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For The Future…

The Diamond Anniversary Campaign for the National Academy of Public Administration

“Building Today for a Better Tomorrow”

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A Pillar of Good Governance

The National Academy of Public Administration stands as a beacon for good governance. As an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit, we play a crucial role in addressing the myriad governance, administrative, and management challenges that confront governments at all levels. Our mission to foster a just, fair and inclusive government that strengthens communities and protects democracy is critical in this complex and polarized climate.

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History History History

Our Past 60 Years of Impact

In times of crisis, our guidance has been instrumental in shaping the government’s response to significant challenges like the Watergate scandal, the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security post-9/11, and navigating the financial crisis of 2008. In addition to these high-profile instances, the Academy has made substantial contributions through direct engagement with a variety of federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, the U.S Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Secret Service.

For more than five decades, the Academy has proven itself an invaluable contributor to the shaping of policies and practices at every level of U.S. government. As we step into our Diamond Anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence in public administration and governance, ensuring that our legacy of impact and influence endures and evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our nation.

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The Academy Today: Uniquely Constructed, Uniquely Positioned

The National Academy of Public Administration stands as the standard-bearer for expert-driven guidance in the realm of public administration. As the only Academy encompassing the entire field, our unique perspective allows us to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities of this era with unmatched insight.

Our Call to Action: Future-Proof Insights for Tomorrow’s Leaders

Inspired by our Diamond Anniversary and our 60th year of dedicated service, we launch a vision that aligns with the evolving needs of public administrators and, ultimately, the citizens they serve. Like a diamond formed under immense pressure, the most significant impacts of good governance are created over time. Our commitment extends to nurturing the next generation of government leaders and reinforcing intergovernmental partnerships, essential for a democracy that not only endures, but thrives.

Learn About Who The Academy Helps Today and Tomorrow

The Time is Now

We start this campaign from a strong financial position and amid a deepening political divide with profound implications. The Academy has successfully navigated past financial challenges and emerged with a robust fiscal foundation. Our development strategy, spearheaded by the Development Committee and Senior Fellows, has already yielded significant results, raising over $2,000,000 to expand our influence and impact. Innovations like the award-winning Management Matters podcast, Agile Government Center, and the Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships (CIP) demonstrate our commitment to responsive and efficient governance. These successes are just the beginning.

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Empowering the Academy for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Our goal is to grow an endowment that ensures readiness for future challenges while maintaining our independence and unbiased perspective. This funding will support new studies, programs, and collaborations, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted, neutral entity. When trust in institutions is crumbling, our neutrality ensures that the Academy’s findings lead to the best outcomes for public administrators and the communities they serve.

Leadership in Innovation

This new wave of initiatives will harness all the Academy’s most valuable resources to lead the field and maintain our independent perspective in shaping the future of public administration. In a world where change is constant, we will have the means to drive innovation, set new standards, and protect the Academy’s reputation as a trusted and impartial institution.

Cultivating Collaboration and Rebuilding Government Partnerships

Our vision extends to rebuilding government partnerships and creating extensive networks of informed stakeholders. Through these partnerships, we will expand the Academy’s influence, informing policy decisions with evidence, promoting best practices, and driving positive change on both a national and local scale.

Investing in the Future

The Diamond Anniversary Campaign transcends mere fundraising; it is an investment in the future of effective governance and public administration. By establishing a permanent funding source through an enhanced endowment, we will fortify our mission, extend our impact, and nurture a new generation of public leaders. These leaders will continue to reshape our nation and the world, utilizing our unique resources to create a just, fair, and inclusive government that strengthens communities and safeguards democracy. Together, we can shape the course of history and create a legacy of good governance.

Committee

Gail christopher

Gail Christopher

Honorary National Co-Chair

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Gail christopher

Gail Christopher

Honorary National Co-Chair

Dr. Gail Christopher, an esteemed social change agent, has left an indelible mark on public health and well-being through her pioneering work. During her tenure at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the America Healing initiative and the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation effort, earning widespread recognition for her contributions. As the current Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, she continues to advocate for transformative change, leaving an enduring legacy in public health discourse.
Christopher's distinguished career spans leadership roles at esteemed institutions such as the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the creation of the Joint Center Health Policy Institute, amplifying the voices of underserved communities in health policy discussions.
A recipient of numerous awards, including the Terrance Keenan Award and the Casey Excellence for Children Awards, Christopher's impact extends beyond academia and into policy arenas. Her visionary leadership in launching the Truth Racial Healing and Transformation effort underscores her commitment to fostering equity and inclusion.
Christopher holds a doctor of naprapathy degree from the Chicago National College of Naprapathy in Illinois and completed advanced study in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in holistic health and clinical nutrition at the Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities at Union Graduate School of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in 1996.
Clay johnson iii

