Collaboration in Action: A Closer Look at FMP’s Social Media Team

We’re continuing to celebrate FMP’s 500^th blog by highlighting our amazing social media team. Today, we’re getting to know three additional team members: Sarah Tucker (Team Lead), Marni Falcone (Member at Large), and Risa Witherow (Member at Large). Keep reading to learn about a few more of the people who make everything happen behind the scenes!

Tell us a little bit about your educational and professional background.

Sarah: I earned my master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from Middle Tennessee State University in 2021. Shortly after graduating, I joined FMP as a Human Capital Consultant in early 2022 and have been growing my career here ever since.

Marni: I’ve always been fascinated by how people and organizations work, so studying industrial-organizational psychology felt like a natural fit. I started with a bachelor’s in psychology and criminology/criminal justice at the University of Maryland, College Park, then went on to earn my master’s in industrial-organizational psychology at George Mason University. Professionally, I’ve spent about eighteen years helping organizations tackle their people challenges. Over the years I’ve supported agencies like USCIS, SEC, OPM, FEMA, FHFA, USDA’s FPAC, NRCS, Forest Service, NSF, and many others. My work has included large-scale project management, competency modeling, strategic planning, workforce development, change management, and just about every flavor of human capital challenge you can imagine.

Risa: I earned an M.A. in industrial-organizational psychology and a B.S. in communication studies and writing from Middle Tennessee State University. I joined FMP as a consultant in May of 2021 and have enjoyed working with clients across the public and private sectors to improve organizational effectiveness and enrich the employee experience. Over time, my role has evolved from directly supporting clients to focusing on internal initiatives that drive FMP’s growth and collaboration.

What is your role at FMP? What projects have you worked on?

Sarah: I’m a senior human capital consultant at FMP, and I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects across several capability areas. My work has included competency modeling, performance management, professional and career development, business process optimization, instructional systems, and web design. I’ve enjoyed being involved in so many different projects as I have many interests, and it’s given me an opportunity to explore them all.

Marni: At FMP, I’m a managing consultant, leading cross-functional teams and partnering with clients to deliver organizational strategy, workforce development solutions, and process improvements. I get to help leaders solve problems, build stronger teams, and make operations run more smoothly.

Some of my recent work includes supporting USCIS’s Immigration Records and Identity Services (IRIS) Verification Division, where we help streamline processes, improve workflows, and coach leaders. I also manage a major program for the SEC’s Office of Human Resources, including developing competency models and supporting HR operations across the Commission.

Before that, I worked with OPM on implementing government-wide Executive Orders; helped FHFA develop a five-year human capital strategic plan; led multi-year competency and career development efforts for VA and USDA’s sub agencies; supported FEMA; and worked with NSF on everything from strategic planning to training design to workforce analytics.

It has been a mix of strategic, operational, creative, and people-focused work, which is exactly why I enjoy it so much.

Risa: I currently serve as a business development manager on FMP’s Growth Optimization (GO) Team. In this role, I work closely with consultants, project teams, and firm leadership to support capture planning, proposal development, and strategic growth efforts across our capability areas. 

How and why did you get involved with the Social Media team?

Sarah: When I first joined FMP, I was looking for an internal team that would let me collaborate with others across the company, including those I might not work with on client projects. I loved reading the blogs that FMP published and saw the Social Media team as a great opportunity to be creative, contribute in a different way, and connect with new people.

Marni: I joined the Social Media team because I love sharing the stories that make FMP what it is. We have so many talented and thoughtful people across the company, and being part of the team gives me a way to shine a light on that. It’s also just a fun, creative outlet. My day-to-day client work is often complex and structured, so having a space where I can think more visually, play with ideas, and help shape our online presence felt like a great balance.

Risa: I joined the Social Media team almost four years ago through a developmental rotation. At the time, my manager (shoutout to fellow Social Media Team member, Marni Falcone) encouraged me to step into the newsletter editor role. Because I worked independently on my client projects, she saw it as a great opportunity for me to build connections across the firm and create organic touchpoints with contributors from different teams. The newsletter editor role is closely embedded within the Social Media team, and after my rotation ended, I decided to stay on. Since then, I’ve expanded my involvement from newsletter editor to content curator and now serve as a member-at-large and liaison to the Business Development team.

What is your role on the social media team? What are your responsibilities?

Sarah: I initially joined the team as the blog publisher, managing the publication of blog content on our website and ensuring posts were shared across our social platforms. I later moved into the blog coordinator role, where I curated our blog content calendar and supported the development process.

In my third year on the team, I transitioned into a team lead role, where I currently serve. In this position, I provide strategic support and help guide our overall content and social media efforts. My work includes brainstorming new ideas, reviewing social posts, assisting with content planning and scheduling, and helping team members understand and execute on our social media strategy.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?

Marni: The people! Everyone brings a different perspective and personality, and the energy is always positive and collaborative. I love the brainstorming, the quick idea-sharing, and the chance to work with colleagues I might not interact with otherwise. It’s a great mix of creativity and teamwork, and it’s nice to contribute to something that helps tell the story of who we are as a company.

Risa: The team’s creativity and energy are what I enjoy most. We’re highly engaged, collaborative, and intentional about what we share and how we show up as a firm. I love our biweekly check-ins and working toward shared goals that spark interest, encourage connection, and highlight the great work happening across FMP.

When you’re not working, where can we find you?

Sarah: Outside of work, you can usually find me home with my husband (Kramer), curled up in my favorite chair by the fireplace, with two dogs (Wallace Bean and Clementine Gene) in my lap and a good book in hand.

Marni: Usually chasing my two boys, who are nine and seven and always on the move. On weekends, there is a good chance I’m in full sports-mom mode at the fields, courts, and pool, cheering loudly. When we’re not wrapped up in sports, I love getting a workout in at Barre3 Old Town and being involved in our close-knit community in Fort Hunt, VA. 

Risa: When I’m not working, you can usually find me walking a trail, gardening, thrifting vintage clothes and furniture, or binging reality television (saved the best for last).

What’s your favorite blog that FMP has published?

Sarah: Bridging the Gap: Rise 360 and the Future of Federal L&D  – FMP: I like this blog because it highlights an innovative approach to training. It emphasizes using Rise 360 to deliver flexible, just‑in‑time learning. As someone passionate about L&D, I value tools that modernize learning and meet people where they are.

Risa: Tips for Unlocking the Benefits of Developmental Rotations to Grow Talent from Within: Developmental rotations have become so near and dear to me, and I remember really enjoying writing about the benefits and thinking through practical recommendations and considerations that could help an organization implement a rotation program. 

Stay tuned for more spotlights of our social media team in the coming weeks!

Zoe Nerantzis joined FMP as a Consultant in May 2021 and works with the National Science Foundation team by supporting NSF’s learning and development branch. Zoe is from Rockville, Maryland and can generally be found reading fantasy novels, working out in her basement, or rooting for the Washington Football team.