The ability of federal leaders to respond to large-scale challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is core to the Partnership’s mission: that our government matters. In these unprecedented times, we remain committed to supporting our nation’s civil servants as they respond to this public health crisis.
While the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the federal government and the Partnership’s work is still unclear, we continue to monitor the global spread of this virus, as well as a range of government agency and industry responses, so we can make informed decisions and replicate best practices.
We care about the health of our employees and have distributed information to help our employees identify ways they can help protect themselves.
We are reviewing program operations, staffing plans and resources and are currently planning for a variety of scenarios. We will update this page as decisions are made.
For all public health and COVID-19 related questions, please check with the CDC and your city or county government public health authorities.
Training Programs and Events Status
All training programs and events for the foreseeable future will be virtual.
Please note this guidance may change quickly in response to developing events, and that while we will strive to keep this page updated there may be gaps before we can share more information publicly about our internal protocols. We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook where we will be providing regular updates. If you have any other questions about Partnership programming or our approach, please contact us.
If you have any questions about leadership development program enrollment, please contact:
Chris Wingo
Senior Manager, Business Development
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 464-2690
Diana Starkes
Manager, Business Development
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 292-1014
If you have any questions about credit card payments, please contact:
Joeleen Mamaradlo
Staff Accountant
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 292-1023
If you are member of the media, please contact:
Austin Laufersweiler
Press Secretary
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 775-9111
Resources

Ready to Return to the Workplace: 25 Prompts for Agency Leaders
As preparations continue for a full return to workplaces, agency leaders have a wide range of enterprise issues to consider. The Partnership developed 25 prompts, drawn from leaders across the government, to supplement planning for a return to the workplace.
Download the checklistPodcast: Leadership in Times of Turmoil
Four-star Admiral James Stavridis and former General Motors CEO Dan Akerson distinguished themselves as exceptional leaders during times of crisis. Join us on Transition Lab to learn how effective leaders operate during times of uncertainty. Stavridis and Akerson discuss how public and private sector leaders can navigate the challenges posed by the coronavirus.
Podcast: Managing a Presidential Transition During a National Crisis
Stephanie Cutter, spokesperson for the Obama-Biden transition in 2008 and nationally recognized communications strategist, shares her perspective on managing the Obama-Biden transition during the global financial crisis. Cutter shares how the communications team positioned then president-elect Barack Obama in the public eye, how the team approached the economic crisis and how they managed the period from election to Inauguration Day.
Podcast: The Fifth Risk and Coronavirus, a Conversation with Michael Lewis
Author Michael Lewis shares insights on the coronavirus pandemic and stories from “The Fifth Risk.” Lewis discusses the critical role federal employees play in managing the crisis, and his advice for presidential transition teams. Lewis also outlines the importance of effective government management, both in times of crisis and times of normalcy, and why we need to rethink what we’re told about the career officials running our federal government.
Podcast: Maintaining Morale during a Crisis
Former U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen led the U.S. response to some of the most challenging modern crises including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. On this week’s episode of Transition Lab, Allen discusses how he kept morale high when communicating with the disaster response teams, media and the country during times of panic.
Podcast: The Master of Disaster Planning, Thad Allen
Admiral Thad Allen talks about his experience leading the U.S. response to some of the most challenging modern crises. Named the “Master of Disaster” by TIME Magazine, Allen discusses the coronavirus pandemic and how to find calm in times of panic.
Three tips to help you host engaging virtual programs
By: Janira Garcia , Dozie Nwaneri
As more employees transition to telework, agencies may now be hosting programs and events virtually for the first time. The Partnership is sharing three tips to help you better connect with your online audiences to ensure your virtual offerings are just as successful as your in-person ones.
Read MoreAgency resources for managing remote teams
The Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration released resources for supervisors who may now be managing remote teams on a more permanent basis. Discover these best practices to help managers support their remote employees.
Read MoreStopping COVID-19 requires stronger social distancing actions
In a newly released white paper, MITRE offers guidance that federal leaders should implement to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19. MITRE proposes 14 social distancing policies to help reduce infections and deaths from COVID-19 and avoid overburdening our health care system.
Read MoreCOVID-19 and the serious threat to vulnerable federal employees
By: Brandon Lardy
Veterans Health Administration employees are at high risk for COVID-19 not only because of their frequent contact with veterans suspected or confirmed to be infected with the virus, but also because of their age. With more than 14% of VHA medical officers older than 65, federal leaders must figure out how to protect the health and safety of those working to stop the spread.
Read MoreCommunicating in a public health crisis
The coronavirus pandemic has led federal leaders to reexamine how they communicate. Samantha Donaldson, Partnership vice president of communications, highlights four tips to help federal leaders communicate effectively to both internal and external audiences.
Read MoreTeleworking 9 to 5: Tips for working from home
By: Cameron Kober
Agencies are increasingly asking their employees to work remotely in response to COVID-19, but many are not used to working from home on a regular basis. Discover three guidelines for teleworking to help you remain effective.
Read More