Management

What does the head of the State Department do?

The secretary of state has an expansive job that could make or break peace deals and key foreign alliances.

DOGE agency deployments raise ethical and influence concerns

Trump’s government efficiency commission is reportedly sending staff around government, but its structure remains a mystery.

OPM officials tout agency’s transformation under Biden

Leaders at the federal government’s dedicated HR agency said the organization has come a long way since being targeted for elimination by the first Trump administration.

Some Trump nominees face confirmation delays with ethics and background checks behind schedule

Lawmakers are demanding Senate Republicans not move forward without full vetting, a process delayed by Trump's transition foot-dragging.

What does the defense secretary do?

The secretary of defense must perform a "delicate dance" between the president, Congress and the public.

‘Over half’ of federal websites got better in the past year, OMB official says

Metrics released by the Office of Management and Budget offer insight into how agencies are implementing the 21st Century IDEA Act.

What does the head of the Environmental Protection Agency do?

The EPA administrator protects public health, air, water and the environment.

GSA administrator: This agency’s workforce delivers effective, efficient government – now and into the future

COMMENTARY |The head of the General Services Administration, which manages administrative functions across the federal government, including real estate, acquisition and information technology, reflects on her tenure.

Outgoing VA chief meets with Trump's 'very serious' transition team to discuss budget shortfall, other issues

Secretary Denis McDonough shares concerns about staffing with Trump's VA team, which is making dozens of requests for information during transition period.

What does the Interior secretary do?

The Interior secretary manages vast lands that all Americans share − and can sway the balance between conservation and development.

Trump says his transition with the Biden administration is ‘not smooth’

Other reports, including from Trump's own chief of staff, indicate the process is going according to plan.

IG, regulator bash USPS plans to slow some mail delivery

A test rollout of a key Postal Service initiative has not achieved any of the promised cost savings, auditors find.

OPM CIO announces retirement

Guy Cavallo is the agency’s longest serving CIO in the past decade.

Officials say federal employee background check system overhaul is finally on the right track

The director of the agency primarily responsible for background checks of federal employees said the change in administration likely won’t affect modernization efforts.

As Trump mulls his FEMA pick, a political land mine awaits in Florida

The president-elect's eventual nominee to lead the emergency management agency will be caught between Florida's disaster relief and FEMA's funding problems.

Biden to close federal agencies Jan. 9 for Carter day of mourning

The White House unveiled an executive order Monday giving federal employees Jan. 9 off in recognition of the death of the 39th president.