News
RFG publishes The Robertson Report newsletter, which highlights the accomplishments of RFG Fellows and alumni, and provides information and resources on public service. Below is an overview of top stories from the archives, with links to view past editions.
Fellows in the News
March 27, 2024
RFG Fellows Reconnect in Taiwan
RFG Fellows, Olivia Parker (UMD 2024) and Jackson Rice (UCSD 2025), had the incredible opportunity to reconnect in Taiwan this quarter. Olivia traveled to Taiwan this spring to conduct research as part of her University of Maryland graduate capstone research project, which she is doing in collaboration with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in […]
Academic Partner News
March 26, 2024
Maxwell Fellows Leverage Semester in Washington, DC Program
In recent years, RFG Fellows at Syracuse University’s (SU) Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs have been leveraging the School’s Washington, DC program to accelerate not only their academic efforts, but their professional development as well. Headquartered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Maxwell-in-Washington Program is an opportunity for students […]
Alumni Spotlight
March 26, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Pursuing a Career with the United Nations through the Young Professionals Programme (YPP)
Having graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2016, Patricia Weng now serves as an Associate Economic Affairs Officer under the United Nations Secretariat. Specifically, she works for the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of several agencies and organizations that falls beneath the purview […]
Impact Stories
March 26, 2024
The Biden Administration and the First Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence: An Assessment on AI Watermarking Regulations
RFG is proud to recognize Melissa Alvisi (Maxwell 2024) as the winner of the Dr. Michael Schneider Professional Writing Award for the first quarter of 2024. Her award-winning piece is titled, “The Biden Administration and the First Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence: An Assessment on AI Watermarking Regulations.” Please note that the views expressed in this […]
Fellows in the News
December 27, 2023
RFG Fellows Arrive in DC for the 2023 Fall Gathering
This past October, 20 current RFG Fellows traveled to Washington, DC for the annual RFG Fall Gathering. Fellows began their stay in Washington with a Welcome Dinner at the Texas A&M University’s Bush School location in Washington, DC. RFG President, Geoff Robertson, delivered remarks at the event along with senior leadership from Syracuse University’s Maxwell […]
Fellows in the News
December 27, 2023
RFG Hosts a Dinner Reception in Partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
RFG partnered with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to host a dinner for RFG Fellows and Alumni as part of the annual 2023 RFG Fall Gathering. This event was an incredible networking opportunity for Fellows and Alumni as they mingled and spoke with RFG partners, members of the Robertson family, Federal Agency […]
Fellows in the News
December 27, 2023
RFG Fellows Meet with Federal Employers As Part of Annual Fall Gathering
As part of the RFG Fall Gathering, current RFG Fellows visited different federal employers throughout Washington, DC, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Treasury Department. Fellows also met with a panel of representatives from the intelligence community. In each of these meetings, Fellows learned about different employment […]
Alumni Spotlight
December 27, 2023
Alumni Spotlight: A Conversation with a State Department Public Diplomacy Desk Officer
This quarter we connected with RFG Alumna, Allie Carter Olson (Maxwell 2016), who currently serves as the Public Diplomacy Desk Officer for Central Europe at the U.S. Department of State. Her position resides within the Press and Public Diplomacy Office in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. In this position, Allie supports the work […]
Impact Stories
December 22, 2023
As City Diplomacy Grows, So Should Our Efforts to Engage Rural Communities in Foreign Policy
RFG is proud to recognize Mark Hoover (Fletcher 2015) as the winner of the Dr. Michael Schneider Professional Writing Award for the fourth quarter of 2023. His award-winning piece, which Mark coauthored with Gabrielle Fong and Holly Milburn-Smith, is titled, “As City Diplomacy Grows, So Should Our Efforts to Engage Rural Communities in Foreign Policy.” […]
Institutional Partner News
December 22, 2023
RFG Co-Sponsors APSIA Fall Workshops For College Advisors
In September and October, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) hosted a series of online and in-person workshops for undergraduate and community college advisors as part of their Public and International Service Advisor (PISA) Network. These workshops were designed to advance the understanding of these advisors regarding the professions in the international […]
Fellows in the News
October 6, 2023
RFG Welcomes the Class of 2025
The Robertson Foundation for Government is proud to announce the newest additions to the Robertson Fellows’ network. Ten new fellows have kicked off the 2023-2024 academic year, which marks the 15th class supported by RFG. To learn more about their diverse and engaging backgrounds, please check out their individual bios below. Syracuse University, Maxwell School […]
Fellows in the News
October 6, 2023
RFG Fellows Complete Summer 2023 Internships
RFG Fellows from the Class of 2024 completed a diverse set of robust summer internship and research projects this summer. These included RFG Fellow, Andrew Gasparini‘s (Maxwell 2024) time at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where he engaged in interagency projects between the MCC and the Department of State. Melissa Alvisi, another RFG Fellow from the […]
Fellows in the News
October 6, 2023
Summer Internship Spotlight: U.S. INDOPACOM
This summer, two Robertson Fellows traveled to Hawaii as interns in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Center. This program, which has partnered with RFG for several years, hosts students from across the United States to work for ten weeks under a combatant command dedicated to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Olivia Parker (UMD 2024) worked […]
Alumni Spotlight
October 6, 2023
Alumni Spotlight: Professional Growth Opportunities with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
RFG Alum, Adriel Taslim (UCSD 2018) has worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for close to three years, serving in different capacities as a Data Analyst, International Relations Specialist, and now Action Officer. This quarter, we connected with Adriel to learn more about his current work as an Action Officer within the Federal […]
Impact Stories
October 6, 2023
RFG Returns to the Blacks in Government Symposium
As part of RFG’s growing partnership with Blacks in Government (BIG), RFG leadership attended the 44th annual BIG Symposium, marking the second year in a row that a RFG staff member has participated in the event. The BIG Symposium is designed as an in-person training forum for both current civil service employees and students considering careers in the public sector. […]
Institutional Partner News
October 6, 2023
RFG Sponsors Seventh Annual APSIA Diversity Forum
On July 15, 2023, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) hosted a Diversity Forum Workshop for Students and Young Professionals as part of its seventh annual Diversity Forum Series. APSIA created the Diversity Forum Series in 2017 to inspire students and young professionals – and those who counsel them – to pursue careers in international affairs. […]
Impact Stories
September 25, 2023
Standards Environment in the Middle East and North Africa
RFG is proud to recognize Diana Hajali (Bush 2020) as the winner of the Dr. Michael Schneider Professional Writing Award for the third quarter of 2023. Check out her award-winning piece below titled, “Standards Environment in the Middle East and North Africa.” Overview The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has considerable potential value […]
Impact Stories
July 20, 2023
Making the CHIPS Act Pay Off: How to Boost STEM Talent to Meet Industry Needs
RFG is proud to recognize Emily Ashbridge (Bush, 2023) as the winner of the Dr. Michael Schneider Professional Writing Award for the second quarter of 2023. Check out her award-winning piece below titled, “Making the CHIPS Act Pay Off: How to Boost STEM Talent to Meet Industry Needs.” This piece was originally published by the […]
Impact Stories
July 20, 2023
RFG Joins with the Virtual Student Federal Service to Recognize This Year’s Top Virtual Interns
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) held their Virtual Intern of the Year Awards on May 31, 2023. In support of this event, the Robertson Foundation for Government partnered with the VSFS Program to highlight the important contributions of virtual student interns to Federal Government initiatives. As part of that support, RFG gave cash awards […]
Fellows in the News
July 20, 2023
Chronicles of a Boren Fellow: Studying Swahili in Tanzania
In April 2023, RFG Fellow, JaKyah Beatty (UMD, 2024), returned from her travels abroad as a Boren Fellow studying Swahili in Tanzania. While abroad, JaKyah had the opportunity to learn a critical language, progressing from having no prior knowledge of Swahili to reaching an advanced intermediate fluency in the language after nine months of intensive […]
Fellows in the News
July 20, 2023
RFG Fellows Begin Federal Summer Internships
The Class of 2024 Robertson Fellows have finished their first year of graduate school and are embarking upon their summer internships, focused on furthering their careers in public service. This year, Fellows are interning at agencies as diverse as the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. […]
Alumni Spotlight
July 20, 2023
Alumni Spotlight: Reflections of a Commercial Service Officer
This quarter we connected with RFG Alum, R. Taylor Moore (UMD, 2013), who has worked for the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service) for nearly a decade. Taylor’s career with the Commercial Service has included overseas postings in China and Mozambique and service stateside in Washington, DC and Houston, Texas. Currently, Taylor is the […]
Fellows in the News
