30 Years of Service and a New Chapter Ahead

By Alex Harrington, GCDF, CCSP

After nearly 30 years of public service—both in the U.S. Marine Corps and as a federal civil servant—I’ve made the difficult decision to accept the Department of Homeland Security’s Workforce Transition Programs (WTP), which includes Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP).

This was not a decision I made lightly.

Faced with the difficult choice between separation without retirement benefits or accepting an early retirement, I chose the path that would provide the most stability. While I had hoped to retire on my own terms—and not in the midst of a battle with Stage IV Melanoma Cancer, I remain both hopeful and expectant about what lies ahead. Moreover, I see this next chapter not just as an encore career, but as a new mission—one I believe God has uniquely prepared me for in this very moment.

My Journey into Public Service

After completing my service in the Marine Corps, I didn’t anticipate returning to public service as a federal employee. At the time, my experience at Headquarters Marine Corps had left me with a less-than-favorable view of government work. Although a gunnery sergeant encouraged me to consider a federal career, I was initially reluctant. Over time, however, my perspective changed. I’m now profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have spent nearly 30 years in federal service—advancing strategic initiatives across multiple agencies.

Over time, however, my perspective changed. I’m now profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have spent nearly 30 years in federal service—advancing strategic initiatives across multiple agencies.

From leading HR modernization at U.S. Customs and Border Protection to driving stakeholder engagement at the U.S. General Services Administration and managing public and congressional affairs for the Department of Justice's Interpol Washington and Department of the U.S. Army, my civil service career has been grounded in mission-focused leadership, performance-driven outcomes, and stewardship. I am most grateful that this journey has taken me across both domestic and international assignments, including meaningful roles in Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

My entry into public service was the result of a happenstance moment—one born from a deep desire to continue serving. After the tragic events of 9/11, I attempted to re-enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Unfortunately, I had aged out of eligibility to once again wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Yet the calling to serve my country never left me. That unwavering commitment led me to accept a position as a Public Affairs Officer at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan—a decision that marked the beginning of my federal civilian career.

Sometimes—a lesson for all of us—the door we thought was closed, leads us to the one we were always meant to walk through. And I hope this continues to prove its worth to me as I transition back to the private sector with the following strengths and experiences in:

• Corporate strategy and business transformation

• Organizational and talent development

• Impact measurement and data-driven consulting

• Global communications and cross-cultural program leadership

• International HR and nonprofit field operations

• Workforce readiness training and community engagement

• Digital workplace modernization and leadership coaching

Being Accountable to Public Service and Community Development

Contrary to the dismissive remarks made by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst about federal employees “taking bubble baths on the job,” I have always considered it an honor—and now, as a Stage IV Melanoma cancer patient, a continued blessing—to use my God-given gifts in service to the American people. My nearly 30-year career in federal service has been defined by accountability, stewardship, and a deep sense of purpose. Every day, I sought to uphold the public trust, guided by a personal set of 18 Codes of Conduct I developed to remind myself of what it truly means to serve with honor and integrity Read more.

Beyond the workplace as a federal employee, my commitment to community development has taken shape through several impactful initiatives, all conducted outside my regular duty hours:

• Founder & Executive Director, Federal Career Connection, Inc. (2009–2024) Established and led a nonprofit organization of over 40 volunteers dedicated to helping individuals in career transition navigate pathways to public, military, and national service.

• Program Director, Career Transition Academy, Career Network Ministry (2018) Designed and launched CNM’s flagship educational series, coordinating 30+ volunteers to deliver job readiness and career development training to individuals navigating major life or career changes.

• Program Developer, International Student Outreach, U.S. Army/Army National Guard – South Korea (2004–2005) Created a cultural exchange internship program linking Korean university students with U.S. military personnel, promoting mutual understanding and academic engagement.

• ESOL Instructor, Friendship International, U.S. Navy – Japan (2001–2002) Taught conversational English to local Japanese residents, strengthening cross-cultural ties and supporting the Navy’s public diplomacy mission in Sasebo.

• Community Organizer, Richland County Young Marines – Ohio (1997–1998) Founded and led a youth development chapter for underserved communities, instilling values of service, discipline, and leadership among inner-city youth.

Together, these experiences reflect a lifetime of commitment—not only to the mission of government—but also to the communities we are called to serve. They remind me that public service is not just a profession, but a personal calling.

What’s Next?

As I move forward in my career, I am actively pursuing opportunities in leadership or consulting positions within Training and Leadership Development, Organizational Development, or International/Nonprofit Leadership. In addition, I am enrolling in the West Virginia Alternative Certification Program at Shepherd University to possibly transition into secondary education as a Social Studies teacher. My objective is to support and inspire students who are seeking direction and purpose, much as I once did.

Thank You to Those Who Helped Me Grow as a Public Servant

I am deeply grateful to the incredible leaders I had the privilege of serving alongside and who supported me throughout my federal career. As I look to the future, I do so with humility, optimism, and a renewed commitment to serving others in new and meaningful ways.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Immediate Office of the Secretary, Chief Human Capital Office, Washington, DC

• Jill DeMella

• Kirsten Crawford

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, HR Policy and Programs Directorate (HRPPD)

• Barry Carpenter  

DHS Headquarters: Human Capital Strategy Branch, Washington, DC

• Stephanie Marsh  

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Talent Management Directorate (TMD)

• Honor Garcia-Tomchick  

U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Integrated Technology Category (ITC)

• Mary Davie

• Kevin Richman

Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection

• Michael Friel

• Lisa Geddes  

U.S. Department of Justice, INTERPOL-U.S. National Central Bureau

• Shawn Bray  

Department of The Army, Office of Chief of Public Affairs, The Pentagon, Washington, DC

• Kevin Arata

• Becky Leggieri

Department of The Army, 1st Signal Brigade, South Korea

• Ron Bouchard

Memorable Moments in Public Service