Council for Excellence in Government (CEG)

Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) was a non-profit organization established in 1983 by David Rockefeller and the Pew Charitable Trusts to improve the performance and efficiency of the United States federal government. The organization was led by prominent figures such as G. William Miller, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Paul Volcker, former United States Secretary of the Treasury. The CEG worked closely with other organizations, including the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, and National Academy of Public Administration, to advance its goals. The organization's efforts were also supported by John F. Kennedy School of Government and Harvard University.

● History

The Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) was founded in response to growing concerns about the effectiveness of the United States federal government, as highlighted by the Grace Commission and the National Commission on the Public Service. The organization's early work focused on issues such as civil service reform, budget reform, and government accountability, with input from experts like Alan Greenspan and Robert Rubin. The CEG also collaborated with other organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute, and Center for Strategic and International Studies, to promote its agenda. The organization's history is closely tied to the work of prominent figures like Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton, who all played a role in shaping the organization's mission and objectives.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) was to improve the performance and efficiency of the United States federal government by promoting excellence in government, accountability, and transparency. The organization's objectives included working with federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget, to identify and address areas for improvement. The CEG also sought to promote best practices in government, as identified by organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the General Accounting Office. The organization's work was guided by the principles of good governance, as outlined by experts like Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) implemented a range of programs and initiatives to achieve its objectives, including the Principles of Public Administration, which were developed in collaboration with the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration. The organization also established the Excellence in Government Fellows Program, which provided training and development opportunities for federal employees, in partnership with organizations like the Federal Executive Institute and the Office of Personnel Management. Additionally, the CEG launched the Government Excellence Awards, which recognized outstanding achievements in government, as determined by a panel of experts from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution.

● Leadership and Governance

The Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) was led by a board of directors that included prominent figures like G. William Miller, Paul Volcker, and Robert Gates. The organization's leadership also included a council of advisors, which comprised experts from organizations like the RAND Corporation, MITRE Corporation, and Booz Allen Hamilton. The CEG's governance structure was designed to ensure the organization's independence and objectivity, with input from organizations like the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office. The organization's leadership worked closely with other organizations, including the National Governors Association and the United States Conference of Mayors, to advance its mission and objectives.

● Impact and Legacy

The Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) had a significant impact on the United States federal government, with its work influencing government reform efforts, such as the Government Performance and Results Act and the Federal Acquisition Reform Act. The organization's legacy can be seen in the work of organizations like the Partnership for Public Service and the National Academy of Public Administration, which continue to promote excellence in government and good governance. The CEG's efforts also contributed to the development of best practices in government, as recognized by organizations like the Baldrige National Quality Program and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The organization's impact is still felt today, with its work continuing to shape the agenda of organizations like the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute.

Category:Defunct organizations