Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| Leading With Courage with Acquisition Experts Soraya Correa and Greg Giddens | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:17:37 | |
Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews Soraya Correa, President and CEO of the National Industries for the Blind and former Chief Procurement Officer at the US Department of Homeland Security, and Greg Giddens, of Potomac Ridge Consulting, and former Chief Acquisition Officer at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, on how federal acquisition enables mission outcomes beyond compliance. Giddens describes procurement as a strategic bridge between government missions and private industry, with compliance baked into the process, and argues acquisition should be involved early and represented at the C-suite. Correa says the FAR rarely blocks results; problems often come from how regulations are interpreted, and effective reform depends on curiosity, planning for change, and calibrating risk to mission urgency. Both stress change management through clear, transparent communication of the “why,” early wins, shared credit, and teamwork, learning from imperfect procurements and solving issues collaboratively. Correa advises emerging leaders to build relationships early, stay close to customers and staff, challenge constraints with solutions, and lead with courage rather than fear. Giddens advises industry to understand the process, persist through obstacles, engage early within boundaries, and tailor solutions to agency needs. Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| Big Changes Mean Big Challenges for Shared Services and Government HR with Academy Fellow Brodi Fontenot and OPM's Rebecca Ayers | 18 May 2026 | 00:25:29 | |
James-Christian Blockwood discusses U.S. Office of Personnel Management's modernization of federal HR and retirement IT systems with OPM’s Rebecca Ayers and Academy Fellow Brodi Fontenot. Building on a 2021 academy report urging congressional funding to modernize OPM systems, they describe the administration’s goal to build a merit-based workforce and modernize people management through the Federal HR 2.0 initiative. Key elements include moving agencies onto a mandatory single core HCM platform to replace over 100 systems, improve data, speed retirement processing, enable employee self-service, and generate an estimated nearly $1 billion in savings, alongside a voluntary OPM Shared Service Center offering standardized operational services and strategic consulting. They highlight historical swings between decentralization and centralization, the change-management challenges of standardization, feedback loops, and long-term commitment, and note upcoming milestones such as announcing the new core HCM system and additional agencies opting into shared services. 00:50 Modernization Stakes 02:34 Federal HR 2.0 Vision 04:58 Shared Services Context 07:41 Centralize Versus Decentralize 10:34 Change Management Hurdles 12:51 Mandatory Versus Voluntary 16:19 Why Now 17:17 Public Impact 21:09 Leader Playbook 22:37 Next Milestones Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| Efficiency, Oversight, and the Future of the US Government Accountability Office | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:27:33 | |
Academy Fellow David Powner, acting managing director for congressional relations at the US Government Accountability Office, joins host James-Christian Blockwood in this week's episode. They get into the details about the importance of GAO's role and the importance of Congress, what oversight can and should be in government, and what's next in the ongoing search for the comptroller general. Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| What Makes the Management of Water Systems So Challenging? With Cathy Bailey (Greater Cincinnati Waterworks) | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:31:57 | |
In this episode, we welcome Cathy Bailey, Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Waterworks and Academy Fellow, to discuss the need for awareness of water system services in communities, the effect of capital investment and affordability on the systems, and the different challenges between small, medium, and large water utility systems.
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| Public Service Spotlight: JoAnne Speers | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow JoAnne Speers to discuss her passion for local government and her career through the private and public sector. This conversation includes her views on addressing different issues through the League of California Cities and the importance of ethical decision making in the public sector.
