ASPA
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
As ASPA marked its 75th Anniversary, the Society significantly enhanced its communications channels, launched new and varied professional development resources for its members and welcomed a new executive director. This report summarizes ASPA’s major achievements in 2014.
Letter from the 2014-2015 President and Executive Director Dear Friend, 2014 was a milestone year for the American Society for Public Administration in two very important ways. Our nearly 8,000 members celebrated our 75th anniversary through a series of events designed to commemorate our history and mission of advancing excellence in public service. Even more important, we recommitted our association to the goals for which we were founded in 1939: to become a strong voice on the importance of the work of government, and the people who work in it, for American society. Presented in this annual report are the results of our efforts to enhance ASPA’s role as the umbrella organization for the field; build our Society, both internally and externally, in meaningful and concrete ways; and more actively engage our members in a broader range of activities that provides value to their daily work and professional development. As you read through these pages, we hope you will agree that ASPA has made significant strides in 2014, from strengthening the national organization’s relationship with our local Chapters and subject matter Sections, to significantly enhancing the frequency, content and presentation of our communications. Providing the critical bridge between the practitioner and academic communities—long a key objective of our Society—continued to guide all of our work as we launched new initiatives and reinvigorated existing ones. And, we worked hard to engage the many brother and sister organizations that share a commitment to the public good. We also know you will agree that this work is ongoing; it requires a sustained commitment that spans presidents and short-term priorities. Our leadership looks forward to sharing our progress with you in future annual reports, which will be published to coincide with the conclusion of an ASPA president’s annual term. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. At the end of the day, ASPA is about our members, both current and future. Much appreciation goes to our National Council for its tireless commitment to ASPA’s effective governance. We also offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to 2013-2014 President Steve Condrey whose outstanding vision made our 75th anniversary celebration possible, and to 20152016 President Maria Aristigueta whose leadership continues to move our organization forward. Most important, we thank you for your support and the very special role you play in making ASPA a critical voice for effective public service.
2014-2015 President
Executive Director
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About ASPA
Established in 1939, ASPA is the largest professional association for individuals who work in, teach and study public administration. Its diverse membership of more than 7,500 individuals is committed to strengthening public service through professionalization and education. ASPA supports its members by offering a variety of professional development opportunities, providing access to resources that enhance their skills and advocating for a stronger public service and public sector through collaboration with like-minded organizations.
Our Members
A reflection of its founding as an interdisciplinary organization that provides a bridge between the practitioner and academic communities, ASPA’s membership is made up of administrators, scholars, and students. Many members move between the academic and public service arena as “pracademics,� sharing their knowledge in a university setting while still working in the field at the federal, state and local level. As of December 2014, ASPA had 7,595 members.
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ASPA was established as a home for the U.S. public administrator. Over the years, the Society also has become home to many public servants outside the United States. Our growing membership in Africa and Asia is a testament to outreach by ASPA leadership to advance governance and professionalization of the civil service in developing countries. Additionally, our work globally has been strengthened as we co-sponsor several conferences outside the United States, including the International Conference on Public Administration, which celebrated its 10th year in 2014; and the Young Scholars Workshop, which promotes rigorous academic excellence among new scholars.
Non-U.S.
Top 5 countries outside the U.S.: 1. Nigeria (131) 2. China (113) 3. Canada (31) 4. Ghana (26) 5. Japan (20)
ASPA members work at various levels in the public sector. From the local county office to federal agencies, academic institutions to for- and non-profit organizations, members are strengthening public service everywhere. Below is a sample of positions held by ASPA members across government and nonprofit organizations. The more frequent a position, the larger the word.
Administrator Administrative
Development Management
Director
Public Assistant Analyst Managing Student Manager Business Financial
Community Specialist Adjunct Lecturer Chief Distinguished Emeritus Relations Supervisor Secretary Clerk Health Budget Programs General Senior Services Chair Officer City Candidate Department Government PhD CEO Finance Planning Faculty School Resources Planner Police Service Accountant Chairman Division Affairs Town Retired Doctoral Staff Fellow Graduate Project Prof Support President Policy Instructor Advisor Political Executive Dean Research Program County Office Coordinator Deputy Consultant
Associate
Operations
Administration
Professor
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Chapters and Sections have always been the bloodline of ASPA’s 56 Chapters engagement with our members. In 2014, ASPA recommitted and 28 Sections are to strengthening its affiliates by supporting their work, the bloodline of growth and local networking. Chapters and Sections were the focus of ASPA’s 2014 Mid-Year meeting which offered an member engagement opportunity for their leadership to exchange ideas, explore collaboration and identify tools to help their organizations thrive. More than 50 individuals participated. In 2014, the National Office realigned its staff resources to establish a full-time Chapter-Section coordinator position that provides Chapters and Sections with a dedicated source of organizational support.