Clay Johnson III

Honorary National Co-Chair

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Clay johnson iii

Clay Johnson III

Honorary National Co-Chair

Clay Johnson III is a seasoned public servant and executive leader who served as Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from 2003 to 2009 during the George W. Bush Administration. In this role, he provided government-wide leadership to enhance agency performance and program efficiency. Before joining OMB, he was Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel, overseeing the recruitment and appointment of thousands of senior officials and board members across the federal government. Johnson’s extensive career also includes serving as Chief of Staff and Appointments Director for Governor George W. Bush in Texas, as well as leading the Bush-Cheney presidential transition.

With a background in both the public and private sectors, Johnson has held senior leadership roles at organizations such as the Dallas Museum of Art and Neiman Marcus Mail Order, and has contributed to initiatives like the creation of the Texas State History Museum. A Yale graduate and MIT Sloan MBA holder, he is also a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow and has served on several nonprofit and corporate boards, demonstrating his enduring commitment to organizational excellence and public service.
Donna shalala

Donna Shalala

Honorary National Co-Chair

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Donna shalala

Donna Shalala

Honorary National Co-Chair

Dr. Donna Shalala is a distinguished scholar and influential leader renowned for her contributions to higher education and government. Shalala's tenure as President of the University of Miami, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and President of Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY) underscores her exceptional leadership in the realm of academia. As a tenured professor at esteemed institutions such as Columbia University, CUNY, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has not only shaped minds but also inspired future generations of scholars.

In the realm of government, Shalala's legacy is equally profound. Her remarkable journey began as one of the country’s first Peace Corps Volunteers, paving the way for a distinguished career in public service. Serving in President Bill Clinton’s Cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services for eight years, she played a pivotal role in shaping national healthcare policies.

Dr. Shalala's contributions have earned her membership in seven national academies and prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. Hailed as one of the "top five managers in higher education" by BusinessWeek and recognized as "one of America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News & World Report, her leadership is widely acclaimed.

Shalala holds an undergraduate degree from the Western College for Women and a Ph.D. from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in 1976.
G edward deseve

G. Edward DeSeve

Co-Chair

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G edward deseve

G. Edward DeSeve

Co-Chair

G. Edward DeSeve is an accomplished leader at the intersection of government and finance. DeSeve serves as the Coordinator of the Agile Government Center at the National Academy of Public Administration and an Executive Visiting Fellow at the IBM Center for The Business of Government. With a career spanning across all levels of government and the private sector, DeSeve brings extensive experience to his role. Notably, at the federal level, he served as a Special Advisor to President Barack Obama, overseeing the implementation of the $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Additionally, he held prominent positions such as Deputy Director for Management and Controller at the Office of Management and Budget, and Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

DeSeve's contributions extend to the state and local levels of government where he served as a Special Assistant to the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as Director of Finance for the City of Philadelphia. In the private sector, he made significant strides as a managing director at Merrill Lynch Capital Markets and as the founder and president of Public Financial Management, the nation’s largest independent financial advisor to government entities.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a Master of Public Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. DeSeve was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in 1995.
Joseph kasputys

Joseph Kasputys

Co-Chair

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Joseph kasputys

Joseph Kasputys

Co-Chair

Dr. Joseph E. Kasputys is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader, renowned for his contributions to the information sector. As the founder of Economic Ventures, he spearheaded investments in start-up and early-stage information companies, propelling innovation and growth. Under his guidance, Economic Ventures boasts significant interests in five pioneering companies, including PRC Macro Advisors and Knoema Corporation.

