New resource explains how presidential transition teams can work with state, local, tribal and territorial partners to achieve change Read More
Former White House officials highlight the value of early planning for presidential transitions Read More
Outcome of midterms unlikely to improve the Senate confirmation process for executive branch nominees The time it takes to confirm presidential appointments in the Senate has grown longer and longer over the past four decades, despite several changes to Senate rules. The results of the midterm elections are unlikely to reverse the 40-year pattern. Read More
The importance of chronicling presidential transitions Our new book, “The Peaceful Transfer of Power: An Oral History of America’s Presidential Transitions,” makes accessible the many interviews, expertise and insights that came out of the “Transition Lab” podcast. Read More
Looking back at the toughest presidential transition in history The 2020-2021 presidential transition was the toughest in modern history. Our new report examines the planning and execution of this difficult transfer of power and provides a series of recommendations to support future peaceful presidential transitions. Read More
Working together, we can build a stronger government Valerie Smith Boyd, the new Center for Presidential Transition director, discusses her public service career serving in the past three administrations and the importance of unity in government. Read More
The leadership role of the Cabinet secretary and deputy secretary Cabinet secretaries and deputy secretaries play an important role in advising the president and developing the vision for their departments. The Center for Presidential Transition has refreshed several guides which outline best practices for new secretaries and deputy secretaries to follow when they take office. Read More
President Biden’s Cabinet and Cabinet-level appointments: The first 35 days The quick confirmation of Cabinet secretaries and Cabinet-level agency leaders is essential for a new administration to address the country’s urgent needs. We examine the slower-than-usual confirmation of Biden’s appointees a month into his presidency and place the new administrations appointment record in historical context. Read More
COVID-19’s impact on the 2020 presidential transition The pandemic has impacted how the Biden-Harris team will make critical policy, budgetary and personnel decisions in the lead-up to Inauguration Day and early in the new administration’s first term. Read More