Our Chapters
With a network of 56 Chapters, including an International Chapter, ASPA members are offered expansive opportunities to network within their local public service communities. 1
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1 1
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5
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1 Rhode Island: 1
Delaware: 1 District of Columbia: 1
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Chapter States
Our Sections
Non-Chapter States
ASPA’s 28 Sections foster collaboration on special interest topics. Members can meet experts in the field through webinars, subscribe to subject matter journals or attend Section-sponsored events and conferences. For example, the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA) 2014 conference, held in March 2014, featured Congressman John Lewis as a speaker and awardee. The Association on Budgeting and Financial Management’s 2014 conference was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the theme Fiscal Sustainability in Hard Times. 4
ASPA Sections produce journals that keep members updated on trends in their specific fields. Currently, 14 Sections have journals that are published regularly. American Academy of Certified Public Managers Association on Budgeting and Financial Management Conference of Minority Public Administrators LGBT Advocacy Alliance Section on Chinese Public Administration Section on Criminal Justice Administration Section on Complexity and Network Studies Section on Democracy and Social Justice Section on Effective and Sound Administration in the Middle East Section on Emergency and Crisis Management Section on Environmental and Natural Resources Administration Section on Ethics Section on Health and Human Services Administration Section on Historical Artistic and Reflective Expression Section on Intergovernmental Administration and Management Section on International and Comparative Administration Section on Korean Public Administration Section on Nonprofit Policy, Practice and Partnerships Section on Personnel Administration and Labor Relations Section for Professional and Organizational Development Section on Public Administration Education Section on Public Administration Research Section on Public Law and Administration Section for Public Management Practice Section on Public Performance and Management Section on Science and Technology in Government Section on Transportation Policy and Administration Section for Women in Public Administration
Promoting Performance Management, Ethics and Accountability The Center on Accountability and Performance Measurement is a center within ASPA that encourages the use of performance measurement and managing for results in the public sector. In 2014, CAP offered its inaugural Social Equity Fellowships to five individuals to study innovative tools to advance the performance measurement of social equity. In 2014, ASPA members approved establishment of the Ethics and Standards Implementation Committee as a follow up to its approval of a new Code of Ethics in 2013. The committee will assist ASPA members in handling challenging ethical situations and seek to resolve complaints and violations of the code in a positive way.
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Education and Professional Development
ASPA’s 7,500 plus members gain access to resources that are designed to strengthen their skills and enhance their knowledge on public management and administration. As Public Administration Review (PAR) approached its 75th anniversary, ASPA’s heralded publication marked several major accomplishments in 2014 that solidified its standard as the field’s premier journal.
Public Administration Review
PAR has become the field’s go-to professional journal for top-ranked research and cutting-edge commentary on public administration issues. PAR’s popularity is growing. In 2014, 4,164 institutions purchased access to the journal, published by Wiley. PAR’s global reach is growing, as well, with a readership that spans Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China. PAR welcomed Richard Feiock of the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University as its managing editor in 2014, joining the editorial team led by Editor in Chief James L. Perry, distinguished professor emeritus and chancellors’ professor at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. 6
In 2014, the PAR site enjoyed more than one million downloads. Its most popular article was The Impact of Public Officials’ Corruption, with more than 29,000 downloads.
PA TIMES 2014 saw ASPA significantly expand the reach and depth of PA TIMES, which it publishes in print and online. The publications provide news, features and columns highlighting emerging public sector trends, profiles of outstanding public servants and must read reports. In addition to the quarterly print version, the online version was redesigned with double the number of articles posted and tremendous growth in readership. PA TIMES has a committed group of 37 monthly columnists and 77 writers who cover a range of topics, including foreign policy, organizational leadership, public safety, HR management and intergovernmental relations. In 2014, PA TIMES Online published 417 articles.
The PA TIMES website had a 57 percent increase in page views from 2013 to 2014 and 53 percent more users in 2014.
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ASPA strengthened its online professional development series in 2014, introducing expanded offerings that resulted in a 20 percent increase in participation. The Society also launched in-person gatherings called the ASPA Forums, an online BookTalk series and Leadership Insights, a new e-publication. More than 2,000 members participated in activities convened by the National Office.
