LATEST FROM THE CENTER
READY 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.
LATEST RESEARCH
From Reagan to Biden: Documents Showing the History of Inaugurations
Every four years, Inauguration Day has served as a symbol of the country’s commitment to democracy and a smooth transfer of power. Since George Washington was inaugurated in 1789, the list of traditions surrounding this monumental day has grown.
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Pace of Nominations: How Does Biden Compare With Previous Presidents?
Presidents are responsible for about 4,000 political appointments, about 1,250 of which require Senate confirmation. They must also staff the White House.
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Senate Traditionally Confirms First Cabinet Secretaries Within Days of Inauguration
Having Cabinet positions filled by Senate-confirmed appointees benefits new administrations – and more importantly, the country – by enabling presidents to hit the ground running, especially during times of crisis.
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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, director of the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition 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.
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HAPPENING NOW
The Washington Post and Partnership for Public Service announce the launch of Political Appointee Tracker for Biden-Harris administration
December 17, 2020
Publication Type: In the News
The Washington Post and Partnership for Public Service today announced the launch of the Political Appointments Tracker to follow and analyze the progress of President-elect Biden’s Senate-confirmed political appointments. The tracker, first launched in 2016, will allow readers to track more positions than ever before, and provide historical comparisons to past administrations, starting with the Trump administration, and data visualizations…Senate Republicans Start Vetting Biden’s Cabinet Picks
December 17, 2020
Publication Type: In the News
President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet picks are beginning to work through the confirmation process in the Republican-controlled Senate as transition officials and Democrats press to avoid delays in putting key people in place amid the pandemic.Lack of transition support from OPM raises concerns the agency has become politicized
December 14, 2020
Publication Type: In the News
A series of recent moves involving the Office of Personnel Management is reinvigorating concerns the agency has become increasingly politicized at a time when it’s supposed to help agencies oversee the ongoing presidential transition.
The #COVID19 pandemic has challenged agencies to deliver key services to their customers. Read about how the @DeptVetAffairs created a new chatbot to help the agency respond quickly to veterans’ questions, and provide patients with critical information: https://ourpublicservice.org/blog/how-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-used-technology-to-deliver-better-services-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/?utm_campaign=OURPUBLICSERVICE.ORG&utm_content=1611266415&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Public servants do extraordinary work for our nation. We have created a model to ensure their success in leading a better government for all Americans. https://ourpublicservice.org/our-work/public-service-leadership-model/?utm_campaign=OURPUBLICSERVICE.ORG&utm_content=1611259234&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter #LeadingGov