Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

What is the role of government in facilitating an equitable society? What kind of country do we want to live in? Big questions need real answers as government reevaluates and seeks to challenge us to think critically about the role of equity in public life.Academy Fellows Kimberly Walton, CEO of SynergyUSA and formerly of Department of Homeland Security and Department of Commerce, and Chris Koliba, the Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, Policy & Governance at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), join Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood for a discussion about how we should think about equity and diversity in the Trump era. Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

This episode features highlights from our timely and candid Critical Conversation exploring the evolving landscape of U.S. national defense and homeland security. Our distinguished panel of Academy Fellows will examine how to align strategy, resources, and operational readiness in a rapidly changing environment.Featured Speakers:Jane Holl Lute – Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityMichael McCord – Former Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of DefensePeter Levine - Senior Fellow, Institute for Defense AnalysesModerated By James-Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public AdministrationSupport the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

In this episode of Management Matters, host James-Christian Blockwood explores the evolving dynamics between the executive branch, Congress, and the judiciary with guests Yuval Levin of American Enterprise Institute and Academy Fellow Robert Shea of GovNavigators. The discussion delves into the (self-imposed) weakening role of Congress, the impact of expanding populism on public administration and the federal workforce, and the current and future roles of the judiciary in maintaining constitutional balance. 01:22 The Role of Congress in the Balance of Power06:16 Judicial Oversight and the Courts10:25 Federal Workforce and Accountability14:51 Populism and Government Criticism17:35 Opportunities for Government Reform21:25 Final Thoughts on Democratic InstitutionsSupport the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Host James-Christian Blockwood discusses the status of science and government with Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academy of Sciences, and Chavonda Jacobs-Young, former Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and Chief Scientist at the US Department of Agriculture. They address the challenges facing the scientific community, including funding cuts, workforce issues, public trust, and the need for international collaboration. They emphasize the importance of science in addressing societal challenges and the critical need for federal investment to maintain the US's global leadership in science and technology. The discussion highlights the potential short-term, medium-term, and long-term impacts of reduced federal funding for science and stresses the importance of scientific integrity and data-driven policymaking in government.Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Special Crossover Episode with AI in the Public Sector, Season 3! AI has the potential to transform the way citizens interact with the government and the way agencies deliver services to citizens.  In previous episodes in this series we have heard from a number of Executive Branch leaders on the promises and potential risks of AI and how it's starting to transform government -- internal processes, service delivery, cybersecurity, and so on. Today, we turn our attention to the branch of government at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue and hear from Congressman Don Beyer, the Representative from Virginia's 8th congressional district. He's served in that position since 2015. The district is in the heart of Northern Virginia and includes Alexandria, Falls Church and Arlington. Let's see how some Congressional leaders are viewing AI and their early thinking about its potential.

James-Christian Blockwood hosts Xavier de Souza Briggs of the Brookings Institution and Daniel Stid of American Enterprise Institute. This conversation explores the multifaceted role of philanthropy in society, particularly in the context of governance, civil society, and the impact of the Trump administration on nonprofits and higher education. Briggs and Stid discuss the historical significance of philanthropy, its influence on policy, and the challenges faced by educational institutions. They also examine trends in charitable giving and the importance of maintaining a pluralistic approach to philanthropy for the future of civic engagement.Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

 In this episode of Management Matters, host James-Christian Blockwood talks with Secretary Bob McDonald and Commissioner Martin O'Malley, two seasoned government executives from Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration, to discuss approaches to public service, leadership philosophies, and the transformative changes they implemented in their respective roles. They explore the challenges of modernizing government, the importance of leadership in change management, and the role of data-driven decision-making and technology in improving government services. The conversation also touches on the future of Social Security and veteran services, emphasizing the need for hope and effective leadership in navigating these challenges.Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT 

As the Senate votes to confirm new IRS Commissioner Billy Long, w e welcome two titans of IRS leadership, former Commissioners Danny Werfel and John Koskinen, both Academy fellows. They discuss the challenges and changes at the IRS, including budget cuts, workforce reductions, and the impact on taxpayer services.We get an up close look at the future of tax administration and the importance of maintaining an effective IRS. Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT 

While Congress, the President, and Elon Musk trade insults and accusations, we're joined by Former Comptroller General and author David Walker, and Brett Loper, Executive Vice President of Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation to look at the enormous challenges of the current budget reconciliation process.Political leaders are strongly divided over the long-term implications of H.R. 1 “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.”  Tax cuts, changes to Medicaid and health care coverage, and the impact on our national debt are some of the most contentious issues. We dive into critical fiscal challenges, break down the issues with what many experts call an unsustainable fiscal path, the role of Congress in solving (or worsening) the problem, and the importance of public awareness. Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Government efficiency is THE topic of conversation since the start of President Trump's second term. But does the government already have the tools to prevent waste, fraud and abuse? Who's conducting oversight already, and how?We're joined by U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro and Inspector General of the Department of Justice Michael Horowitz to talk about how the government already has a substantial efficiency toolkit that predates the Department of Government Efficiency.