Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood brings together government and private sector leaders for in-depth conversations about the big issues impacting public service, government and more. A podcast of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Episodes

August 4, 2025 21 mins

What is the role of government in facilitating an equitable society? What kind of country do we want to live in? Big questions need real answers as government reevaluates and seeks to challenge us to think critically about the role of equity in public life.

Academy Fellows Kimberly Walton, CEO of SynergyUSA and formerly of Department of Homeland Security and Department of Commerce, and Chris Koliba, the Edwin O. Stene Distinguished ...

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This episode features highlights from our timely and candid Critical Conversation exploring the evolving landscape of U.S. national defense and homeland security.

 Our distinguished panel of Academy Fellows will examine how to align strategy, resources, and operational readiness in a rapidly changing environment.
Featured Speakers:
Jane Holl Lute – Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Michael McC...

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In this episode of Management Matters, host James-Christian Blockwood explores the evolving dynamics between the executive branch, Congress, and the judiciary with guests Yuval Levin of American Enterprise Institute and Academy Fellow Robert Shea of GovNavigators. The discussion delves into the (self-imposed) weakening role of Congress, the impact of expanding populism on public administration and the federal workforce, and the cur...

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Host James-Christian Blockwood discusses the status of science and government with Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academy of Sciences, and Chavonda Jacobs-Young, former Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and Chief Scientist at the US Department of Agriculture. They address the challenges facing the scientific community, including funding cuts, workforce issues, public trust, and the need for internati...

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Special Crossover Episode with AI in the Public Sector, Season 3! 

AI has the potential to transform the way citizens interact with the government and the way agencies deliver services to citizens.  In previous episodes in this series we have heard from a number of Executive Branch leaders on the promises and potential risks of AI and how it's starting to transform government -- internal processes, service delivery, cybersecuri...

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James-Christian Blockwood hosts Xavier de Souza Briggs of the Brookings Institution and Daniel Stid of American Enterprise Institute. This conversation explores the multifaceted role of philanthropy in society, particularly in the context of governance, civil society, and the impact of the Trump administration on nonprofits and higher education. Briggs and Stid discuss the historical significance of philanthropy, its influence on p...

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 In this episode of Management Matters, host James-Christian Blockwood talks with Secretary Bob McDonald and Commissioner Martin O'Malley, two seasoned government executives from Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration, to discuss approaches to public service, leadership philosophies, and the transformative changes they implemented in their respective roles. 

They explore the challenges of modernizing government...

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As the Senate votes to confirm new IRS Commissioner Billy Long, w e welcome two titans of IRS leadership, former Commissioners Danny Werfel and John Koskinen, both Academy fellows. They discuss the challenges and changes at the IRS, including budget cuts, workforce reductions, and the impact on taxpayer services.

We get an up close look at the future of tax administration and the importance of maintaining an effective IRS....

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While Congress, the President, and Elon Musk trade insults and accusations, we're joined by Former Comptroller General and author David Walker, and Brett Loper, Executive Vice President of Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation to look at the enormous challenges of the current budget reconciliation process.

Political leaders are strongly divided over the long-term implications of H.R. 1 “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.”  Tax c...

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Government efficiency is THE topic of conversation since the start of President Trump's second term. But does the government already have the tools to prevent waste, fraud and abuse? Who's conducting oversight already, and how?

We're joined by U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro and Inspector General of the Department of Justice Michael Horowitz to talk about how the government already has a substantial efficiency to...

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AI has the potential to transform the way citizens interact with the government and the way agencies deliver services to citizens.  In previous episodes we have heard from a number of Executive Branch leaders on the promises and potential risks of AI and how it's starting to transform government -- internal processes, service delivery, cybersecurity, and so on. The General Services Administration (GSA) will be in the forefront...

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AI is at the center of public debate. What does the future look like when Large Language Models are incorporated into crucial decision-making processes that have, to this point, been almost entirely human. Our guests this week can help us answer fundamental questions about the intersection of technology – specifically AI – and Government. 

Jen Palhka is an Academy Fellow and author, founder of the U.S. Digital Service and Code for A...

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After a brief hiatus, we're back! In this episode of the new and refreshed Management Matters, host and Academy President James-Christian Blockwood discusses the impact of President Trump's first 100 days on public management with experts and Academy Fellows Don Moynihan and Don Kettl. They cover the challenges and opportunities in efforts toward government efficiency, the role of civil servants, and the administration&ap...

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Originally Aired, February 5, 2024

In this episode, we welcome Jonathan Womer, Director of the Department of Administration for Rhode Island and Academy Fellow, to discuss tailoring performance management techniques to individual states, recommendations for engaging with communities, and how to keep government effective over the long term.


Support the Podcast Today at:
donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190

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Originally Aired, February 5, 2024

In this episode, we welcome Academy Fellow Joe Barela, Colorado's Executive Director of Labor and Employment, to discuss Colorado's workforce practices, including its workforce center, its skills-based hiring initiative, and the changes in the full ecosystem of employment. 

Links:
CDLE Employment Resources: access to job search engine, job fairs and events, Colorado Workforce Center lo...

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Originally Aired: July 1, 2024

In this episode, we welcome Chris Koliba, Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration and Academy Fellow, to discuss liberal democratic accountability standards, inclusive governance, and ways to strengthen democracy in today's environment.

Links:
Read: Liberal democratic accountability standards and public administration

 
Suppor...

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Originally Aired: September 23, 2024

In this episode, we welcome John Koskinen, Former Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and Academy Fellow, to discuss the importance of transparency and accountability, as well as how relationship-building can lead to more effective problem-solving.


Support the Podcast Today at:
donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190


Music Credits: Sea Breeze by Vlad Gluschenk...

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This originally aired on GovExec TV.

The 2024 elections concluded smoothly, but what lessons did we learn about AI’s impact on election security? A distinguished panel—including John Gilligan of the Center for Internet Security, John Cohen of DHS, and Marci Andino, former State Election Director for South Carolina—explores the role of AI in identifying threats, managing misinformation, and supporting electoral integrity. In this epi...

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This originally aired on GovExec TV.

The IBM Center for the Business of Government has unveiled “Navigating Generative AI in Government,” a comprehensive report authored by Alex Richter. This session delves into the report’s findings, offering strategic pathways for integrating generative AI across government operations. Featuring the report’s author and Dan Chenok, Executive Director of the IBM Center, this discussion provides acti...

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This originally aired on GovExec TV.

The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) promises a glimpse into the future of AI and its transformative implications for government and governance. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, shares highlights from CES and insights from his book, “Pivot or Die: How Leaders Thrive When Everything Changes.” Gain a sneak peek at emerging trends set to shape the next chapter of AI inno...

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