Partnership for Public Service Statement on the Passing of Senator George Voinovich

June 13, 2016

WASHINGTON – Partnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier released the following statement on the passing of former Ohio senator, governor and Cleveland mayor George V. Voinovich: 

“Senator George Voinovich had a servant’s heart. In a public service career that spanned five decades, he was a steadfast believer in government ‘by the people and for the people.’ He took every opportunity to thank and empower our fellow citizens serving the nation in the military and in our civilian government workforce. 

During two terms in the Senate, Senator Voinovich reached across the aisle time and again because he was driven to ‘get the job done’ – not score political points. He was uniquely positioned to improve how the federal government manages its talent as the Republican leader of the government management subcommittee. He was responsible for many legislative achievements, including the creation of Chief Human Capital Officers, an impressive list of workplace reforms at agencies like NASA, and government-wide flexibilities that help government attract and retain the best and brightest. Senator Voinovich called the government workforce ‘the A Team,’ and he meant it. 

Senator Voinovich was present for the launch of the Partnership for Public Service fifteen years ago, and it was our privilege to host a reception upon his Senate retirement to recognize his years of commitment to good government. Our nation is better for his service. Management is not a topic that wins elections, but it has an outsized impact on the American people and our government’s ability to serve them. His absence in the Senate is still felt today, more than six years after he cast his last vote. 

As much as Senator Voinovich loved this country, he loved his family more. We wish Janet Voinovich and the entire Voinovich family our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.”  

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