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| The Importance of Enterprise Risk Management with Dr. Karen Hardy | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:29:04 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Dr. Karen Hardy, an internationally-recognized Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) expert and the creator of the 'Flip this Risk' book series and podcast, to discuss her career in ERM and the importance of understanding and addressing risk in public administration. Read the 'Flip this Risk' Book Series: https://www.amazon.com/Flip-This-Risk%25C2%25AE-Book-Series-4-book-series/dp/B098ZXQ7T6 Listen to the 'Flip this Risk' Podcast: https://www.flipthisriskpodcast.com/
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| Using Agile Management to Promote Public Service through the Selective Service System with Joel Spangenberg | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:33:18 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Joel Spangenberg, Acting Director of the Selective Service System (SSS), to discuss SSS' mission to contribute to the nation's military forces, its potential to support other types of public service, and its transformation into a more agile agency. The participation of Mr. Spangenberg, Acting Director of the Selective Service, in this National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) podcast does not suggest an endorsement of the Academy or Academy services and products. | |||
| Labor Policies and Retirement Security with Barbara Bovbjerg | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:27:23 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Barbara Bovbjerg, Former Managing Director of Education, Workforce and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, to discuss her task force's findings on labor policies and retirement security. This episode covers her task force's findings as well as the overall challenges of older workers and workers with physically challenging jobs. Links: | |||
| The Future of Work with Dr. Lisa Coleman | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:34:50 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Dr. Lisa Coleman, Senior Vice President for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation at New York University, to discuss what lies ahead for people evaluating their early careers and how the lessons of the recent past can inform the future of work. | |||
| What States are Doing to Promote Hiring with Joe Barela | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:32:22 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Joe Barela, Colorado's Executive Director of Labor and Employment, to discuss Colorado's workforce practices, including its workforce center, its skills-based hiring initiative, and the changes in the full ecosystem of employment. Links: | |||
| Federal Civil Service Reform with Kimberly Walton and Jeff Neal | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:34:07 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellows, Kimberly Walton and Jeff Neal, to discuss their recent work on Federal Civil Service Reform. Topics include the challenges of performance management and hiring and ideas to modernize pay structures and staff structures. Links: | |||
| Academy Study: Evaluation of the NSF Technology Innovation Partnership Directorate | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:24:39 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow and Panel Chair, Randy Lyon, and Deputy Project Director Mark Hertko to discuss the Academy's new study on the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Technology Innovation Partnership Directorate and the Panel's recommendations for NSF including:
Links: | |||
| The Intersection of Data Security and Privacy at the State Level with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:34:06 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to discuss best practices for states and locals to share information as well as protect it. The discussion includes questions: "What are the biggest challenges that state governments face with data security threats and privacy?" and "How can government interact with citizens online while also moderating privacy and security?" | |||
| How Much Can Public Service Education Change in a Year? With David Wilson and Jodi Sandfort | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:26:20 | |
With careers in public service under unprecedented scrutiny, David Wilson, Dean of UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, and Jodi Sandfort, Dean of the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, explain why it has never been more critical to reimagine how we prepare students for these roles.
Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Aid Organizations with Shiro Gnanaselvam | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:32:08 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow, Shiro Gnanaselvam, CEO of Social Impact to discuss bringing DEI principles and effective management into large organizations, particularly those distributing aid on a global scale. The discussion includes questions: "What are the processes that allow these crucial aid groups to capitalize on good decisions, and prevent bad ones?" and "How do old priorities give way to new, and what do we hold onto when implementing big changes?"
