Fellow Spotlight: Ellen Glover

During your time in ICF, what kind of projects did you oversee and/or what projects were you were particularly passionate about and why?

ICF performs on a wide variety of projects which impact some of the most important issues of our day from climate change to cybersecurity to public and environmental health to digital transformation. It was an honor, as the executive responsible for our public sector work, to be involved in managing hurricane recovery work and in promoting public health around issues of HIV/AIDS, smoking cessation, obesity.

What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing a career in public administration?

I think most of us seek a career public administration because we want to make an impact. Beyond that, I was most surprised and pleased to find how fascinating and varied the work is. There is always something to learn. So that would be my advice – be a continual learner and seek new opportunities. Consider working in different sectors – government at different levels, non-profits, and consultants to government. The varied experiences will enrich your capabilities.

How did your experience Presidential Management Fellows Program guide your career path? Were there any interesting lessons during your time there?

I was in the first class of PMF (then called PMI) and that experience was seminal to my career. Through that experience, I got a broad exposure to how the federal government operated which served me well throughout my career. I really came to understand the “plumbing” of the federal government – the impacts of things like budgets, rules and regulations for personnel and contracts, interaction with Congress and other oversight bodies, interactions with constituents, etc. Invaluable learning for a career in the public sector.

What would you currently consider the most critical challenge for public administration and why?

Obviously public trust in government is a huge dilemma which challenges politicians and practitioners alike. For practitioners/public administration professionals, I think one way that we make an impact is by making government programs more accessible for citizens. This is the goal of the President’s Management Agenda - modernizing our approaches, including digital transformation of communication and systems, as well as coordinating programs across agencies.

What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to kayak and paddle board, and I am an adequate second mate on a sailboat.

What was your dream job as a child?

I didn’t really have a dream job as a child – teacher or nun seemed to be the only options. I was fortunate to stumble into a wonderful career in the public sector. I am having my dream retirement – I am on the boards of two government consulting firms which is fascinating and rewarding work, and yet have plenty of time for travel and my three grandchildren.