Good Government Academy Names New Leader

After a months-long search, the National Academy of Public Administration has found a new president and CEO: Teresa Gerton, an Army veteran who also has extensive civilian federal management experience.

Gerton is currently deputy assistant secretary for policy at the Labor Department’s Veterans Employment and Training service. Before that, she served as a career member of the Senior Executive Service at the Defense Department for eight years after completing a 20-year career as an Army officer in 2003. Gerton is a recipient of both the meritorious and and distinguished Presidential Rank Awards, the highest honor for senior federal executives.

NAPA is a congressionally chartered independent nonprofit organization created to help government leaders improve their organizations and operations. Its 800 fellows include current and former government officials, public administration scholars and business executives.

“Terry brings a depth of expertise in strategic organizational management, along with a proven track record as an effective leader in a variety of organizational contexts,”  said Reginald L. Robinson, chairman of NAPA’s board of directors. “We welcome her vision, energy and leadership as the academy prepares to write its next chapter.”

“I am pleased and excited to accept this opportunity to further the academy’s important mission of good governance that benefits all citizens,” said Gerton. “This is a time of great opportunity for the academy as the government undergoes the transition to a new presidential administration and faces growing challenges that require innovative solutions.”

Gerton succeeds Dan G. Blair, who announced his retirement in August. Blair had led NAPA for five years.