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| AI Technologies and Public Education with Jerry Mechling, Theresa Pardo, Alan Shark, and Brenda Bannan | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:31:18 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 8 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Jerry Mechling, Theresa Pardo, and Alan Shark, as well as Brenda Bannan, moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. | |||
| AI-Enabled Cybersecurity with Dan Chenok, Karen Evans and Bobbie Stempfley | 25 Dec 2023 | 00:24:53 | |
Amidst much talk about AI and its potential, its benefits, and how it will drive major change, there is also an universal recognition of the importance of security and cybersecurity issues. In a Biden Administration release on Advancing Responsible AI, the White House said “AI is one of the most powerful technologies of our time, with broad applications ... in order to seize the opportunities AI presents, we must first manage its risks.” | |||
| AI, Chatbots, Comments, and Public Rule-Making with Dan Chenok, Amy-Edwards Holmes, and Virginia Huth | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:29:51 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 6 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Dan Chenok and Amy-Edwards Holmes, and Virginia Huth, moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. This episode focuses on the impact of AI on the internal operations of government itself and includes discussion on government rulemaking, regulations, and implementation guidance. | |||
| Generative AI in Government Communications with Martha Dorris, Greg Giddens, and Jerry Mechling | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:28:42 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 5 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Martha Dorris, Greg Giddens, and Jerry Mechling, moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. This fifth episode focuses on how government can use AI to improve its communications and increase the public's trust in government. | |||
| Ethical Considerations and AI Governance with Alan Balutis, James-Christian Blockwood, and Alexis Bonnell | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:30:58 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 4 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Alan Balutis, James-Christian Blockwood, and Alexis Bonnell moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. This fourth episode focuses on how government can use AI in an ethical manner while enhancing public trust in government. | |||
| Building an AI Ready Workforce with Alan Shark, Kimberly Walton, and Reginald Wells | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:29:49 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 3 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Alan Shark, Kimberly Walton, and Reginald Wells moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. This third episode focuses on how public sector leaders can grow an AI-ready workforce both through retraining the current workforce and growing the next generation of workers. | |||
| Artificial Intelligence and the Internal Operations of Government with Dave Wennergren, Stan Soloway, and David Bray | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:30:10 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 2 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Dave Wennergren, Stan Soloway, and David Bray, moderated by GovExec's Troy Schneider. This second episode focuses on how public sector leaders will use this AI to interpret data, act on it, and build government for the modern age. | |||
| Artificial Intelligence Services to Citizens with Jim Williams, David Bray, and Alan Shark | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:30:36 | |
In this episode of Management Matters we host part 1 of the Academy-GovExec TV series on Artificial Intelligence featuring Academy Fellows, Jim Williams, David Bray, and Alan Shark, moderated by GovExec's George Jackson. This first episode focuses on how AI can best be used by government agencies to interact with the public when offering services. | |||
| A Conversation with the Brownlow Book Award Winner, Claire Dunning (Univ. of Maryland) | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:29:58 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Brownlow Book Award Winner, Claire Dunning, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, to discuss her new book Nonprofit Neighborhoods An Urban History of Inequality and the American State.
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| How Are Federal Workers and Agencies planning for AI? With Alexis Bonnell of OpenAI and Karen Lee of FedsForward | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:31:06 | |
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s a practical tool reshaping how we work, learn, and govern. Academy Fellow Alexis Bonnell of OpenAI and Karen Lee of FedsForward join host James-Christian Blockwood to discuss strategies for building AI literacy, how experts and public servants are incorporating AI, and what the challenges are today, and tomorrow. | |||
| The Executive Branch and Public Administration with Dr. Joel Aberbach and Dr. Bert Rockman | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:28:13 | |
In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellows, Joel Aberbach, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy at UCLA and Bert Rockman, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at Purdue, to discuss the realignment of US political parties, neutral competence in public administration, and how these factors affect the US election environment. | |||
| Increasing Voter Turnout with Edie Goldenberg | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:31:35 | |
