The Excellence Imperative

For us at the Council for Excellence in Government, this ambitious goal is not only possible—it is imperative—for the United States to continue to lead, innovate, serve and inspire the confidence of the American people and others around the world. Our mission is compelling and distinctive. Excellence in government is an ambitious, but achievable goal that encompasses two distinct but related dimensions: leadership and performance that achieves significant results in the public interest; and robust participation by citizens in the governance process and public service.

The Council is Now Accepting Applications for the Spring 2009 Fellows Program

The Excellence in Government Fellows program-the preeminent executive training program for talented Feds-is currently accepting applications for its spring 2009 program. Over the last 20 years the Fellows program has trained more than 2,500 high-performing, results driven executives. Learn how you can take your career to the next level.

The Department of Homeland Security Fellows Program Is Now Accepting Applications
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fellows program is gearing up to kick-off its third year. DHS Fellows examined management issues from leaders in the homeland security arena, traveling to New York City, San Diego and New Orleans, in addition to sessions in Washington, D.C. This leadership program focuses on collaboration across DHS components, a common compelling vision, unified operations, high-performing teams and results for the American people. Please click here to apply online.

First Ninety Days Workshop

On January 6, the Council, Harvard Business Publishing, the Senior Executives Association, and The Washington Post hosted an interactive workshop at the National Press Club with Dr. Michael Watkins, author of the international best-sellers, The First Ninety Days and The First Ninety Days in Government. To view the workshop, please visit www.visualwebcaster.com/ninetydays.

Council's Prune Book Featured in The Washington Post

In the recent article, "Low-Profile Jobs That Will Stay That Way , if Obama Is Prudent," Paul C. Light, an expert on presidential transitions, examined 10 sub-Cabinet jobs that are responsible for agencies "with checkered performance records." In his analysis, Mr. Light referred readers to the Council's Prune Book where most of these positions are profiled.

Council Announces Lynn Jennings as the Interim President and CEO

The Council is pleased to announce that Lynn Jennings, Executive Vice President, has agreed to serve as the Interim President and CEO of the Council.

The Council Honors 25 Great Public Servants

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Council honored 25 outstanding public servants who have made significant contributions to achieving excellence in government over the past 25 years. The group of “greats” included Representative John Lewis, Senator Richard Lugar, the Honorable Thomas Ridge, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and the Honorable Donna Shalala, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Read more.

Council Vice President Norm Lorentz Shares His Vision on the Role of President-Elect Obama's CTO in Federal Computer Week

Lorentz, along with other experts, discusses the office of President-Elect Obama's new federal Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and its role in the future. You can read Lorentz's column, "Obama Needs a Change Agent, Not a Bureaucrat" by clicking here.

Council's Program Management Steering Committee Release New Report on Federal Program Management

The new report, Improving Government Performance and Delivery, charts the future of federal program management and outlines legislative and policy recommendations. Download this first-of-its kind study.

Please click here for a document entitled History of Presidential Appointee Orientation.

Now Available! The new, electronic format of the Council's signature Prune series. The 2008 Prune Job Profiles are fully searchable and will be kept up to date throughout the new administration and beyond.

>>Preview New Prune Profiles Now

Now Available! An updated, electronic version of the A Survivor's Guide for Presidential Nominees—a lively compendium of tips and tools for prospective nominees to posts that require Senate confirmation. The new edition also includes an interactive Presidential Appointee Roadmap with steps, mileposts, obstacles and a path to the finish line.

>>Go to More Transition Resources

Official Transition Websites