National Academy of Public Administration National Academy of Public Administration

Who We Are

The National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-partisan organization established in 1967 and chartered by Congress in 1984.

To carry out this mission, the Academy draws on the knowledge and experience of its nearly 1,000 Fellows—including former cabinet officers, Members of Congress, governors, mayors, and state legislators, as well as prominent scholars, career public administrators, and non-profit and business executives. Supported by a full-time professional staff, our Fellows bring their insights, experience, successes, and lessons learned straight to our clients through independent thought leadership, in-depth studies and analyses, advisory services and technical assistance, congressional testimony, forums and conferences, and stakeholder engagement.

As outlined in its Congressional charter, the Academy seeks to advance government practices through studies and projects held to the highest standards of efficiency and excellence. From its founding, the Academy’s commitment to good governance drives the organization forward and inspires its work.

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Our Staff

Discover the dedicated staff members of the National Academy of Public Administration on this comprehensive page

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the National Academy of Public Administration.

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History of NAPA

Explore the history of the National Academy of Public Administration and learn how the Academy has supported better government through...

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Our Mission

The National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization established in 1967 and chartered by Congress. The Academy offers solutions to leaders to make government work better by leveraging the knowledge and experience of over 1,000 Academy Fellows selected for outstanding accomplishments and scholarship in public administration. We help leaders achieve a more effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable government.

Our Core Values

Independence
Credibility
Integrity
Innovation
Inclusion

The Congressional Charter

The Charter set forth the following “objects and purposes” for the Academy:

  1. Evaluating the structure, administration, operation, and program performance of Federal and other governments and government agencies, anticipating, identifying, and analyzing significant problems and suggesting timely corrective action;
  2. Foreseeing and examining critical emerging issues in governance, formulating practical approaches to their resolution.
  3. Assessing the effectiveness, structure, administration, and implications for governance of present or proposed public programs, policies, and processes, recommending specific changes;
  4. Advising on the relationship of Federal, State, regional, and local governments; increasing public officials,’ citizens,’ and scholars’ understanding of requirements and opportunities for sound governance and how these can be effectively met; and
  5. Demonstrating by the conduct of its affairs a commitment to the highest professional standards of ethics and scholarship.
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