In this episode, we welcome Edie Goldenberg, Professor Emerita of Public Policy and Political Science at the University of Michigan and Academy Fellow, to discuss her efforts to increase voter engagement in Michigan and how the public can support local election officials and the election system itself, | |||
| Academy Fall Meeting 2023 Preview with Kathy Newcomer, Dan Chenok, and Kaitlyn Blume | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:25:05 | |
In this episode, we welcome Kathy Newcomer, Dan Chenok, and Kaitlyn Blume to discuss the agenda for the Academy's 2023 Fall Meeting. This preview includes a description of the Arthur Flemming Award, the Academy-IBM Future Shocks Series, and other events guests can expect at this year's meeting. | |||
| Career Tips for the Next Generation of Public Servants with Kerry Neal (Dept. of Education) | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:28:38 | |
In this episode, we welcome Kerry Neal, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Grants, and Risk Management at the Department of Education and Academy Fellow, to discuss his advice for up-and-coming public servants and what measures the federal government can implement to attract young and diverse talent. | |||
| MM Rewind: Securing Elections with Thomas Hicks | 01 Oct 2023 | 00:21:34 | |
Originally Aired: October 24, 2022 | |||
| MM Rewind: Is Federal Debt Sustainable? With Orice Brown | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:32:57 | |
Originally Aired: September 19, 2022 | |||
| Academy Study: Integrated Missile Defense | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:32:31 | |
In this episode, we welcome Bill Greenwalt, Study Panel Chair and Academy Fellow, and Roger Kodat, Senior Project Director, to discuss the Integrated Missile Defense report's recommendations to DOD regarding transparency of roles and responsibilities, establishment of an integrator entity, and acquisition flexibility in the missile defense enterprise. | |||
| GAO's Perspective on the Nation's Fiscal Health with Michelle Sager (GAO) | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:27:28 | |
In this episode, we welcome Michelle Sager, Managing Director of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Strategic Issues Team and Academy Fellow, to discuss GAO's high-risk list, the unsustainability of the nation's fiscal health, and GAO's advice to Congress on this issue. | |||
| Connecting Individual Financial Health with National Fiscal Health with Angela Antonelli (Georgetown University) | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:33:45 | |
In this episode, we welcome Angela Antonelli, Research Professor and Executive Director for Retirement Initiatives at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and Academy Fellow, to discuss the effects of a government shutdown on the nation's fiscal health, innovative ideas for state savings programs, and the relationship between social security programs and fiscal health. | |||
| MM Rewind: Investing in Communities to Build Resilience with Joe Nimmich | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:32:42 | |
Originally Aired: August 29. 2022 | |||
| Stories of Service: Reflections on Purpose, Progress, and the Path Ahead | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share a note of optimism for what lies ahead with our "Stories of Service: Reflections on Purpose, Progress, and the Path Ahead" panel from the 2025 Academy National Conference. This panel opens with Academy President and CEO James-Christian Blockwood then features moving stories from former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, former Fiscal Assistant Secretary at the US Department of the Treasury David Lebryk, Deputy CEO of SoundTransit Victoria Wassmer, former USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Basil Gooden, and COO/CFO Katie Malague of the Maryland Department of Management and Budget. Each panelist shared a story of how and why public service matters to them. We hope you'll enjoy! Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| FEMA's Role in Building Resilience in Communities across the Country with Eric Leckey (FEMA) | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:29:18 | |
In this episode, we welcome Eric Leckey, Associate Administrator for Mission Support at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Academy Fellow, to discuss what makes a community resilient, how FEMA works with state, local, and tribal governments to build resiliency, and how FEMA focuses on preemption and preparedness. | |||
| Emergency Preparedness at the Local Level with Steve Hagerty (Former Mayor of the City of Evanston, IL) | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:32:42 | |
In this episode, we welcome Steve Hagerty, Former Mayor of the City of Evanston, IL and Academy Fellow, to discuss the mindset behind resiliency, the importance of collaboration with other governments before disaster strikes, and the critical role of public engagement in building resilient communities. | |||
| Strategic Planning in Baltimore County with Stacy Rodgers | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:30:55 | |
In this episode, we welcome Stacy Rodgers, County Administrative Officer of Baltimore County and Academy Fellow, to discuss the connections between the county's strategic plan and the Academy's Grand Challenges, the feedback mechanisms used to inform the strategic plan, and how different goals in the plan relate to each other. | |||
| Tools for Modern Intergovernmental Governance with Dr. Naim Kapucu and Dr. Nancy Augustine | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:30:44 | |
