Leadership

Musk's role as ‘special government employee’ raises ethics questions

The SpaceX founder and CEO's moves across federal agencies break with tradition and could result in legal action.

Musk visits and asserts growing influence at GSA

Musk has former employees installed at the government’s HR shop, and several have appeared at its acquisition, tech and real estate agency as well.

2 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Democrats fired

Their removals by President Donald Trump leave the EEOC without a quorum.

Gregory Barbaccia named federal CIO

The Palantir alum has also served in the Army and as an intelligence analyst.

Musk visits OPM following workforce assignments for DOGE

Amanda Scales, a former employee of Elon Musk’s AI company, was recently tapped to be the chief of staff at OPM.

Top Oversight Democrat says he’s open to collaborate with the DOGE

The new Department of Government Efficiency — which, despite the “department” referenced in its name, is an advisory effort, not a government department — has aims to trim the federal workforce and hunt efficiencies in tech and fraud reduction efforts.

US has ‘a lot of work to do’ on cyber defenses, departing cyber czar says

Outgoing National Cyber Director Harry Coker thinks his office needs more influence over the federal cyber budget but not necessarily more authority on offensive cyber operations.

OPM CIO announces retirement

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

Intelligence CIO moves to helm IT at the National Institutes of Health

Adele Merritt, who served as CIO for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence since January 2022, took over as the NIH CIO on Dec. 16.

USDS looks for a new deputy as the Trump administration approaches 

Mina Hsiang, current administrator of the U.S. Digital Service, is expected to leave before the Trump administration takes the helm.

How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition

Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.

CISA Director Jen Easterly to depart on Inauguration Day

Easterly and Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan are set to leave as an administration change casts doubt on the agency’s future. 

Holding poor performers accountable can lead to better government

COMMENTARY | The current process for addressing poor performers in government is difficult for managers and confusing for employees.

The government needs to up its game on technology and use of data to better serve the public

COMMENTARY | Despite pockets of progress, the government is still behind the curve when it comes to modern technology and AI, writes one good government observer.

The federal government must make improved customer service a priority

COMMENTARY | A good government requires good customer experience—and that requires serious reform, writes one observer.

The federal government must focus on developing and supporting leaders dedicated to serving the public interest

COMMENTARY | Unlike organizations within the private sector and the military, the executive branch does not have a systematic, deliberate approach to developing and supporting federal leaders, writes one good government advocate.