Special Reports

The Presidential Transition

The first change in presidential administrations in eight years is underway. That means adjustments to President Obama's policy priorities, management objectives and political appointees. For many long-serving federal employees, managers and executives, this is old hat. But for others, this will be the first time they go through the process. The good news is that many different organizations are gearing up to make the transition as smooth as possible. In this special section, we'll present regularly updated information and resources about transition-related activities.

Nominations

The Next President

  • Campaign Promises
    What Barack Obama has pledged to do with regard to federal employees and management reform.

Lost in Transition

  • Lost in Transition is a new blog about the switch to the Obama presidency, a joint effort of Government Executive and National Journal.

Your Comments

Official Transition Information

Resources

From the Government Executive Archives

  • On Politics
    Expert analysis from Charlie Cook, the political guru of our sister publication, National Journal.
  • Fixing the Future (January 2008)
    Donald F. Kettl, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government, argues that the next president must be ready to take on inescapable management problems.
  • Transition Management (Sept. 8, 2004)
    Longtime federal official Dwight Ink says getting an administration up to speed requires the incoming president to include management as one of his priorities.
  • Tackling the Transition (January 2001)
    Overhauling the mechanics of the transfer of power.
  • Transition Veteran: It Pays to Plan Ahead (Dec. 5, 2000)
    An interview with Jack H. Watson Jr., President Carter's transition head and later chief of staff.