July 20, 2023
RFG Congratulates the Graduating Class of 2023
The Robertson Foundation for Government is proud to recognize the graduating Class of 2023! This class includes Jacob Emont, Paul-Donavon Murray, and Kelli Sunabe, RFG Fellows from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; Emily Ashbridge, Christina Baker, and Chase Burciaga, RFG Fellows from Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public […]
Impact Stories
March 29, 2023
RFG Announces the Dr. Schneider Professional Writing Award
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) is thrilled to announce the Dr. Schneider Professional Writing Award. This award recognizes the incredible contributions of Dr. Michael Schneider, who has served as a career advisor to RFG Fellows and Alumni for several years and whose talent and passion for writing has enriched Robertson Fellows’ understanding of global […]
Fellows in the News
March 29, 2023
RFG Congratulates Fellows Selected as 2023 PMF Finalists
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) is proud to recognize three Robertson Fellows who have been selected as Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Class of 2023 Finalists! Congratulations to Emily Ashbridge (Bush, 2023), Jacob Emont (Maxwell, 2023), and Cate Pollock (UCSD, 2022) for this outstanding achievement! The PMF Program is the Federal Government’s premier leadership development […]
Fellows in the News
March 29, 2023
Kelli Sunabe – A Boren Fellow Returns Home
This quarter we reconnected with RFG Fellow, Kelli Sunabe (Maxwell, 2023), who recently completed a Boren Fellowship experience in Taipei, Taiwan. Kelli lived in Taiwan for approximately nine months as a Boren Fellow, studying Mandarin Chinese and deepening her knowledge of Taiwanese culture and the island’s relations with Mainland China. In the following piece, Kelli […]
Impact Stories
March 23, 2023
RFG Hosts U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Careers Information Session
On February 6, 2023, RFG joined with representatives of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to host a careers information session for Robertson Fellows. The session began with a presentation by DFC Human Resources Specialists, Samantha Miller and Nicole Smith, which provided an overview of the agency’s mission and work, recent recruitment efforts and […]
Impact Stories
March 22, 2023
APSIA Hosts PISA Network Spring Training Workshops
On March 7-10, 2023, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) hosted the 2023 Public & International Service Advisor (PISA) Spring Training Workshops, welcoming 80 new advisors to the PISA Network. APSIA’s PISA Network brings together undergraduate and community college advisors across the United States to advance their understanding of the professions of […]
Alumni Spotlight
March 20, 2023
Alumni Spotlight: Robyn Battles & the Impact of Federal Hiring Pathways for Recent Graduates
From the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program to the Pathways Recent Graduate and GAO Professional Development Programs, the Federal Government has well established initiatives designed to recruit, train, and integrate recent graduates into the public sector. RFG Alumni have excelled at leveraging these programs to launch their careers in public service, but discovering such opportunities […]
Impact Stories
December 19, 2022
RFG Supports the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP)
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) is proud to announce a recent partnership with the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP). ICAP is a professional development and leadership program for highly promising mid-career professionals from underrepresented groups in international affairs in the United States. It provides a support network, career advising, mentors, policy and research background, […]
Program News
December 19, 2022
RFG Celebrates the 2022 Holiday Season
One of its annual traditions, the Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) hosted a holiday party and charity drive this year at the Old Ebbitt Grill for Fellows, alumni, and their families. Guests brought more than 150 items to donate to a local charity, including nonperishable foods, clothing, and toiletries. These items will go towards supporting […]
Alumni Spotlight
December 19, 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Charlotte Volpe, Economic Officer at the State Department
A 2021 graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Charlotte Volpe is now serving as an Economic Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In her current position, she recently traveled to Dhaka, Bangladesh to serve in a temporary capacity with the U.S. Embassy there. In her role with […]
Fellows in the News
December 19, 2022
Fellows Travel to DC for the 2022 RFG Fall Gathering
This past October, 21 current RFG Fellows traveled to Washington, DC for the Robertson Foundation for Government’s annual Fall Gathering. This year’s Fall Gathering was special in that it represented the first in-person Fall Gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fellows kicked off their time in Washington with a dinner at the Japanese […]
Fellows in the News
September 27, 2022
RFG Welcomes New Class of Fellows
RFG is proud to announce the most recent additions to the Robertson Fellows’ network. Ten new fellows have kicked off the 2022-2023 academic year, which marks the 14th class supported by RFG. We are excited to introduce our newest fellows and to share more about what motivated them to pursue careers in the Federal Government […]
Program News
September 27, 2022
RFG Kicks Off Summer Events
This past July, RFG Fellows and Alumni gathered together on the patio of the DACOR Bacon House as part of the Foundation’s annual summer BBQ event, a tradition that had been postponed for the past two years in response to COVID-19. The Fellows and Alumni were joined by spouses and significant others, and by Rosenthal […]
Impact Stories
September 27, 2022
RFG Seeks to Expand Internships and Academic Partnership Programs at USINDOPACOM and CFE-DM
In today’s quickly changing strategic landscape, RFG looks to expand its partnership with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and the associated Center for Excellence – Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) to meet real-world challenges impacting the region. As the Indo-Pacific has risen in strategic importance and climate shocks continue to fuel humanitarian crises worldwide, […]
Impact Stories
September 27, 2022
APSIA Hosts Sixth Annual Diversity Forum Workshops
On July 16, 2022, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) hosted a Diversity Forum Workshop for Students and Young Professionals as part of its sixth annual Diversity Forum Series. APSIA created the Diversity Forum Series in 2017 to inspire students and young professionals – and those who counsel them – to pursue […]
Impact Stories
September 27, 2022
PPIA Hosts 20th Annual Public Service Expo and Career Fair
On Friday, July 15, 2022, the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program hosted its 20th annual Public Service Expo and Career Fair. The virtual expo brought together more than 250 student attendees and over 60 exhibitors, including representatives from some of the nation’s top graduate programs in public policy and international affairs, as well […]
Impact Stories
September 27, 2022
RFG Engages with Diverse High Schoolers & Undergraduates at Blacks in Government Symposium
RFG Chief Program Officer and Alumna, Sharon Swabb (UCSD 12), journeyed up to Cleveland, Ohio to speak with high school and undergraduate students as part of the Blacks in Government (BIG) 43rd annual symposium. This event was designed as an in-person training forum for both current civil service employees and students considering careers in the […]
Impact Stories
September 27, 2022
RFG Promotes Professional Development with the Rosenthal Fellowship
RFG joined forces this summer with the Partnership for Public Service and its Harold W. Rosenthal Fellowship in International Relations to host a series of professional development programming for both RFG and Rosenthal Fellows who were interning this summer at a variety of government offices. This partnership, which has been ongoing for more than 10 […]
Fellows in the News
September 27, 2022
RFG Fellows & Recent Grads Prepare for a New PMF Application Season
The Presidential Management Fellows program — one of the prominent pathways into Federal Government service for graduate students — is an opportunity frequently sought after by RFG Fellows and Alumni. Specifically, the PMF Program is a leadership development initiative created by the U.S. Federal Government designed to recruit, train, and cultivate a cadre of future […]
Fellows in the News
September 27, 2022
First Days on the Job: RFG Alumni Kick Off New Opportunities in Public Service
A defining characteristic of RFG Fellows is their commitment to public service and their dedication to cultivating the necessary skills and experiences needed to serve effectively as leaders in the Federal Government. Such commitment is demonstrated by the recently graduated Class of 2022, who have secured their post-graduation employment and launched their careers in public […]
Fellows in the News
September 27, 2022
RFG Fellows Serving Around the World Summer 2022
With the onset of the new school year, RFG Fellows have concluded their summer internships, which served as training grounds for their upcoming careers in the public sector. Fellows traveled far and wide this summer to complete internships with a variety of government agencies. Notably, Jacob Emont (Syracuse ‘23) journeyed to Tunisia to work with […]
Alumni Spotlight
September 27, 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Stéphane Laroche (USAID in New Delhi)
A 2014 graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Stéphane Laroche is now serving as a Financial Management Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in India. In this capacity, he provides guidance to the U.S. mission and host country government on issues related to financial, […]
Alumni Spotlight
March 28, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: William Creedon
RFG is pleased to present the first in a series of official alumni spotlights. This month we feature William Creedon (UMD SPP, ‘18), a Presidential Management Fellow at the Office of Management and Budget.
