Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

In this episode of Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood, experts dive into the evolving challenges in election security and administration. Featuring insights from Kathleen Hale, Professor emerita of Political Science at Auburn University and Executive Director of the Election Center, and Derek Tisler, counsel and manager in the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, the episode explores the shifting role of federal support, the importance of state and local level resources, the critical nature of community trust, and the innovations that are reshaping how elections are conducted. The discussion highlights the necessity of reliable funding, continuous technology updates, and robust information-sharing practices to ensure the integrity and resilience of the American election system.01:13 Exploring Election Security Challenges02:23 Federal Government's Role in Election Security03:39 Election Officials' Response to Security Gaps07:26 Building Trust and Resiliency in Elections14:09 Modernizing Election Systems19:07 Lessons from International Election Systems23:09 Future of Elections and Preparation25:49 Qualities of Great Election OfficialsManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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 week's episode of Management Matters features an external view on what's happening in American governance, and the quest to learn more about how international observers are thinking about American global leadership. Academy Fellows and governance scholars Andrew Podger (Australia) and Alasdair Roberts (Canada) join host James-Christian Blockwood for an in-depth discussion.Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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 Critical Conversations Special Event highlights the Academy’s upcoming report, Bringing AI to Main Street – Maximizing Artificial Intelligence's Positive Impact on Municipal Economies, a research initiative sponsored by Google to support local and regional leaders in navigating the fast-evolving AI landscape.Episode also features Academy Fellow Marcelo Giugale.Learn more about the report at https://napawash.org/academy-studies/aieconomy Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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 delves into public governance and the challenges posed by declining trust in democratic institutions. Joined by Loren DeJonge Schulman, an expert in national security, public service reform, and organizational strategy, the discussion centers on the importance of being outcome-focused and engaging communities to improve government efficacy. Schulman shares insights from her diverse career and what could be next in the best of all worlds. Explore the role of future-oriented thinking in shaping effective public administration with us.00:00 Introduction: Trust in Government00:33 Exploring Governance and Innovation00:51 Guest Introduction: Loren DeJonge Schulman01:13 Diving into Public Governance01:53 Challenges in Public Administration04:40 The Importance of Community Engagement07:01 Skills and Expectations in Public Service09:11 Reimagining Government Structures20:01 Current Federal Policies and Implications23:33 Advice for Public AdministratorsManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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

We may be in an incredibly important moment for reimagining and reinventing  what government can be. On this week's episode of Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood, we talk to Academy Fellow Dan Chenok, Executive Director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government, and Philip Howard, Founder and Chair of Common Good, about some of the possibilities of this consequential moment for government. Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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

Academy Fellows Angela Bailey and Jeffrey Neal, former Chief Human Capital Officers at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, talk about tough problems and forward-looking solutions on this episode of Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood. What makes for a good workforce leader? How can we create a government workforce that's built for the 21st Century and beyond? Find out this week!Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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 explores how communities can adapt to a changing environment. Guests Jim Murley, Academy Fellow and former Chief Resilience Officer for Miami-Dade County, and Dr. Heidi Roop, Director of the University of Minnesota's Climate Adaptation Partnership, discuss the distinctions between adaptation, resilience, and mitigation. They also emphasize the importance of local government, individual preparedness, and effective coordination among agencies to tackle climate challenges. Our guests underscore the need for actionable science and strategic policies to help build resilient communities.Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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

David Gragan, a former Chief Strategic Operations Officer at NASPO, and Angela Shell, Chief Procurement Officer for California, dive into the hidden world of procurement. They discuss the critical role procurement plays in modern government tasks, from emergency management to infrastructure projects. The duo highlights the need for effective training and public trust in procurement, while advocating for the professionalization of the workforce. They also share innovative practices and insights into how procurement can be both a fulfilling career and a driver of community service.

Education is a system, and today, all systems are subject to reform efforts. Academy Fellow Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, and Martha Bohrt, Interim Executive Director of the National Association of Schools of Public Administration and Policy (NASPAA), join host and Academy President & CEO James-Christian Blockwood to tackle a big question: How does public administration education need to change? From widening continuing education opportunities to the benefits of accreditation and independent review, these experts in the field of higher education explore the future of education, how to get there, and what it means for students across the globe. Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. 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

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