TAKING THE REINS: David Carey

Vice president of Oracle's Information Assurance Center in Reston, Va.

Stemming the Brain Drain

In Rudy Umbs' office at the Federal Highway Administration, nine of the 12 staff members ? national and international experts in highway traffic and safety ? could retire today if they chose.

Workplace Briefs

Government Work Becomes Fashionable ... Legislation Would Expand Investment Advice Offered to Workers ... Employers Cutting Bonuses, Delaying Raises

TAKING THE REINS: David Johnson

Position: Managing director of the federal practice, Deloitte Consulting, Reston, Va. First day on the new job: Sept. 10. Age: 42. Hometown: Boston.

Computer Training Program Gives Young Offenders a Second Chance

A new technology training program in California has given Jessica, 18, and Lauren, 17, hope for a better life. The teen-agers live and study at Camp Joseph Scott, a facility for youthful offenders in Los Angeles County.

ON THE JOB

The Immigration and Naturalization Service this month announced that it approved 163,200 H-1B visa applications against the 195,000 cap for fiscal 2001, which ended Sept. 30. U.S. employers file the applications for skilled foreign workers, many of whom have in-demand technology skills.

No Recession for Cybersecurity

With the demand for cybersecurity professionals outstripping supply, high-tech companies and government agencies are using innovative programs to recruit and train workers with specialized skills in information security.

Workplace Briefs

H-IB Visa Cap Unmet in 2001 ? Workers Re-evaluate Careers after Sept. 11 ? E-Learning Spending Down at Some Firms.

CALENDAR

The 10th Annual ODU/TASC/TGIC Government Contracting Symposium, "E volution in Government Business," sponsored by Defense Acquisition University and Resource Consultants Inc., will be held from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel, Norfolk, Va.

TAKING THE REINS: Doug Wagoner

Vice president and general manager, Data Systems Analysts Inc., Fairfax, Va.

Talent War

Information technology contractors say it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill job openings that require high-level government security clearances, despite a flood of new applicants.

Reserve Call-Up Makes for Workplace Uncertainty

The call-up of National Guard and armed forces reservists is creating dilemmas for government contractors. They must figure out how to cover for workers called to duty, what level of benefits and salary to provide the workers while they are away, and how to plan for their return ? all without knowing how long the reservists will be gone. If Chris Samulski, a 27-year-old senior software engineer, expects his tour of duty would last six months to a year if he is called up.

Workplace Briefs

Some new offerings of e-learning resources; Group offers legal program terrorism-related issues; Not feeling well? Illness leads slight rise in unscheduled absences.

TRW Adding Jobs in Software-Defined Radio Development

TRW Inc. will hire up to 300 people at its San Diego-based Radio Systems unit.

TAKING THE REINS: Greg O'Connell

Director of public-sector operations, Tellme Networks Inc., Bethesda, Md.

WHO'S ON FIRST

LexTech Inc., Lexington, Ky., named John Groft as director of business development for its GEM division. The company sells IT-related products and services.

ON THE JOB

Turbulence in the information technology industry is reflected in a new survey of compensation trends at technology firms, which shows executives' annual bonuses shrinking this year while many rank-and-file employees garner healthy pay hikes.

Media Moxie

Sitting under hot, bright lights, Kevin Blakeman carefully answered probing questions about SurfControl Inc., where he serves as president of U.S. operations. A camera peered over the shoulder of the interviewer sitting opposite him. Was that a bead of sweat on his forehead?

Reserve Call-Up Makes for Workplace Uncertainty

Carol Sauder, a program manager for systems integrator Unisys Corp. of Blue Bell, Pa., has lost two of 39 employees in her unit to the call-up of National Guard and armed forces reservists, and faces the loss of 10 more.

Workplace Briefs

Firms Create AppreciateAmerica.com; employees laud terrorism talk; EDS, Women In Government start online health care forum; the best places for working moms.