MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Date/Time: June 8, 2016, 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Location: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1275 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002

Agenda:

1. Guest Presenter, Cinnie Noble

2. Open Discussion

Highlights:

a. Guest Presenter, Cinnie Noble:

Gossip is undoubtedly a universal activity and one that has been historically considered 

an aid to social bonding. It’s often through gossip that we learn about each other, possibly 

leading to the realization that we share common backgrounds, values, beliefs and 

interests that may provide a sense of belonging and friendship. 

Gossip in organizations may also inform employees what sort of behavior is acceptable 

and unacceptable, and learning news from the office ‘grapevine’ often avoids being 

blindsided. That is, gossip may help prepare staff to constructively engage in discussions 

regarding upcoming announcements that have an impact on them. 

Having considered several positive outcomes of gossip, it is necessary to also consider 

how this practice is frequently destructive and leads to conflict. That is, gossip is 

commonly an exaggeration or fabrication about a person and situation. Those who 

engage in gossip might, for instance, paint a picture of others that taints their personal 

and professional lives. It can tarnish careers, personal relationships and reputations. It can 

embarrass, cause shame and demean people who have no way of defending themselves.

The motivation of those who initiate gossip of this nature is not always evident. Is it to be 

part of the group? Is it to feel better by putting others down? Is it due to meanspiritedness? Is it due to jealousy? Only the gossiper knows the reason – and not always 

consciously. However, even when we participate in the discussion that others initiate, we 

are complicit and essentially, condone the ‘bad-mouthing’. When conflict emerges, as a 

consequence, we can be seen as part of the problem.

If you tend to be a gossiper, or regularly engage in gossip that undermines others 

(whether or not you initiate it), please consider the following questions. It helps to start 

by bringing to mind a situation in which you initiated a story about a co-worker (or boss, 

or friend, or family member), or you were told about a situation and participated in a 

discussion about it.
b. Open Discussion: 

 USOA Conference – reminder about participation and presentation by COFO

 USMS recently hired their first Ombudsman and they are “getting their feet wet” 

with their operations.

 Suggestion about having a meeting on conflict and applicability of the ADR Act.

 FOIA – SES opening. More info to come.

Meeting adjourned. 

Attendees in person:

Barrar, Riley Department of State

Dean, Karen US Patent and Trademark Office

Deyo, Scott Department of Defense

Doty, Brenda Federal Maritime Commission

Doyle, William Department of Homeland Security

Gordon, Laurel Department of Justice

Janson, Michael Federal Communication Commission 

Kappor, Vikram Department of Homeland Security

Liebman, Melissa Department of Justice

Mills, Anna Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation

Mills, Laurel Department of Justice

Mitchell, Kristen Office of Government Information Services

Osborn, Hollee Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation

Sotoudeh, Paul Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Valdez, Roberta Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation

Vanyur , John John Vanyur Consulting

Attendees by phone:

Berg, Mollie Department of Defense

Bookstein, Monique Department of Justice

Day-Lewis, Kimberly Department of Homeland Security

Epps, Ayanna Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Janes, Clint Department of Commerce

Kamenshine, Wendy Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Larkins, Marcia Department of Health and Human Services

McGuire, Carrie Office of Government Information Services

Maurer , William Department of Energy

Merrix, Celeste Department of Homeland Security

Noble, Cinnie Cinergy Coaching

Pontillo, Pamela Department of Energy

Roberts, Sara Department of Homeland Security

Weber, Guy Department of Defense