LATEST FROM THE CENTER
REPORT
Unconfirmed: Why Reducing the Number of Senate-confirmed Positions Can Make Government More Effective
Read
BLOG
Follow More Than 750 Key Government Appointments with the Biden Political Appointee Tracker
Read
BLOG
Two decades later: How lessons from the 9/11 Commission Report can help us improve the political appointment process and protect our national security
ReadREADY TO SERVE
Serving America through a presidential appointment is a great honor and responsibility. But, preparing to serve can be a complicated process and getting started early is important. Ready to Serve is our new, centralized resource that guides candidates through every step of the process.
Learn moreOur Ready to Serve webinar series is for aspiring political appointees.
RESEARCH
Ready to Govern
Political appointees are responsible for executing on the new administration’s ambitious agenda. Through its Ready to Govern series, the Partnership prepares political executives to get up to speed quickly and deliver results for the American people.
Learn More
Senate Confirmation Process Slows to a Crawl
Despite changes in technology and Senate rules, the official confirmation process takes more than twice as long now as it did during President Ronald Reagan’s administration.
Download
The Vacancies Act: Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 aims to encourage the president to fill the critical leadership positions requiring Senate confirmation by limiting the amount of days someone can serve in those roles in an acting capacity.
DownloadTOP RESOURCES
2020 Presidential Transition Guide
The Partnership’s comprehensive guide on the activities required during the transition. This updated guide, produced in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group, features detailed outlines of transition best practices, historical materials from past transitions, and recommendations for a successful presidential transition to a new or second-term administration.
2020 Agency Transition Guide
Based on convenings with transition leaders from nearly 40 agencies, the Partnership and The Boston Consulting Group have compiled best practices into a guide for senior career leaders.
Presidential Transition Act Summary
In passing the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, Congress explained: “Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of the United States and its people.” To promote the orderly transfer of power, Congress established a framework for the federal government to prepare for a transition from one president to another.
Learn moreOUR PODCAST
Transition Lab
Transition Lab is a behind-the-scenes look at presidential transitions. Join David Marchick for candid discussions with former presidential chiefs of staff, transition team leads and other presidential transition experts. Transition Lab is a must-listen for anyone interested in developing a better understanding of what needs to happen before a president takes office or starts a second term.
Listen now
HAPPENING NOW
Senate Confirmation for 1,200 jobs is Holding Biden Back
May 4, 2021
Publication Type: In the News
Within hours of his inauguration, President Joe Biden had staffed around 1,100 key federal appointments, an unprecedented number that speaks to the excellent work of his personnel team during a difficult transition. Yet this accomplishment was only possible because the roles did not require Senate confirmation.
Opinion: For Biden, 44 confirmations down, only 1,156 to go
May 2, 2021
Publication Type: In the News
The Biden administration is winning praise because it managed to get 44 appointees through Senate confirmation and into their offices by its 100th day.
The Sunday shows are back, baby
April 14, 2021
Publication Type: In the News
The Partnership for Public Service’ Center for Presidential Transition, a nonpartisan group that works with presidential transition teams from both parties during the election year, is out with a new report on Biden’s transition, calling it “one of the most well-planned transitions in history.”
STAY UPDATED
Sign up for email updates from the Center.
Nominations for the 2022 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (#Sammies2022) are now OPEN! If you know a federal employee who demonstrates innovation, leadership and a passion for public service, nominate them today! https://ourpublicservice.org?utm_campaign=OURPUBLICSERVICE.ORG&utm_content=1631900944&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
John Sherman, the Administration's @DeptofDefense CIO nominee, recently joined us on our podcast to discuss his experience as a White House Situation Room duty officer during the 9/11 attacks.
Listen to his story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/public-service-leadership-on-9-11/id1565670897?i=1000534929075
Bob McDonald, former secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, joined us to discuss leadership in government, and why good leaders are the key to a good government. Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-the-way-toward-a-better-government/id1565670897?i=1000533280768