Fellows in the News
September 1, 2022
Robertson Fellows Kicking Off Exciting Summer Opportunities in Public Service
The Class of 2023 Robertson Fellows have finished their first year of graduate school and are settling into their summer internships, focused on furthering their interests in public service.
Fellows in the News
September 1, 2022
Robertson Fellows Graduate and Embark on Careers in Public Service
Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2022! These highly qualified, committed, globally aware individuals are beginning careers dedicated to serving the public as leaders in international issues, foreign policy, and national security.
Fellows in the News
September 1, 2022
Two RFG Fellows Continue Service in Boren Fellowship
The Foundation is proud to have two Robertson Fellows taking part in the Boren Fellowship Program, through which scholars immerse themselves in cultures and study critical languages around the world.
Alumni Spotlight
June 1, 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Isabelle Heilman
Isabelle Heilman (UCSD GPS, ‘19) spent her time growing up in Arizona playing outside and watching her dad as he worked for the Federal Government.
Program News
March 29, 2022
The Special Robertson Opportunity: Taking on the Challenges of Global Affairs
The following article is by Dr. Michael Schneider, RFG’s Career Advisor to the Foundation’s Fellows and Alumni. Learn more about Dr. Schneider here. In 1961 just as Charles and Marie Robertson were envisioning a foundation to help fulfill JFK’s call to public service, a fledgling reporter for the Newark (NJ) Evening News applied to the Foreign […]
Alumni Spotlight
March 23, 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Mark Titus Hoover
When Mark Hoover was in his second year of graduate school and his financial situation changed, the Robertson Foundation for Government stepped in and enabled him to complete his degree and enter into a career of public service. “Awarded to me in my second year of graduate school after I had lost an important income […]
Program News
June 29, 2021
RFG Announces Governance Transitions
RFG is pleased to announce its new slate of members and officers for the Board of Directors. John Palmer and Olivia Robertson-Moe are new board members serving three-year terms. Julia Robertson is the new Chair and Ms. Robertson-Moe, the new Secretary.
Alumni Spotlight
June 28, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Reighart
In observance of Pride Month, we talked to Andrew Reighart (UMD SPP, '15) about why it is important to observe Pride Month and what the general climate is at EPA, where he is a policy analyst.
Alumni Spotlight
June 25, 2021
Grace Choi: AAPI Background, Accomplishments and Impact
Grace Choi is a 2012 graduate of Tufts University's The Fletcher School. She is currently Director of Policy at the New York City Mayor's Office.
Impact Stories
May 9, 2021
New Profiles in Public Service podcast
A new podcast from the Partnership for Public Service tells compelling stories about unsung public servant leaders.
Institutional Partner News
May 9, 2021
Meet the 2021 Service to America Medal Finalists
Last week, the Partnership announced the 29 finalists for the 2021 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, which highlight exceptional federal employees who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference for our country and people across the globe.
Fellows in the News
April 19, 2021
RFG Fellow Katherine Maxwell Interviewed Kathleen Doherty on Biases Women in Leadership Roles Experience in the Diplomatic Sector
Kathleen Doherty, former U.S. Ambassador and current Chief Strategy and Retreats Officer at Sunnylands, was recently interviewed by Katherine Maxwell, a graduate student studying public administration and international relations at Syracuse University for the Sunnylands 3 by 3 series.
Program News
April 19, 2021
Prioritizing Federal Personnel: Policy Priorities for the Executive and Legislature
Listen to a broadcast from the FEDtalk podcast of the Federal News Network from April 9, 2021, in which Office of Management and Budget Associate Director of Performance and Personnel Management Pam Coleman provides an introductory keynote address on the Biden Administration’s effort to strengthen human capital management in the federal government and revitalize the career federal workforce.
Program News
April 3, 2021
RFG Condemns Violence and Discrimination Against AAPI Communities and Reaffirms Commitment to DEI
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) denounces the increasing violence, harassment and discrimination against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and others who affiliate as part of Asian cultural groups.
Institutional Partner News
May 19, 2021
How Federal Agencies Can Reopen after the Pandemic in an Inclusive and Equitable Way
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 3% of federal employees worked remotely. However, 59% worked remotely at the peak of the pandemic—an unprecedented shift. As COVID-19 cases continue to drop and vaccines become increasingly available, federal agencies must develop plans to reopen
Impact Stories
March 10, 2021
The Soft but Unmatched Power of US Foreign Exchange Programs
As former Secretary of Defense James Mattis asserted, “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition."
Institutional Partner News
March 10, 2021
Resources on Restoring Stewardship of the Public Trust
Federal leaders must promote the public's faith in government for our country to solve its most pressing challenges.
Institutional Partner News
March 10, 2021
2021 Elliot L. Richardson Prize Call for Nominations
The Elliot L. Richardson Prize is presented biennially to individuals possessing the public service virtues exemplified by Elliot L. Richardson, an Academy Fellow.
Institutional Partner News
February 25, 2021
The Legacy of African American Diplomats: Past, Present and Future
February is Black History Month, and the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy celebrated by highlighting Black leaders in diplomacy, while recognizing the ongoing struggle to advance racial equity here in the United States.
Institutional Partner News
February 25, 2021
Making Federal Agencies Evidence-Based: The Key Role of Learning Agendas
The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 includes a requirement that each agency develop an evidence-building plan to guide its research and evaluation efforts. This plan is often referred to as a “learning agenda.”
Impact Stories
February 16, 2021
The Biden-Harris Administration Must Treat Fertility Treatment as a Matter of Reproductive Choice
Madison Chapman recently published an article on cancer treatment and fertility in Ms. Magazine.
Institutional Partner News
January 31, 2021
Opinion: It’s Time to Reinvent How America Delivers Foreign Aid
When President John F. Kennedy created the U.S. Agency for International Development in 1961, he could not have imagined that helping other countries develop would be such an unpredictable, ever-changing task.
Institutional Partner News
January 22, 2021
Partnership for Public Service Announces CapitolStrong
The Partnership for Public Service has joined with a coalition of civil society organizations to form CapitolStrong, a new initiative that aims to strengthen and invest in the institution of Congress and the people who work there.
Institutional Partner News
January 17, 2021
State of Renewal: The Department of State Today, Tomorrow and Beyond
Charged with leading America’s foreign policy, the Department of State advances the country’s diplomatic, national security and economic interests by fostering relationships with foreign leaders, providing assistance and advocating the values of American democracy around the globe, and delivering a broad range of services to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad.
Program News
January 13, 2021
RFG Stands for Democracy!
As a private foundation with a non-partisan mission to strengthen the Government of the United States and increase its ability to defend and extend freedom around the world, the Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) focuses on increasing the supply of well-qualified individuals dedicated to federal government service careers addressing international affairs.
Institutional Partner News
January 6, 2021
Virtual Roundtable on Advancing National Interests in a Changing Global Context
As the global landscape continues to change, it is vital for the United States of America to engage in the international community.
Impact Stories
January 6, 2021
Georgetown unveils resources to diversify syllabi and foster inclusion in higher ed
With support from the Robertson Foundation for Government, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) launched a new resource portal on diversity, equity and inclusion in international affairs education.
Program News
December 16, 2020
Ambs. Dobriansky and Thomas-Greenfield Join RFG Advisory Board
The Robertson Foundation for Government is pleased to announce Ambassadors Paula J. Dobriansky and Linda Thomas-Greenfield joined the advisory board this fall.
Institutional Partner News
December 11, 2020
New Report Reveals How Governments Used Technology to Move the Mission Forward during Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including the business of government. Facing unprecedent obstacles, many federal, state and local governments turned to technology to navigate the challenges.
Institutional Partner News
December 15, 2020
2021 Sammies Nominations Open!
Fact: Federal employees are responsible for many noteworthy and inspiring accomplishments.
Fellows in the News
December 15, 2020
“Invisible Women”: Excluding 50 Percent of the World’s Population Has Real Consequences
Imagine aliens who know nothing about the human race were to conduct a research project on our species. Like any good researchers, they would start by examining the written record. Since all that has been written about the human race has been written by humans themselves, the aliens would pore over humankind’s government decisions, research endeavors, academic writing and so on.
Impact Stories
December 11, 2020
A Year of Action for G2U Initiative
The Robertson Foundation for Government is a proud supporter of the Volcker Alliance's G2U initiative, which addresses critical governance challenges by building regional networks of governments and universities to sustainably connect government’s hiring and research needs with local university capacity. In 2020, the alliance expanded significantly and today has five G2U sites—in Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh.
