PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND VOLCKER ALLIANCE TO HOST CIVIL SERVICE REFORM TOWN HALL

April 30, 2018

PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND VOLCKER ALLIANCE TO HOST CIVIL SERVICE REFORM TOWN HALL

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 9, the Partnership for Public Service and the Volcker Alliance, two nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations focused on helping build a high-performing, effective government, will host a town hall to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act, the last major congressional overhaul of the federal civil service system. Current and former agency leaders will discuss what is needed to modernize the federal personnel system and build a government that can more effectively address the challenges facing our country.

“America’s civil servants are mission-driven and go above and beyond to serve our country,” said Max Stier, CEO and president of the Partnership for Public Service. “Yet, they are governed by outdated management systems. In the four decades since the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 was passed, the nature of the work and the types of skills needed by public servants have changed immensely. We need to modernize the civil service system so it’s an aid, not an impediment, to building and sustaining a high-performing workforce that reflects today’s needs and is ready for tomorrow’s challenges.”

Thomas W. Ross, president of the Volcker Alliance, said, “The civil service system is designed to ensure that the ongoing operations and the nuts and bolts of government are carried out day in and day out by a talented, merit-based workforce free from inappropriate political interference. We are excited to both celebrate the work of the many public servants in our government on the anniversary of the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act and to hear from the distinguished officials who are joining our May 9 event.”

What: A town hall discussion on modernizing the federal civil service will take place during Public Service Recognition Week, an annual celebration of the women and men who serve our nation as federal, state and local government employees.     

Who: Current and formal federal leaders who understand the need for and can share ways to overhaul the civil service system.

Moderated by Libby Casey, on-air reporter, politics and accountability, The Washington Post

Distinguished guests include:

• Jeff Pon, director, Office of Personnel Management
• Margaret Weichert, deputy director for management, Office of Management and Budget
• Charles Bolden, former administrator, NASA
• Russ Deyo, former undersecretary for management, Department of Homeland Security
• Adam Schildge, division chief, Urban Programs, Department of Transportation
• Thomas W. Ross, president, Volcker Alliance
• Max Stier, president and CEO, Partnership for Public Service

When: Wednesday, May 9, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m., registration)

Where: Partnership for Public Service, 1100 New York Ave, NW, Suite 200 East, Washington, D.C.

*You can livestream the town hall here: www.ustream.tv/channel/pps-live*

About Renewing America’s Civil Service: The Partnership for Public Service and the Volcker Alliance recently joined together to press for an overhaul of the outdated federal civil service system that has become an obstacle to a well-functioning government. The initiative, Renewing America’s Civil Service, backed by a bipartisan group of leaders from across sectors, focuses on identifying tangible legislative and executive branch solutions to the most severe problems in the government personnel system, including outdated pay and hiring policies.

About the Volcker Alliance: The Volcker Alliance advances effective management of government to achieve results that matter to citizens. The nonpartisan Alliance works toward that objective by partnering with other organizations—academic, business, governmental, and public interest—to strengthen professional education for public service, conduct needed research on government performance, and improve the efficiency and accountability of governmental organization at the federal, state, and local levels. Visit volckeralliance.org to learn more. 

About the Partnership for Public Service: During the past 17 years, this nonpartisan, nonprofit has been dedicated to making the federal government more effective for the American people. We work across administrations to help transform the way government operates by increasing collaboration, accountability, efficiency and innovation. Visit opswebdev.wpengine.com to learn more.

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