National Academy of Public Administration

National Academy of Public Administration
Name	National Academy of Public Administration
Founded	0 1967
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Terrell Blodgett (First Chairman)
Focus	Public administration

National Academy of Public Administration. The National Academy of Public Administration is a U.S.-based, non-profit, independent organization chartered by the U.S. Congress to provide expert advice to government leaders on issues of public governance. It operates as an academy in the tradition of the National Academy of Sciences, applying evidence-based analysis to improve the performance of public institutions. The organization convenes leading scholars and practitioners, known as Fellows, to conduct studies and offer non-partisan counsel to federal, state, and local agencies.

History and establishment

The organization was formally established in 1967 through a congressional charter, following recommendations from the Second Hoover Commission and other studies highlighting the need for improved executive management. Its creation was championed by prominent figures in the field, including its first chairman, Terrell Blodgett, and early supporters like James E. Webb, then administrator of NASA. The founding was influenced by the model of the National Academy of Sciences and aimed to provide a permanent, independent institution focused on the art and science of public administration, separate from the political pressures of the White House or the Department of Commerce. Initial funding and support were secured through collaborations with entities like the Ford Foundation and the University of Chicago.

Mission and functions

The core mission is to assist government in improving its effectiveness, accountability, and transparency through rigorous analysis and non-partisan advice. Its primary functions include conducting in-depth studies for agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Personnel Management. The organization also provides advisory panels and convenes symposia on critical issues like cybersecurity, healthcare delivery, and disaster response. A key function is identifying and promoting innovative practices across all levels of government, from federal to municipal administrations.

Organizational structure

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of elected Fellows and includes officers such as the Chair and President. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff headquartered in Washington, D.C., which supports various project teams and standing committees. Key internal units include centers focused on areas like public management, economic development, and technology governance. The structure facilitates collaboration with partners like the Government Accountability Office, the National Academy of Engineering, and academic institutions such as Harvard University and Syracuse University.

Key programs and initiatives

Notable ongoing initiatives include the Social Equity Initiative, which addresses disparities in public service delivery, and the Management Matters Campaign, aimed at strengthening leadership within the civil service. The organization regularly conducts assessments of major federal agencies, such as reviews for the Department of State and the Postal Service. It also runs the Fellows Program, which engages experts in collaborative projects, and hosts the annual John G. Stockdale Award ceremony to recognize excellence in public service leadership, often featuring speakers from institutions like the Brookings Institution.

Membership and fellows

Membership is composed of over 900 elected Fellows, a distinction considered the highest honor in the field of public administration. The fellowship includes former cabinet officials like Donna Shalala, renowned scholars such as Donald F. Kettl, and prominent practitioners from state and local government, including former governors and city managers. Election to the fellowship is governed by a strict peer-review process overseen by the Nominating Committee, which considers contributions to organizations like the American Society for Public Administration and publications in journals such as Public Administration Review.

Publications and research

The organization produces a wide array of publications, including comprehensive panel reports for Congress, issue briefs, and the periodic journal Public Administration Review. Seminal research studies have covered topics ranging from federal budgeting and human capital management to the administrative challenges of implementing laws like the Affordable Care Act. Its research often informs testimony before committees like the Senate Homeland Security Committee and provides foundational material for courses at universities including Princeton University and the University of Southern California.

Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Public administration organizations in the United States