Institutional Partner News
December 11, 2020
Meridian Center for Global Leadership Launched
Meridian International Center is strengthening its commitment to developing the next generation of global leaders by launching the Meridian Center for Global Leadership in January 2021.
Program News
December 6, 2020
RFG Joins 20 Good Government Organizations on Schedule F Coalition Letter to the Hill
The president recently signed an executive order that threatens the integrity of the professional, nonpartisan civil service—a core feature of American government since the late 1800s.
Institutional Partner News
November 23, 2020
Proposed Executive Order for Biden Would ‘Reinvigorate’ Federal Workforce, Make OPM a Cabinet-Level Agency
A group of governance experts have put together a proposal to strengthen the federal civil service for President-elect Biden to consider, which includes rescinding a number of directives signed by President Trump and elevating the Office of Personnel Management to a Cabinet-level agency. Fellows at the National Academy of Public Administration working on presidential transition issues […]
Institutional Partner News
November 2, 2020
WFPG Publishes Guide to Women Leaders
It is critical that we recognize the women who have lead the way and understand how far we still have to go. WFPG’s Guide to Women Leaders highlights women shaping foreign policy around the world and the role that they play as leaders, diplomats, and policymakers. The Guide provides an index of prominent women from across the […]
Academic Partner News
October 30, 2020
Sunabe Featured in Maxwell Article on Peace Corps Evacuees at the School
A passion for the global public good Kelli Sunabe is among the 35 Peace Corps evacuees at Maxwell, where she is pursuing her interests in international labor. She knew that she was headed to Maxwell when she was evacuated near the end of her Peace Corps service. Kelli is one of four Robertson Foundation for Government […]
Institutional Partner News
October 30, 2020
RFG Featured on ProFellow’s List of Fellowships in US Government
RFG was recently featured on ProFellow’s list of 30 fellowships in US government for recent graduates and young professionals. ProFellow is one or our institutional partners. ProFellow’s mission is to make funding opportunities easier to find and to share advice on the competitive application process. All of their content is voluntarily produced by current and former fellows […]
Program News
October 26, 2020
Financial Literacy Series Webinars Now Available
In October the Robertson Foundation for Government offered two webinars on financial planning for federal employees in collaboration with Serving Those Who Serve. Both events featured Ed Zurndorfer, a Certified Financial Planner and top authority on Federal benefits training. His work is routinely featured in FedSoup, My Federal Retirement and The FedZone. We are pleased to […]
Institutional Partner News
October 10, 2020
2020 Service to America Medals: Winners and 2021 Nominations
On October 5th, the Partnership for Public Service held its first virtual Service to America Medals program. Hosted by comedian Kumail Nanjiani, the star-studded evening featured many special guests, including Presidents Bush and Obama, Bono, Kristen Bell, Samantha Bee, Stephen Colbert and Aisha Tyler. In case you missed it, you can watch the full recording here on their YouTube […]
Impact Stories
September 29, 2020
Virtual Internship Program Saves the Day During Pandemic
Last May, as the novel coronavirus spread and government employees began to realize temporary shut-downs might extend into summer and beyond, an institutional partner of RFG at the U.S. State Department made all the difference for students.
Program News
September 29, 2020
Scoville Fellowship Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2021
General Information The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues […]
Alumni Spotlight
September 29, 2020
RFG Fellow Topher Taylor: From Thailand to the Local Passport Agency
In this profile, Topher Taylor (UCSD GPS 2021) discusses his research foci—which range from disability rights on college campuses to Thai politics—and how his time as a Robertson Fellow has prepared him for a career in the federal government.
Institutional Partner News
September 28, 2020
Meet the 2020 Class of NAPA Academy Fellows
The National Academy of Public Administration announced last Thursday that 45 leaders in the field of public administration have been selected for the 2020 Class of Academy Fellows. Induction of the new Fellows will occur during the annual Academy Fall Meeting, which will take place virtually November 5-10. “I am very pleased to welcome the Academy’s 2020 […]
Institutional Partner News
September 17, 2020
GIWPS and The Rockefeller Foundation Unveil Global Roadmap for Gender Equality
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security (GIWPS), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation and in collaboration with Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State (2009-2013), released Beijing+25: Accelerating Progress for Women and Girls which serves as a roadmap to advance global gender equality. As the Covid-19 global crisis risks rolling back women’s modest gains and slowing […]
Impact Stories
September 17, 2020
New Fellowship Honors Barbara Bush
Two years following Barbara Bush’s passing in 2018, her memory is being honored by the Robertson Foundation for Government with the creation of The Women in Public Service Fellowship in Honor of Barbara Bush through the Texas A&M Foundation.
Institutional Partner News
September 15, 2020
The Liberation of Federal Employees from Low-Value Work Is Underway
In our experience working with staff at all levels of GSA, federal employees are highly dedicated and uniquely mission-oriented. Ask them what they find most frustrating about their jobs, and the reply is often any task, process, or requirement that distracts their focus from mission critical work. In many cases, these tasks and processes are […]
Academic Partner News
September 8, 2020
UMD SPP Announces 2022 Robertson Fellows
Editor’s note: The following story first appeared on the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy website. This year, Victoria Adofoli, Ryan Damron, Phoebe DeVos-Cole, Katherine Carson-Seevers and Sarah Williamson are recipients of the Robertson Fellowship. In partnership with the Robertson Foundation for Government, each fellow receives full tuition, a cost-of-living stipend and summer internship […]
Institutional Partner News
September 15, 2020
Georgetown Unveils Resources to Diversify Syllabi and Foster Inclusion in Higher Ed
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) launched a new resource portal on diversity, equity and inclusion in international affairs education.
Program News
September 1, 2020
Announcing the Class of 2022 Fellows
RFG is pleased and proud to announce the most recent additions to the Robertson Fellows’ network. Seventeen new fellows began in the 2020-2021 academic year, which marks the 12th class supported by RFG. Bush School, Texas A&M University Robyn Battles Demetria Charlifue Autumn Clouthier Clay Parham Ryan Sullivan Maxwell School, Syracuse University Ricky Cieri Eli […]
Impact Stories
August 17, 2020
Democracy in the Middle East Roundtable
On July 27, the Robertson Foundation for Government and the Rosenthal Fellowship program co-sponsored a roundtable on "Democracy in the Middle East" featuring Shadi Hamid of the Center for Middle East Policy and Amira Maaty of the National Endowment for Democracy.
Institutional Partner News
August 12, 2020
New Ready to Serve Website Helps You with the Political Appointment Process
After election day, the victorious presidential candidate will need to fill thousands of key government positions. If you’re interested in working in a presidential administration, the newly-launched Ready to Serve website has all the information and guidance you need to navigate the complex process. With fewer than 90 days until the election, it’s not too early to […]
Institutional Partner News
August 12, 2020
Why Do Federal Employees Enter Public Service?
Editor’s note: The following article first appeared on the Partnership for Public Service’s We the Partnership blog. Federal employees cite many reasons for entering public service, including economic opportunity, the chance to do work they’re passionate about and job security. For many federal employees, however, one motivation stands above the rest: the desire to give […]
Institutional Partner News
August 6, 2020
Challenge Grant Competition: Re-Thinking Government Management and Operations Given the Impact of COVID-19
The IBM Center for The Business of Government is pleased to announce a Challenge Grant competition to solicit essays describing how existing and emerging technologies will transform how government works and delivers services to the public in light of the impact of COVID-19. Topics to explore include: Changing the nature of work – government jobs best suited to […]
Institutional Partner News
August 5, 2020
Announcing the Marcellus Policy Fellowship in Foreign Policy
In 1793, a young John Quincy Adams published a series of political essays under the pseudonym “Marcellus.” In these essays, he argued the fledgling United States should maintain neutrality in the war between France and Great Britain. President George Washington sought to uncover the identity of “Marcellus.” A year later, Washington appointed Adams U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands. Adams’ […]
Institutional Partner News
August 5, 2020
New Transition Lab Episode: Breaking into a Male-Dominated National Security Arena
Women are vastly underrepresented in leadership roles within the federal government, especially in the national security field. In this Transition Lab episode, Jamie Jones Miller and Nina Hachigian discuss their careers,how they handled uncomfortable situations and the importance of bringing more women into leadership positions. Listen now Read highlights from the episode on the Center for Presidential Transition blog.