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Naim Kapucu, Pegasus Professor of Public Administration and Policy at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Academy Fellow, and Dr. Nancy Augustine, Director of the Academy's Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships, to discuss intergovernmental emergency collaboration, the challenges facing state and local collaboration, and the CIP's toolkit that will help solve these challenges. | |||
| The Impacts of Public Engagement in Atlanta with Lisa Benjamin (COO City of Atlanta) | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:32:09 | |
In this episode, we welcome Lisa Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta and Academy Fellow, to discuss the role of public engagement in creating and implementing policy, the method of building a transparent dialogue with the community, and how collaboration extends outside of the city to state and federal partners. | |||
| Adapting City Charters with Jim Svara (UNC Chapel Hill) | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:30:10 | |
In this episode, we welcome Jim Svara, Visting Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Academy Fellow, to discuss the role of the city manager, ICMA's Code of Ethics, and the National Civic League's new Model City Charter. | |||
| Innovative Ways to Fund Government with Shayne Kavanagh (GFOA) | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:31:01 | |
In this episode, we welcome Shayne Kavanagh, the Senior Manager of Research for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Academy Fellow, to discuss rethinking public engagement with respect to public budgeting, equity budgeting practices, and new ways for governments to raise revenue. | |||
| The H. George Frederickson Memorial Lecture Panel Discussion from the 2023 Social Equity Leadership Conference | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:40:27 | |
In this episode, we air the panel response to the inaugural H. George Frederickson Memorial Lecture from the 2023 Social Equity Leadership Conference. The panel, hosted by Terry Gerton, included, Dean Susan Gooden of the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU, Norton Bonaparte, City Manager of Sanford, Florida, Marcia Conner, Executive Director of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace former Kansas Department of Administration Secretary. | |||
| Improving DEIA at the City Level with Michael Rogers (Interim City Manager, Charlottesville, VA) | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:27:16 | |
In this episode, we welcome Michael Rogers, Interim City Manager for the City of Charlottesville and Academy Fellow, to discuss his interest in the specific challenges city managers face, the most useful tools he uses in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accesibility (DEIA) space, and the role of intergovernmental collaboration in DEIA. | |||
| A Different Approach to the Design of Government Social Services Projects with Stan Soloway and Dr. Nancy Augustine | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:28:26 | |
In this episode, we welcome Stan Soloway, President & CEO of Celero Strategies LLC and Academy Fellow, and Dr. Nancy Augustine, Director of NAPA's Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships to discuss the CIP's new paper on the design of social services projects and implementation steps for the recommendations of the paper. | |||
| Bridging the Gap – State and Local Capacity in a Shifting Federal Landscape: 2025 National Conference | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:25:29 | |
In this episode of Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood, we're giving you access to one of our most impactful panels from the 2025 Academy National Conference: Bridging the Gap – State and Local Capacity in a Shifting Federal Landscape The panel is moderated by Nisha Botchwey, Dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and features David Adkins, Executive Director of the Council of State Governments, Julia Novak, Executive Director and CEO of the International City/County Management Association, and Matt Chase, CEO and Executive Director of the National Association of Counties. This was an in-depth discussion of the challenges facing state and local governments as they deal with a shifting landscape of federal government support. What's happening today, tomorrow, and in the future? Check it out now! Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190 | |||
| Improving DEIA at the County Level with Nancy Navarro (Fmr. Montgomery County Councilmember) | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:31:11 | |
In this episode, we welcome Nancy Navarro, former Montgomery County Councilmember and Academy Fellow, to discuss her involvement in passing DEIA legislation, the challenges she found in implementation, and the impact of data collection on DEIA programs. | |||
| Public Service Spotlight: Teri Takai | 29 May 2023 | 00:30:45 | |
In this episode, we welcome Teri Takai, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense, Network Information Integration and Department of Defense Chief Information Officer and Academy Fellow, to discuss her path into the technology field, her transition from the private sector to public service, and how she enables career opportunities for others. | |||
| Solving Public Service Challenges in Local Government with Joe Adler (University of Baltimore) | 22 May 2023 | 00:30:50 | |
In this episode, we welcome Joseph Adler, Former Maryland State Secretary of Personnel, Director of the MPA Program at the University of Baltimore, College of Public Affairs, School of Public and International Affairs, and Academy Fellow, to discuss the biggest challenges facing the state public service recruiting, how state governments can close that gap, and the role of position descriptions in this environment. | |||