LATEST FROM THE CENTER
REPORT
Unconfirmed: Why Reducing the Number of Senate-confirmed Positions Can Make Government More Effective
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Congratulations to all of the honorees! We love to see federal employees like Dr. Anthony Fauci recognized for their public service.
Meet our 2022 Portrait of a Nation honorees! This fall we celebrate: José Andrés, Clive Davis, Ava DuVernay, Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams with the Portrait of a Nation Award. #PortraitOfaNation
Are you a federal employee looking develop leadership skills? The Excellence in Government Fellows program is the premier leadership development course for federal employees at the GS-14 to GS-15 levels.
Learn more and apply at: https://hubs.la/Q012Fr0V0
The new President’s Management Agenda Vision outlines issues the Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that must be tackled during its term. Join us and @GTPublicSector for a discussion series on moving the #PMA from priorities to results. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q012SrZL0