June 6, 2011

National Academy of Public Administration Announces Appointment Of Dan G. Blair as New President and Chief Executive Officer

Washington, D.C.—The Board of Directors of the National Academy of Public Administration is pleased to announce that Dan G. Blair, a widely recognized expert and leader in public service management, has been selected as the Academy’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Dan has more than 26 years of experience in public service and is the right person to lead the Academy in these challenging times,” Board Chairman Kenneth S. Apfel said. “Dan has served in the Executive Branch and on Congressional oversight committees, and his experience and leadership will help further the Academy’s mission of improving the management of government. We are delighted to welcome Dan to the Academy.”

Since 2006, Mr. Blair has served as a commissioner at the Postal Regulatory Commission, where he was the first chairman. Prior to joining the commission, he served as deputy director and as acting director of the Office of Personnel Management. For nearly 17 years, Mr. Blair worked on Capitol Hill on the staffs of House and Senate committees in charge of postal and civil service oversight.

He was elected as a Fellow of the Academy in 2008, and in 2009 was chosen to present, as part of an Academy team, at a Baghdad conference to senior members of the Iraqi government on the fundamentals of an effective civil service.

“It is an honor to be selected by the Board for this important position,” Mr. Blair said.  “I have a deep appreciation for the Academy’s vital work in providing advisory services to the government and in encouraging innovation and cutting-edge practices in programs and agencies across the government.”

Mr. Blair was recruited by the Board after a nationwide search, and will take office in early July. He will replace Kristine Marcy, an Academy Fellow who has been serving as the President. “Kris has brought a special vitality to the organization and positioned the Academy for real growth under Dan’s leadership,” Chairman Apfel said.

The National Academy of Public Administration (www.napawash.org) is a Congressionally chartered, independent, non-partisan organization committed to the improvement of the management of government. Under contracts with government agencies and through grants from private foundations, the Academy provides insights on key public management issues.

In addition, as an elected membership organization, the Academy provides opportunities for about 680 Fellows to exchange and develop ideas on a variety of government management and policy issues.  The Academy supports five Standing Panels that help shape the Academy’s priorities and also serve as collegial forums for Fellows to interact with experts outside the Academy.

Press or other inquiries may be directed to Academy Fellow Steve Barr at (202) 577-9928 or g.stephen.barr@gmail.com.