Paul Hitlin manages research for the Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition including the organization’s presidential appointment tracker, which they produce in collaboration with The Washington Post. Paul believes information should be a public good, an idea that informed his work at the Pew Research Center where he studied media, technology and data science. Paul’s favorite public servant is former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone who was well-known for his commitment to community organizing and campaign finance reform.
Troy guides the Partnership’s development of proposals and strategies for improving government management and revitalizing the federal civil service. She brings a deep appreciation of public service to the Partnership from over two decades of federal service, where she served as associate administrator for government-wide policy at the General Services Administration, chief counsel for governmental affairs on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and assistant secretary at the Department of Commerce. Troy’s favorite public servant is her first boss, Senator Fritz Hollings, who served our country as a soldier, governor and senator and is perhaps the only politician ever to un-name a federal building after himself!
James-Christian Blockwood helps with overall strategy and management of the organization, and directly oversees its programs dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal government.
He is passionate about serving others and his country. He is a former career member of the Senior Executive Service in the US Government, and has broad experience in leadership and management, strategic planning, national security, and foreign affairs. He has helped transform and build new capabilities at the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Government Accountability Office.
He has a deep appreciation for the career civil servant—the consummate good steward that works tirelessly and faithfully on behalf of the American people.
Sasha conducts quantitative and qualitative research to support the Center for Presidential Transition. She maintains the Partnership’s political appointee tracker and analyzes data to inform the Center’s recommendations for improving the transition process. Sasha’s experience studying decision-making in U.S. foreign policy inspired her to work on issues of national security. Her favorite public servant is former Secretary of State (and fellow Wellesley College alumna) Madeleine Albright. Sasha admires Secretary Albright’s quick wit, ability to lead with empathy, championship of women’s empowerment, and her unwavering belief in the power of democracy to guide the world towards a better future.
Valerie Smith Boyd leads the Partnership’s efforts to support successful transition planning for current and future Presidential administrations. She has had a long public service career, having served in the past three administrations in both career and political roles. Valerie was part of the small team that stood up Department of Homeland Security headquarters in 2002. She supported President Bush’s transfer of homeland security knowledge during the 2008 transition and assisted President Obama’s team with their 2009 integration of the Homeland Security Council and National Security Council staffs. During her time at the NSC, she organized the interagency policy process and managed briefing and decision materials for the President and the Cabinet. Most recently, Valerie returned to DHS, where she oversaw policy development for homeland security partnerships around the world. Between public service, she has worked in corporate social responsibility. She has degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Valerie has worked with too many outstanding public servants to choose a favorite and believes that leaders from across government must work together to solve problems in service to the American people.