 miles moved
💙 Supporting the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)

Your participation directly supported fellow federal employees and their families in need — a true reflection of PMA’s values in action. An action that unexpectedly supported an incredible number of federal employees during the longest in history shutdown.

Investing in Professional Growth

PMA believes professional growth is the foundation of leadership. This year, we strengthened that commitment through:

🎓 Scholarships & Grants

• 10 scholarships of $2,000 each awarded to members, spouses, and college-aged children.
• Self-Development and Educational Grants of up to $1,000 per quarter to fund continuing education and leadership training.

💼 Professional Development Webinars

PMA hosted three member webinars focused on:

1. Career advancement and leadership strategy
2. Continuing education pathways for managers
3. Professional liability protection and legal awareness

Real Time Communications

Throughout the year, PMA has remained committed to keeping our members informed, supported, and prepared during a time of significant transition. Our communications team delivered consistent, high-value updates through our monthly newsletters, weekly Member Updates, and timely messages from Washington, D.C.

As the federal landscape shifted—particularly with the presidential changeover—PMA worked diligently to ensure every IRS manager had clear, accurate information. We provided guidance to help members navigate the DRP, understand new policies, and stay ahead of operational changes. Our focus has been simple: deliver real-time, relevant communication so IRS managers can lead with confidence, adapt quickly, and feel supported by the association representing their voice.

Standing Strong Amid the Shutdown

The 2025 government shutdown was one of the most difficult challenges in recent years. Despite limited guidance and operational uncertainty, IRS managers continued to lead with professionalism and resolve. Throughout the shutdown, PMA provided weekly updates to keep managers informed on policy developments and agency responses. PMA wrote directly to Washington calling for accountability—urging Congress to remain in D.C. and resolve their differences rather than leaving federal employees and agencies without direction. Your leadership held the agency together when the system itself was under strain — and for that, PMA thanks you.

Looking Ahead to 2026

PMA’s mission for 2026 is clear and focused: "Motivation, Pride, Resilience, and Professionalism"

• Defend telework and workplace flexibility
• Strengthen leadership inclusion and accountability
• Expand educational and career development programs
• Build stronger alliances with IRS and Treasury leadership

A Final Word of Gratitude

Through every challenge, PMA members have proven that true leadership endures. You’ve guided teams through adversity, upheld the mission of the IRS, and modeled the integrity that defines federal service.
On behalf of the PMA Board of Directors, thank you for your strength, professionalism, and dedication. Together, we move forward—stronger, wiser, and more united than ever.

With gratitude,
Kelly Reyes
Executive Director
Professional Managers Association (PMA)

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