Institutional Partner News
August 5, 2020
Treasury Department Employees Win 2020 Sammies People’s Choice Award
Congratulations to Treasury Department employees Corvelli McDaniel and Lorraine Cole for winning the 2020 Service to America Medals People’s Choice award. The duo created an innovative mentoring program in which large U.S. commercial banks provide small and minority-owned banks with management and technical assistance to enhance their ability to serve low-income communities. To learn more about their achievement, […]
Academic Partner News
July 19, 2020
Maxwell’s Dean Van Slyke Joins Defense Business Board
As the first academic scholar appointed to the Defense Business Board, Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke joins a select group of business executives appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to help make the Department stronger and more efficient. From February – May 2020, Van Slyke was also part of a four-person task force […]
Institutional Partner News
July 19, 2020
Election 2020: Develop New Approaches to Public Governance and Engagement
Enhancing Public Governance: An Agenda for 2021 and Beyond The public’s trust in government has been declining for decades. Restoring Americans’ trust in democratic government will be a long-term effort. This paper, and a companion piece, offer an agenda to help change the way we govern and engage as citizens. We see this as foundational […]
Institutional Partner News
July 19, 2020
Statement of the National Academy of Public Administration’s Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance
The Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance of the National Academy of Public Administration has issued a statement regarding recent events and ongoing discussions regarding race, racism, and social equity. The statement, which can be found at the link below, is cosigned by 189 Academy Fellows, and other public administration professionals. Read the statement
Alumni Spotlight
July 19, 2020
China’s Arctic Endgame
Fellow Laura Leddy (Bush, '21) interned at the American Security Project and co-authored this piece with Devin Lurie. It lays out next steps for the United States for navigating this new development.
Program News
June 30, 2020
The Times Call for Renewed Discussion of Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion in the United States Government
Dr. Michael Schneider, RFG Fellows’ Career Adviser and director of the Maxwell School of Syracuse University’s Washington Public Diplomacy Program, offers sage advice during these difficult times for our Fellows, alumni, and others in public service. The challenges of equal opportunity and inclusion are not new to the federal service. Yet, today’s nationwide protest against […]
Program News
June 30, 2020
Alumni Council Launches Financial Literacy Series
The Alumni Council is excited to announce the launching of a Financial Literacy Series this fall! Navigating the unique world of the Federal workforce – from the hiring process and the GS pay scale to the leave policies, benefits packages, and retirement plans – all of the rules and regulations can be daunting. This workshop […]
Impact Stories
June 30, 2020
PLEN Trains Women for Global Policy Careers
A diverse group of 77 students from 26 colleges and universities joined PLEN’s first virtual seminar on Women in Global Policy in May, the largest group of participants in PLEN seminar history. The students hailed from 22 states and four countries, including Ghana and Pakistan.
Fellows in the News
June 30, 2020
Reighart and Celebrating Pride at EPA
Andrew Reighart (UMD SPP, ‘15) is an environmental policy analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a co-chair of Equality EPA, the agency’s networking group for LGBTQ+ staff members. For EPA’s National Pride Month observance Andrew organized a program entitled LGBTQ+ Voices of Pride, which featured five EPA staff representing a range of sexualities, gender […]
Fellows in the News
June 30, 2020
Hackbarth Authors Report on China’s Struggle to Balance Economy and Carbon Emissions
Alexandra Hackbarth (Maxwell, ‘15), Director for Climate and Energy Security at the American Security Project, authored a report on the difficult quandary China’s leadership faces: how best to balance economic growth and reductions in carbon emissions. In the wake of coronavirus, Hackbarth writes, this balance becomes even more important and difficult. Decisions made now in Beijing […]
Impact Stories
June 30, 2020
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in International Relations Education
RFG is supporting the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) in its efforts to ensure that the emerging generation of public servants has a global mindset and an ability to address diversity, equity and inclusion in the practice of international affairs.
Program News
June 8, 2020
RFG Stands Against Injustice and Racism
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) was created with a mission to support the United States government to defend and extend freedom throughout the world. The foundation condemns all acts and systemic policies and practices that oppress, create barriers to equal opportunity, and foster disparities. Democracy and freedom cannot be accomplished and flourish when the […]
Institutional Partner News
June 7, 2020
Attend Virtual Career Development Events for Free This Summer
This summer, the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, an RFG partner organization, has teamed up with Women In International Security to host monthly virtual career development events. Throughout these events, participants can build upon important career development skills and connect with professionals in international affairs. So find a quiet corner, grab your laptop and join us for our […]
Institutional Partner News
June 7, 2020
Sammies People’s Choice Award: Which Finalists Will Make the Top 5?
On Wednesday, June 10, The Partnership will announce the five Service to America Medals finalists still in the running for the 2020 People’s Choice award. Don’t miss your chance to vote—take time now to learn about the remaining 12 finalists and choose your favorites. Here’s how: Read the finalists’ profiles to learn about their accomplishments. Vote for your top choices using the poll. […]
Fellows in the News
May 28, 2020
Nathan Strand: Supporting USAID’s Work in Colombia
In Colombia and elsewhere, USAID is at the forefront of the US government’s efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. As a Contracting Officer working for USAID/Colombia, Nathan Strand (Maxwell, ’13) plays a significant role in the US government’s response in-country. Since the onset of the pandemic, USAID has kept up and redoubled its efforts to support […]
Alumni Spotlight
May 12, 2020
Nguyen Works to Repatriate U.S. Citizens from Peru During COVID-19 Wave
On a normal day, U.S. Consular Agent Marian Han Nguyen’s duties in her sleepy one-woman office in Cusco, Peru, range from stamping passports to registering American babies. But when Lima announced it was closing Peru’s borders on March 16 to stop the spread of coronavirus, Nguyen’s job changed overnight to Lara-Croft-style bounty hunter.
Institutional Partner News
May 11, 2020
Outstanding Midcareer Feds Honored with Arthur S. Flemming Awards
Midcareer federal workers have accomplished a variety of feats such as creating the most accurate clock in the world, developing ways to see crime scene evidence invisible to the human eye and finding new ways to track influenza around the world. The government employees behind these extraordinary efforts and other career-defining moments will be honored […]
Program News
May 7, 2020
Resources for Civil Servants During the Pandemic
It matters who fills government jobs during a crisis, as the Embassy Panama City staff working to assist U.S. citizens returning home proves. Read more about the federal response to COVID-19 in our round up of recent articles. If you have resources and info you want to share with others, let us know and we will get […]
Program News
May 7, 2020
Working from Home and Video Conferencing Do’s and Don’ts
As we all adjust to spending endless hours on Zoom and other video conference services (watch this video for a hilarious take on them!) and wonder when life will return to normal, you can use the following articles to accelerate your transition to the new way of working. Whether you are a manager responsible for keeping […]
Program News
May 5, 2020
The Intelligence Community Is Hiring During This Time of Crisis
As we have seen our economy change we have heard of some employers like Amazon, Walmart, InstaCart and others hiring a massive amount of people to fulfill demand. These are all critical jobs during this time but there are some other employers who are hiring whose jobs and need for good people are just as […]
Institutional Partner News
May 5, 2020
It’s Public Service Recognition Week!
It’s Public Service Recognition Week, and we want to thank all public servants for their extraordinary work, which is especially critical now to protect the health and safety of our nation during the coronavirus pandemic. PSRW is organized annually by the Partnership for Public Service and Public Employees Roundtable to shine a spotlight on the important and […]
Institutional Partner News
May 5, 2020
Now Available: Public Service and Good Governance for the Twenty-First Century
The Volcker Alliance is excited to announce the publication of Public Service and Good Governance for the Twenty-First Century, released on May 1, 2020, by the University of Pennsylvania Press. The volume, edited by James L. Perry and assembled by the Volcker Alliance, is dedicated to the millions of public servants across America who serve our […]
Impact Stories
May 5, 2020
US Leaders Should Heed Findings from the Final Report of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service
In an open letter to the President and Congress, the Robertson Foundation for Government and other good government groups urged leaders to heed the findings of the Inspired to Serve report, released in March 2020.
Academic Partner News
April 10, 2020
UCSD GPS Kicks Off COVID-19 Impacts Webinar Series with U.S.-China Relations
Building on an already tense relationship aggravated by the trade war, will the recent War of Words between the U.S. and China lead to further escalation of bilateral tension? Or can a call for humanity and cooperation join the nations in a fight against a common enemy? Join experts from the 21st Century China Center […]
Impact Stories
April 3, 2020
RFG Supports Meridian’s Ambassador Connections
RFG partnered with the Meridian International Center to sponsor the Welcome to Washington reception on January 15, which honored newly-credentialed ambassadors.
