Dorine Andrews Chief Information Officer Peace Corps

FROM HER NOMINATION:

High turnover at the Peace Corps — employees are limited to five-year appointments — can leave institutional knowledge in short supply. With an average enforced turnover rate of 20 percent annually, as the Peace Corps' Office of the CIO has said, the challenge becomes even bigger. For Dorine Andrews, who became the CIO of the Peace Corps in August 2010, it was a challenge she couldn't resist.

Shortly after becoming CIO, Andrews quickly involved staff in creating a process-oriented approach to human capital management, including creating a shared vision and mission with her 80-member IT team. She also established guiding principles and values, such as professionalism, teamwork and placing value in people, that would help her staff to achieve its vision.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

"Do what you're told and don't ask too many questions." Dorine Andrews tells Federal News Radio why that's the worst piece of advice she's ever received.

Want to hear more from Dorine Andrews? Listen to our full radio interview with the Causey Award winner in the "Listen" box above.

1. My job title is Chief Information Officer for the Peace Corps. My job title should be exactly what it is.

2. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? You'll never do what you really need to do until you are "hungry" and you can't procrastinate anymore. Never be afraid to try; if it doesn't work, the world will not end and you can try again.

3. What is the worst piece of advice you have ever received? Be a good girl, do what you're told, and don't ask too many questions.

4. Who has been your biggest role model, and why? A dear friend who, at 50, went back to school to get a clinical psychology doctorate to reinvent her career. She's 72 this year and still working 3 days a week - a perfect balance for her. I took her advice to not plan to retire, but to create a life that gives me what I need when I need it.

5. If I could do it over again, I would have started sailing as a teenager, not 35.

6. If I could have one super power it would be rid the world of addictions, war and depression.
   

   Andrews in studio with Mike Causey.

7. In my opinion, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. Sometimes you just have to redefine it to see it as an opportunity.

8. If you didn't work for the federal government, what would be your dream job? No job is a dream job; but most jobs are the right jobs at the right time. Every job I had was the right job at the right time.

9. What is the last book you read? I am reading Team of Rivals right now. I recently finished David McCullough's The Greater Journey.

10. I'd rather be sailing.

Federal News Radio awarded six individuals with a 2012 Causey Award. Read more about each of the recipients.