Kasputys's illustrious career features the founding of Global Insight, Inc. in 2001, a groundbreaking initiative uniting premier economic information and forecasting firms. His tenure as Chairman, President, and CEO witnessed remarkable growth, culminating in the company's acquisition by IHS, Inc. in 2008. Prior to this, he served in influential roles at Primark Corporation, Thomson Financial, and McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Beyond his corporate endeavors, Kasputys's commitment to public service is evident in his tenure as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his leadership in the Committee for Economic Development. Kasputys is a graduate of Brooklyn College and holds both master's and doctor's degrees from Harvard University. He was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in 2016.
Valerie lemmie

Valerie Lemmie

Co-Chair

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Valerie lemmie

Valerie Lemmie

Co-Chair

Valerie Lemmie is a distinguished public administrator and thought leader with over 40 years of experience in public service, policy planning, and democratic engagement. She currently serves as Senior Advisor for State and Local Government at the Kettering Foundation, where she focuses on advancing democracy, fostering inclusion, and enhancing public accountability and collaboration. Lemmie’s career includes serving as city manager for Petersburg, Virginia, and Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; commissioner on the Public Utility Commission of Ohio; and district director and acting chief of staff for Congressman Mike Turner. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Howard University, the University of Dayton, and South Africa's Nelson Mandela University.

A Fellow and former board chair of the National Academy of Public Administration, Lemmie contributes to numerous boards and commissions, including Initiatives of Change USA, the National Civic League, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, where she is chair. She is a published author and international speaker on topics such as democracy, leadership, and diversity. Lemmie holds a BA in political science and urban sociology from the University of Missouri and an MA in urban affairs and public policy planning from Washington University in St. Louis.
Marylin rubin

Marilyn Rubin

Committee Member

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Marylin rubin

Marilyn Rubin

Committee Member

Marilyn is currently a Distinguished Research Fellow at the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University where she is also an affiliated faculty member of the University’s Law School Center for Law, Inequality and Metropolitan Equity (CLiME). Prior to arriving at Rutgers, Marilyn was a professor of public administration and policy at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York (CUNY) for 31 years, serving 25 years as the Director of the MPA Program. She has also been a Visiting Professor to universities in Nanchang, China; Xiamen, China;Bogota, Columbia;and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has been a Fulbright Senior Specialist since 2010.

Throughout her long academic career, Marilyn also been a partner in Urbanomics, a consultancy group that began in 1984 to provide governments and businesses with research and support regarding economics, public finance, and urban planning. At Urbanomics, she has been the principal investigator and primary author of over 20 commissioned reports regarding state and local tax policy and urban economic development. Prior to her partnership in Urbanomics, she was a consultant for eight years to New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and to the Deputy Director of the City’s Office of Management and Budget.

Marilyn has been a member of economic advisory boards to elected officials in the U.S. federal, state, and local levels of government. She is a former Chair of the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). She holds a BA in Economics from Rutgers University, a MA in Economics from New York University and a PhD in Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service. She has been a NAPA Fellow since 2005 and is a member of the Academy’s Executive Council.
Angela elkenberry

Angela M. Eikenberry

Committee Member

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Angela elkenberry

Angela M. Eikenberry

Committee Member

Dr. Angela M. Eikenberry, Ph.D., is the recently appointed Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Eikenberry has made significant contributions to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, public administration, and democracy. Her research has garnered national attention, with features on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "The Takeaway," as well as in the prestigious Stanford Social Innovation Review. Dr. Eikenberry has significant leadership experience, including serving as chair of the UNO SPA PhD program, president, and grievance officer for the UNO American Association of University Professors, and president of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action.
Tim storey

Tim Storey

Committee Member

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Tim storey

Tim Storey

Committee Member

Tim Storey serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NCSL, leading a team dedicated to the legislative institution. He started at NCSL in the 1980s, holding nine different positions in the organization before being selected as CEO. He specializes in the areas of elections, redistricting, legislative organization, and leadership. He holds a BA from Mars Hill College and an MA from the University of Colorado.
Shella blair

Sheila Bair

Committee Member

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Shella blair

Sheila Bair

Committee Member

Sheila Bair, twice named the second most powerful woman by Forbes, is renowned for her leadership as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011 during the financial crisis. Bair is actively involved in financial stability advocacy, serving as the founding chair of the Systemic Risk Council and a board member of The Volcker Alliance, while also contributing to various organizations as a trustee and advisor. She is the recipient of multiple public service awards including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s Profiles in Courage Award in 2009, the Academy's Elliot Richardson’s prize, along with Paul Volcker in 2013, being named a Top Leader in 2011 by the Washington Post Top Leaders Award, and receiving the 2013 Romney Institute Administrator of the Year Award.

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