Program News
March 10, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Due to the escalation of the coronavirus crisis and in the interest in safety for our fellowship community, grantees, partners and beyond, RFG has suspended all in-person programming until further notice. The Foundation extends its appreciation to our Fellows, grantees, partners and collaborators for continuing to engage in public service, especially those involved in policy […]
Program News
March 28, 2020
Federal Service in the Pandemic Era
Dr. Michael Schneider, RFG Fellows’ Career Adviser and director of the Maxwell School of Syracuse University’s Washington Public Diplomacy Program, offers sage advice during these difficult times for our Fellows, alumni, and others in public service. If you have questions or ideas for future columns by Dr. Schneider please email Communications Manager Lauren Hertel. When Bob Dylan […]
Institutional Partner News
March 2, 2020
The Volcker Alliance Expands Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) to Two New Regions
The Volcker Alliance is excited to announce an expansion of its Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) with the launch of two new G2U Regional Councils in Los Angeles, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. G2U is an innovative approach to addressing critical governance challenges by building structured regional networks of governments and universities. The initiative aims to catalyze a robust local marketplace […]
Institutional Partner News
March 2, 2020
Grand Challenges: Takeaways from the Roundtable on Connecting Individuals to Meaningful Work
On February 26, 2020, the National Academy of Public Administration hosted a roundtable centered on the Grand Challenge, “Connecting Individuals to Meaningful Work.” The participants discussed how government and civil society must adapt to suit the future of work, and the demands of the workforce of tomorrow. Read key takeaways and excerpts
Institutional Partner News
March 2, 2020
What the Careers of Diplomats Can Teach the Rest of Government
The State Department is receiving a lot of attention these days. In November, career foreign service officers Marie Yovanovitch, William Taylor, George Kent and David Holmes were in the national spotlight during the House hearings on the impeachment of President Trump in relation to his dealings with Ukraine. These previously little known State Department officials, […]
Institutional Partner News
February 26, 2020
Government Executive – 2020 Government Hall of Fame Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Government Executive Government Hall of Fame awards. The Government Hall of Fame is designed for those who have reached a high pinnacle of success during their careers in civil service. The Hall of Fame honors the best of the best: those who have demonstrated sustained achievement and unparalleled […]
Institutional Partner News
February 26, 2020
Watchdog Finds ‘Uneven Progress’ in State Department’s Effort to Improve Workforce Diversity
A watchdog reported on Tuesday that although the State Department says it is committed to improving racial and gender representation in its workforce, department leaders have failed to analyze career promotion data to adequately understand barriers women and minorities face. The Government Accountability Office analyzed data for over 40,000 employees who worked at the department from 2002 […]
Institutional Partner News
February 25, 2020
How Can a Federal Government for the 21st Century Capitalize on Private Sector Investment?
Editor’s note: The following post first appeared on the IBM Center for The Business of Government website. Many governments around the world seek ways to serve their constituents and carry out their missions more effectively and with greater efficiency. This imperative takes on even greater import as emerging technology and business paradigms raise expectations from […]
Institutional Partner News
February 16, 2020
Excellence in Government Fellows Program
For government to carry out missions ranging from defending against cyberattacks to promoting health and wellness for all Americans, agencies need the absolute best leaders at the helm. The Excellence in Government Fellows program is the premier leadership development course for federal employees at the GS-14 to GS-15 levels. For more than 30 years, EIG has trained […]
Institutional Partner News
February 16, 2020
Nominations for the 2020 Teddies Are Now Open
The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards (The Teddies) honor an all-star team of distinguished federal officials and industry leaders for outstanding achievement in delivering on government’s promise to serve the American people. Each year two winners will be chosen in the Visionaries, Directors, Pathfinders, Defenders and Partners categories for demonstrated success in their work over […]
Impact Stories
February 16, 2020
Over 300 attend New Year Networking event!
On January 30th, the foundation hosted a New Year Networking event to kick off our tenth anniversary year. Intended as a cross-fellowship and multi-organization career networking event, it provided attendees with an opportunity to expand and enhance their professional networks and foster contacts and camaraderie to catalyze the sharing of resources, events and job information, to facilitate collaboration, and build a network of public service leaders across the dynamic range of public policy and government fellowships in our region.
Institutional Partner News
February 6, 2020
A Roadmap to the Future: Toward a More Connected Federal Government
The federal landscape is expected to change dramatically in the next decade as the power and capacity of technology advance, more data becomes available and the demands on federal employees grow and shift. With the U.S. population projected to expand by more than 20 million people in the next 10 years, according to the U.S. […]
Institutional Partner News
February 6, 2020
The Evidence-Based Policy Revolution Waiting to Happen
Is the evidence-based policymaking movement at the federal level of government on the cusp of an important change? It’s too soon to say for sure, but hopefully so. The change would expand the questions that currently drive the evidence movement, such as Does this program work? and Which version of this program works best? to include questions like What does […]
Institutional Partner News
January 8, 2020
OPM Plans to Help Returning Feds Get Better Jobs
Federal employees that leave for the private sector or academia to gain more experience may have an easier time returning to government jobs, under a rule proposed by the Office of Personnel Management Dec. 26. The rule would enable returning employees to enter back into a government job without competition at a higher level than when they […]
Institutional Partner News
January 8, 2020
Applications Open for Preparing to Lead Program from PPS
The Preparing to Lead program is a professional development opportunity for federal employees who are interested in pursuing a career in leadership at their agencies. Participants practice strategies to help them become more effective employees and develop critical leadership skills they will be able to use throughout their careers. Through the course of this five-month program, participants will: […]
Institutional Partner News
January 8, 2020
Professional Development Book Club Launched by GovLoop and NextGen
The NextGen Book Club is a chance for public servants interested in developing their leadership skills to read, discuss and network with a group of like-minded peers. There are six books that will be read over the course of the year, and we will provide discussion questions and wrap up each book with a Facebook […]
Academic Partner News
December 23, 2019
2020 Promises Both Hope and Challenge for Federal Employees
Dr. Michael Schneider, RFG Fellows’ Career Adviser and Director of the Maxwell School of Syracuse University’s Washington Public Diplomacy Program, compiled the following overview of important resources from 2019 and trends for 2020 for our fellows and alumni. If you have questions or ideas for future columns by Dr. Schneider please email Communications Manager Lauren […]
Institutional Partner News
December 12, 2019
RFG Pays Tribute to Paul A. Volcker
RFG pays tribute to Mr. Paul A. Volcker, founder of the Volcker Alliance, an RFG organizational partner, who passed away on December 8, 2019. Mr. Volcker was a lifelong dedicated public servant, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1979 to 1987, and as a member of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board […]
Institutional Partner News
December 3, 2019
Five Lessons Learned from Federal Innovators
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on the Partnership for Public Service’s website. The federal government is one of the most prolific innovators in modern history—sending astronauts to the moon, curing diseases across the globe and helping launch the internet. Despite this legacy, outdated systems, rules and processes hinder innovation at a time when […]
Institutional Partner News
November 19, 2019
Federal Agencies Can Succeed at Leadership Development Even Amid Tight Budgets
Read the full article on Government Executive’s website. Despite the importance of leadership for achieving agency missions, many federal agencies struggle to develop and sustain robust leadership development programs, particularly during times of budgetary crisis. How often have we heard the adage, “When budgets must be cut, training and development are among the first to go.” […]
Institutional Partner News
November 18, 2019
What Are the Grand Challenges in Public Administration?
