At a time when many of the most experienced workers are retiring from government, the HR community must become even more effective at helping attract, engage and retain a highly capable and motivated 21st century workforce. If agencies are to advance, the government must be as dedicated to improving the HR workforce as it has been to the financial, procurement and information technology workforces. With the leadership of the CHCOs, identified competency gaps among the current HR workforce must be closed, clear and high standards for internal promotions and external hiring must be met, new staff with superior HR skills must be recruited and professional development must be a priority.