Who or what inspired you to enter into public service?
The experiences my dad (John E. Hamm) shared with me about his work at the National Recovery Administration and the Office of Price Administration sparked my initial interest in government service. Aaron Wildavsky’s The Politics of the Budgetary Process pointed me toward the Bureau of the Budget.
Who in your life has been an influential mentor or inspiration for you?
I have had many mentors, including my dad, my wife, Kathleen Kelley Hamm, and numerous colleagues, several of whom were below me on the organization chart. The most influential mentor I was privileged to have was G. Phillips Hanna – a legendary career professional at the Bureau of the Budget/Office of Management and Budget.
Phil was instrumental in putting me on a path to success. He was demanding, encouraging, and – when I needed it – scolding. By his example and coaching, he convinced me that I could and should hold myself accountable for meeting the highest standards of public service.
Several years later, our positions on the organization chart were reversed. I became the division chief and he became my deputy. But our roles were not reversed. Phil continued to be the teacher, and I continued to be his student. He patiently explained to me the difference between my old job as an analyst and my new job as a manager and team leader. And he coached me on how to successfully manage others and warrant their respect.
My subsequent success, in large part, reflects Phil’s positive influence on me when I was just beginning my career. Phil passed away in February this year at the age of 98.
What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing public policy or public administration as a career?
Develop a high frustration tolerance. The psychic rewards from public service can be incredibly high, but these rewards may be interspersed with moments of high frustration. If your expectations regarding process and policy are textbook rationality, you may encounter disappointments that undermine your effectiveness and job satisfaction. If, instead, you accept the fact that public administration and policy-making can be messy, you’ll take the frustrations in stride. (A high frustration tolerance is also invaluable if you go on to work for a large organization in the private sector.)
What is your favorite class you have ever taught or taken and why?
Introduction to Economics. When I have needed to apply economics to real-world issues, the principles I was learned in the introductory course have proven more useful than all of the graduate-level courses I took in the economics PhD program.
What area of public policy interests you the most and why?
Public finance and budgeting. It’s how wish lists become action plans.
What is your favorite cuisine?
Chinese – especially Peking duck. (I have Henry Kissinger to thank for my love of Peking duck. When Kathleen and I read in the Washington Post that Kissinger went to the Empress Restaurant to learn about this marvelous dish, we did the same.)
What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m an avid reader of non-fiction. I read mostly with my ears, using my Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids to listen to audio books downloaded from the library to my smartphone
What was your dream job as a child?
Zookeeper.