The National Academy of Public Administration held its annual Fall Meeting in early November, unveiling its final list of “Grand Challenges in Public Administration” following a year-long effort to identify these challenges and position the Academy as a leader of future collaborative efforts to address them. “Over the next decade, we will face tremendous technological, […]
Institutional Partner News
November 1, 2019
Risk and Reward: A Framework for Federal Innovation
From curing diseases to helping launch the internet, the federal government has a history of innovation that has improved the lives of Americans and advanced societal interests. Despite this legacy, outdated systems, rules and processes hinder innovation at a time when government must grapple with a wide array of critical and complex 21st-century challenges. In […]
Institutional Partner News
October 15, 2019
Preparing the Next Generation of Federal Leaders: Agency-Based Leadership Development Programs
Successful leaders envision, shape, and safeguard the future, creating clarity amidst uncertainty. This objective is increasingly difficult in an era where rapid, unforeseen change seems constant. Agencies face serious public management challenges that go to the core of effective governance and leadership, requiring innovation, collaboration, flexibility, and understanding of the capacity needed to tackle complex, […]
Institutional Partner News
October 15, 2019
Proposals for Reform Volume II: National Task Force on Rule of Law & Democracy
In recent years, the norms and expectations that once ensured that our government was guided primarily by the public interest rather than by individual or partisan interest have significantly weakened. There are now far fewer constraints to deter abuse by executive branch actors. This report focuses on two distinct areas: the growing politicization of government […]
Institutional Partner News
October 7, 2019
The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship
Every year, the Center for a New American Security selects a bipartisan group of 20-25 emerging national security leaders between the ages of 27 to 35 to participate in the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Program. In June 2018, CNAS named the program in honor of Shawn Brimley, one of the founding members of […]
Institutional Partner News
October 7, 2019
Discover the Sammies #StoriesOfService
Listen to government’s untold stories. Presenting #StoriesOfService: a campaign to celebrate and honor the voices of public service. Each Wednesday for the next month, we will share a new track featuring a 2019 Sammies finalist. Each of these outstanding honorees reflected on their public service journey in conversations facilitated by StoryCorps®, a nonprofit organization with a […]
Institutional Partner News
September 24, 2019
ASPA Opens 2020 Awards Call for Nominations
The American Society for Public Administration has opened nominations for its 2020 Annual Awards Program. Issued in recognition of public servants from across the nation, the awards will be presented to winners at ASPA’s 2020 Annual Conference. Among the honors is the National Public Service Award, granted in partnership with the Academy to leaders from all levels of […]
Institutional Partner News
September 24, 2019
Nominations for the 2020 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals Are Now Open
The Partnership for Public Service is ready to accept nominations for next year’s honorees and needs your help. Each spring, the Partnership for Public Service recognizes more than two dozen individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the health, safety and prosperity of our country. The Robertson Foundation for Government is a proud sponsor […]
Institutional Partner News
September 24, 2019
National Academy of Public Administration Announces 2019 Class of Academy Fellows
The National Academy of Public Administration announced that 51 leaders in the field of public administration have been selected for the 2019 Class of Academy Fellows. Induction of the new Fellows will occur during the annual Academy Fall Meeting, which will take place November 7-8 in Arlington, Virginia. “I am very pleased to welcome our 2019 class […]
Institutional Partner News
September 24, 2019
Assessing the Past and Future of Public Administration: Reflections from the Minnowbrook at 50 Conference
The Minnowbrook conferences, hosted periodically over the past 50 years by the Maxwell School, have reflected major milestones in public administration. These sessions have brought together a range of experts to discuss and debate how research and teaching can best contribute to a vibrant public sector, as well as how the field should address larger […]
Institutional Partner News
August 19, 2019
What the New Federal Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Means for Agencies
This week, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released a new plan on the responsible use of artificial intelligence that helps our government catch up with other countries. A post on the Partnership for Public Service blog We the Partnership breaks down that plan and the steps that agencies should take to develop their own […]
Institutional Partner News
August 19, 2019
We Can’t Improve Government Without Understanding It
In Fed Figures, a new series on the Partnership for Public Service We the Partnership blog, they explore federal workforce data to help everyone better understand where government needs to improve, and which solutions are most likely to generate results. In the first post, they look at federal information technology and the human capital challenge it presents. Read […]
Institutional Partner News
August 19, 2019
Inaugural Inductees into Government Hall of Fame Unveiled
Government Executive Media Group on Thursday announced the inaugural members of the Government Hall of Fame, including Clara Barton, Theodore Roosevelt, Frances Perkins and the Apollo 11 astronauts. Government Executive created the Hall of Fame this year in connection with its 50th anniversary. It honors the best of the best: those who have demonstrated sustained achievement and unparalleled dedication […]
Academic Partner News
August 19, 2019
Maxwell Hosts Undergraduate Advisor Training with Funding from RFG
The Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs partnered with APSIA to host a Public and International Student Advisor (PISA) Workshop for 28 advisors from upstate New York on August 14, 2019. With financial support from the Robertson Foundation for Government, The Maxwell School is one of three schools selected nationwide to host a PISA Network […]
Institutional Partner News
August 15, 2019
First-Ever Winners of Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards Announced
On Tuesday morning, Government Executive announced the winners of its inaugural Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards. Earlier this year, in connection with its 50th anniversary, Government Executive launched the awards program to honor an all-star team of distinguished federal officials and their partners outside government. The winners have demonstrated outstanding achievement in delivering on government’s promise to serve the American people. The […]
Institutional Partner News
August 10, 2019
Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Launched
The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative is the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership aimed at recruiting and training a world-class cybersecurity workforce. The program is a selective opportunity for students in cybersecurity-related fields to gain vital public and private sector work experience and even receive up to $75,000, inclusive of tax, in student loan assistance. Participants selected for the […]
Institutional Partner News
July 30, 2019
More Than Meets AI Part II
Artificial intelligence has more potential to improve how government works than any other recent technological innovation. However, adopting AI comes with challenges that can include bias, security, transparency, employee knowledge or federal acquisition and budget processes. It’s vital for federal agencies to build the public’s trust in AI as the government’s use of the technology […]
Fellows in the News
July 30, 2019
RFG Fellows Camp and Abbott Present at 2019 INMM Annual Meeting
Noelle Camp (Bush, ’19) and Shannon Abbott (Bush, ’18) presented at the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management 60th Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, California, in July. Noelle presented “Preliminary Results from a Comparative Analysis of Counterintelligence and Insider Threat in Nuclear Facilities.” Shannon presented “Defining Metrics for Measuring the Insider Threat.” Read more
Fellows in the News
July 30, 2019
Maxwell Features Three New Robertson Fellows
Editor’s note: The following article about Maxwell’s three new Robertson Fellows first appeared on the school’s website. The Maxwell School is pleased to welcome three new Robertson Fellows within the 2019 – 2020 cohort of incoming public administration and international affairs graduate students. All three are pursuing dual degrees — a Master of Public Administration […]
Institutional Partner News
July 18, 2019
The Winner of the 2019 Sammies People’s Choice Award Is …
Congratulations to Robert Cabana and the Kennedy Space Center Senior Management Team on winning the 2019 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals People’s Choice Award! As the country celebrates the historic 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, it’s fitting that we should honor this team for the work they’ve done. By transforming the historic Kennedy Space […]
Institutional Partner News
July 12, 2019
Alice Rivlin: A Patriot Who Championed Good Government
Alice Rivlin’s death on May 14 may have gone unnoticed in some circles amid news of Trump tariffs, the banning of facial-recognition technology in San Francisco, and reports of financial irregularities at the National Rifle Association. Even the next day’s New York Times obituary page did not carry her death as its lead story, as comedian Tim […]
Institutional Partner News
June 24, 2019
PPS Releases Public Service Leadership Model
This week, the Partnership for Public Service released the Public Service Leadership Model, which identifies the core values leaders must prioritize, and the critical competencies they must master to achieve their agencies’ missions and desired impact. The model identifies four key leadership competencies that government leaders can use to best serve our country in the […]
Fellows in the News
June 16, 2019
RFG Fellow Tom Babington Quoted in The Washington Post on Trump’s Global Effort to Help Women in Developing World
Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the president and a senior White House adviser, announced a new global effort [in February] to help 50 million women in the developing world by 2025. “This new initiative will for the first time coordinate America’s commitment to one of the most undervalued resources in the developing world — the […]
Impact Stories
November 18, 2019
NAPA 2019 Fall Meeting
RFG sponsored a session at this year's National Academy of Public Administration 2019 Fall Meeting, "Improving the Development of Public Administrators for Global Work in the 21st Century" focused on how we can develop public administrators to be ready for global work and where there is still work to be done.
