After five years at the helm of the National Academy of Public Administration, president and CEO Dan Blair is ready for his swan song.
NAPA officials said on Aug. 3 that Blair would step down as head of the governance nonprofit this fall.
"It is with great regret that the Academy announces Dan's decision to leave after more than five years of distinguished leadership, and we reluctantly accept his decision," said Dr. Paul L. Posner, chairman of NAPA's Board of Directors, in a statement.
"The Board unanimously chose Dan after a comprehensive nationwide search to lead the Academy at a critical juncture in our history. Dan effectively led the Academy with energy and dedication during extremely challenging times and I speak for the entire Board in commending Dan for his commitment and service to the Academy. We wish Dan continued future success."
Blair, a former deputy director of the Office of Personnel Management, became NAPA president in July 2011 after 26 years of federal service, including a stint as the first chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission and later PRC commissioner.
"I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with outstanding public administrators like Paul and the Academy's Board of Directors, including former Board Chairs Ken Apfel, Diane Disney and Robert Shea," Blair said in a statement.
"The Academy is an extraordinary place and I have had the privilege to work closely with the Fellows and an extremely dedicated and professional staff in pursuit of our unique mission to improve the quality, performance, and accountability of government. I thank Paul for his leadership of the Board, and I am pleased to assist the Academy in undergoing a smooth transition."
NAPA officials said they were forming a committee to pick Blair's successor, with Mark A. Pisano heading the search. The academy was established in 1967 to provide government leaders guidance on how to build "more effective, efficient, accountable and transparent organizations."
Blair and the academy recent unveiled extensive research on the 2016 presidential transition, including best practices for the next administration.