Impact Stories
September 30, 2019
RFG sponsors 17th annual PPIA Public Service Expo
On July 12th more than more than 600 registered attendees and 80 exhibitors attended the PPIA Public Service Expo. The Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) is a not-for-profit that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in public service for 39 years. PPIA believes that our society is best served by public managers, policy makers, and community leaders who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Institutional Partner News
July 12, 2019
In an Astonishing Turn, George Soros and Charles Koch Team Up to End US ‘Forever War’ Policy
Besides being billionaires and spending much of their fortunes to promote pet causes, the leftist financier George Soros and the right-wing Koch brothers have little in common. They could be seen as polar opposites. Soros is an old-fashioned New Deal liberal. The Koch brothers are fire-breathing right-wingers who dream of cutting taxes and dismantling government. […]
Institutional Partner News
July 12, 2019
Agile Problem Solving in Government
The Opportunity Project (TOP), a program hosted by the U.S. Census Bureau at the U.S. Department of Commerce, has for several years served as a catalyst in adapting agile techniques to solve complex agency mission problems, through a process that brings together agencies, industry, and citizens. TOP works with Federal government agencies to identify significant […]
Fellows in the News
June 16, 2019
West Working in Netherlands on Energy Transition for Industry
Kira West (UMD, Class of 2012) is beginning work as a researcher studying the energy transition for the industrial sector at the Energy Research Center of the Organization for Applied Scientific Research in the Netherlands. The institution is funded by the Dutch government, and has a public-service oriented mission of creating innovation to benefit society in a […]
Institutional Partner News
June 16, 2019
Maxwell School Ranks Number One for Public Affairs in 2020
The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University is once again ranked #1 in the nation for graduate education in public affairs, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report reputational survey. This year, the Maxwell School shares the #1 ranking with Indiana University Bloomington. Maxwell has consistently ranked among the […]
Fellows in the News
June 16, 2019
RFG Fellow Tucker Boyce to Tour Europe on Nuclear Safeguards
Tucker Boyce (UMD, Class of 2020) was selected to participate in the International Nuclear Facilities Experience program, which is funded by a National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) grant to Texas A&M University and Argonne National Laboratory. He will travel to Europe for the program with a group of graduate students and national laboratory employees. Their […]
Impact Stories
June 16, 2019
RFG Fellow Kyle Fowler Honored by National Nuclear Security Administration
Kyle Fowler (Bush, Class of 2015) has been awarded the DOE NNSA 2019 Linton F. Brooks Medal for Dedication to Public Service. He was one of two early-career National Nuclear Security Administration employees to receive this award.
Institutional Partner News
June 12, 2019
Government’s Core Staffing Problem: Inflexible Pay Systems
A recent National Association of State Chief Administrators report concludes that “as the public and private sectors battle for talent, government is falling too far behind in preparing for the workforce of the future.” One statistic from the NASCA report suggests that the public sector is already well along the way to losing that battle: Since 2013, […]
Impact Stories
June 9, 2019
Announcing the 2019 Service to America Medals Finalists
From pathbreaking scientists to tenacious human rights advocates, meet the outstanding federal employees who are addressing the country's greatest challenges. Meet the finalists, read the press release, and vote for the People's Choice award.
Impact Stories
April 30, 2019
Volcker Alliance announces first Government-to-University (G2U) councils
In the coming months, the Volcker Alliance will partner with government and university leaders in Austin and Kansas City to establish two inaugural “G2U Regional Councils.” RFG is a proud partner in the G2U initiative, which aims to catalyze a robust local marketplace that can sustainably connect government’s hiring and research needs with local university capacity.
Institutional Partner News
April 9, 2019
Federal Leaders Share Workforce, Acquisitions Updates on PMA Anniversary
Marking the one-year anniversary of the President’s Management Agenda to modernize and streamline the federal government, leaders from the executive office are steadfast in working toward several initiatives in workforce recruitment and acquisition processes, with further updates still to come. “IT modernization is something that everyone knows is important. The technology is awful,” remarked Margaret Weichert, […]
Institutional Partner News
February 20, 2019
Government For The Future: A View of Things to Come, Drawing on Perspectives of Things Past
Editor’s note: The following first appeared on the IBM Center for The Business of Government website on February 4, 2019. Last week marked the final installment in the IBM Center’s multipart series outlining key findings from our recent book, Government For The Future: Reflection and Vision for Tomorrow’s Leaders. In developing this book, we set out […]
Institutional Partner News
February 20, 2019
2018 Arthur S. Flemming Awards Nominations Deadline Extended!
Due to the government shutdown, the deadline for nominations for the GW Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration’s Arthur S. Flemming Awards has been extended to February 28th, 2019. Learn more about the awards honoring outstanding public servants, and submit your nominations: https://tspppa.gwu.edu/arthur-s-flemming-awards
Institutional Partner News
January 31, 2019
Call for Proposals: Social Equity Leadership Conference 2019 (Deadline Extended)
The deadline for proposals for 2019’s Social Equity Leadership Conference has been extended to February 15, 2019. The 18th Annual Social Equity Leadership Conference (SELC) is co-sponsored by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and co-sponsored and hosted by the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark. Reflecting the increasing polarization […]
Institutional Partner News
January 20, 2019
NAPA Launches Program to Address Biggest Challenges Government Will Face through 2020s
The National Academy of Public Administration is launching a new program—Grand Challenges in Public Administration—to identify and address the biggest challenges that government at all levels will face through the 2020s. We seek input from everyone—including practitioners, academics, students, interest groups, and the general public—on WHAT government must do over the next decade and HOW […]
Impact Stories
January 20, 2019
APSIA Diversity Forum
In 2018 RFG supported the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) Diversity Initiative. APSIA launched its Diversity Forum series in 2017 to inspire students and young professionals -- and those who counsel them -- to pursue careers in international affairs.
Fellows in the News
January 13, 2019
7 Fellows Named 2019 Finalists for the Presidential Management Fellowships
The PMF Program received 4,045 applications and selected 351 Finalists for the Class of 2019. Seven RFG Fellows are among the finalists, who are selected based on eligibility for the program as well as the candidates’ application, assessment scores, and federal agencies’ reported hiring projections. The Class of 2019’s Finalists represent 56 disciplines, 113 academic institutions, […]
Program News
December 20, 2018
Engaging Iran: Next Steps and Policy Cross-Currents
During a busy summer of events, RFG partnered with the Syracuse University Maxwell in Washington program to host a national security roundtable, “Engaging Iran: Next Steps and Policy Cross-Currents.” It featured a panel of regional experts including: Barbara Slavin, director of the Future of Iran Initiative of the Atlantic Council; Joyce Karam, correspondent for The National of […]
Fellows in the News
December 20, 2018
RFG Fellow Andy Gupta Publishes about Sri Lanka’s Political Crisis on Asia Society Blog
Are zero prime ministers better than two? Sri Lanka is about to find out, wrote 2013 RFG Fellow Andy Gupta on the Asia Society blog on December 4, 2018. After five weeks of dramatic political developments that resemble a dark political thriller, Colombo is currently embroiled in an unprecedented political crisis that has undermined its […]
Program News
December 16, 2018
In Memoriam: Robert Halligan
The Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG) acknowledges the passing of former board chair and long-time member of the RFG Board of Directors, The Honorable Robert Halligan, who passed away on November 11, 2018. Bob brought to bear his significant background in federal service, international development, and government workforce needs, playing a critical role in the creation […]
Institutional Partner News
December 15, 2018
Sammies Nominations Open Until January 28
RFG is a proud sponsor of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals– the Sammies– and would like readers to know nominations for the 2019 awards are open until January 28, 2019. From the Nomination Details page of the award’s homepage: We accept nominations on an annual basis starting in early fall through January […]
Academic Partner News
December 1, 2018
Maxwell Alumnus Co-Funds Two Robertson Fellows
The Maxwell School of Syracuse University announced that thanks to the generosity of alumnus Joseph A. Strasser, ’53 BA (History)/’58 MPA, Robertson Fellowships have been awarded to two additional students, bringing the total number of current fellows at the school to seven. “Joe is one of the Maxwell School’s biggest supporters and a lifelong public […]
Program News
December 1, 2018
RFG Grants to Diversify International Relations, Expand Internships
Each year RFG supports a number of organizations, programs and projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to advance and promote public service, and highlight and address international relations and national security issues, challenges and opportunities. APSIA Diversity Forum In 2018 RFG is supporting the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) Diversity Initiative. […]
Program News
December 1, 2018
Summer Internships Offer RFG Fellows High-Level Encounters
The RFG class of 2019 fellows benefited from internship experience and professional connections internationally and across the U.S. in California, Hawaii, and Washington DC. Click here for the full list of 2018 summer internships. Government Accountability Office (GAO), DC Education, Workforce and Income Security Department, Services for the Rural Elderly: Sara (Poirier) Younes, UMD SPP […]
Alumni Spotlight
January 20, 2018
RFG Featured Fellow: Paul Massaro
Paul Massaro, UMD SPP Class of 2015, is a policy advisor at the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, commonly known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, which he joined in 2013.
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