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ASPA Forums The Washington, DC-based ASPA Forums allowed members and others to convene and discuss topics of shared interest, including risk management, succession planning and lessons learned from implementation of the Recovery Act. ASPA partnered with the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management and the International Public Management Association for Human Resources on the first two forums, which are co-sponsored by ASPA’s National Capital Area Chapter.
Leadership Insights Leadership Insights marks one of the newest resources available to members. This e-publication offers unique perspectives from public sector leaders on timely and relevant public administration topics. The series featured insights from Elaine Kamarck, senior fellow at Brookings and former senior policy advisor to Vice President Al Gore; Bernice Sandler, the “Godmother of Title IX;” and Frank Thompson, distinguished scholar on federalism and health policy. On average, more than 10,000 subscribers received this resource.
BookTalk In mid-2014, ASPA introduced monthly BookTalks, an online conversation with authors of books that are earning the attention of those working in or studying the field. On average, attendees rated the sessions as a 4.3 or higher on a scale of 1-5. Two hundred and forty individuals participated in our six BookTalks.
“I was glad to see the emphasis on social equity and the need for public employees to be engaged in advocacy roles.” - Attendee, BookTalk on Public Service Values
Webinars Each month, ASPA offers one or more webinars on professional skills development. Members receive free access to this programming. In 2014, ASPA convened 10 webinars focused on specific public management topics and attended by a total of 552 individuals.
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Annual Conference
2014 marked a milestone year for ASPA as it celebrated its 75th Anniversary in Washington, DC. The Annual Conference, the major professional development event for many ASPA members, was the location for marking this historic moment in the Society’s history.
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A 75th Anniversary Gala drew more than 500 individuals and featured entertainment by The Capitol Steps and storyteller Rita Paskowitz with An Ode to Public Service. ASPA also recognized outstanding public servants by presenting its National Public Service Awards to Ronald Bates, city manager for Pico Rivera, California; John Shirey, city manager for Sacramento; and Thomas Prendergast, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Under the theme, Celebrating the Successes and Promoting the Future of Public Service, the Annual Conference welcomed 1,200 attendees from 44 countries and hosted 125 panels. Attendees expanded the reach of the conference through their online interactions on Twitter and Facebook posts which had a total reach of 10,354 people.
76%
of conference attendees have attended two or more Annual Conferences.
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The Next Generation
In 2006, ASPA launched the Founders’ Fellows program, aimed at supporting the next generation of public sector leaders through mentoring, networking, publishing and professional development opportunities. Each year, a class of 15-25 Fellows is selected through a competitive process. The Fellows attend and present at the Annual Conference and write a subject matter paper on an issue related to their scholarship or work, which is published in PA TIMES.
Building a Coalition
Initially open to graduate students, the Fellowship program in 2014, under the leadership of 2013-2014 President Stephen Condrey, was expanded to new professionals in the first five years of their public service career. Seventy-five Founders Fellows were selected in 2014 to commemorate the Society’s 75th anniversary.
Over the lifetime of the program, ASPA has offered 256 Fellowships.
ASPA, under the leadership of 2014-2015 President Allan Rosenbaum, led an initiative among public affairs and public service-minded groups to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the role of government. Rosenbaum convened a diverse group of 15 organizations to discuss building a coalition and working together to change the anti-government rhetoric that has plagued the public sector for the past four decades.
Keeping You Updated In 2014, ASPA revamped our communications tools to enhance our ability to engage the membership. We launched a twice a weekly edition of PA TIMES, redesigned the PA TIMES website and strengthened our bi-monthly e-newsletter, The Bridge. Members receive regular notification about professional development, career and conference opportunities. Our social networks continue to be a popular medium for interacting with members and non-members. At the end of 2014, the ASPA National Facebook page had 3,424 likes and our Twitter account had more than 1,500 followers. Our LinkedIn group is an active circle of more than 19,000 professionals, students and researchers who discuss new reports, exchange information about career opportunities and share advice on working in the public sector.
ASPA LinkedIn Group Member Job Positions
13% 7% are in administrative positions
are in research positions
ASPA LinkedIn Group Member Career Levels
25% 24% are in entry-level positions
are in senior level positions
ASPA LinkedIn Group Member Industry
43%
are in government-related field
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National Council
The National Council is ASPA’s governing body. It includes the officers and three representatives for each region. Each region is made up of a collection of states.
2014-2015 ASPA Officers Left to right:
Allan Rosenbaum, President Maria Aristigueta, President-elect Susan Gooden, Vice President Stephen Condrey, Past President William Shields, ASPA Executive Director
District Representatives
District I encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Left to right:
Michael Ahn; William Ciaccio; Michael L. Hall
District II encompasses Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and West Virginia.
Left to right:
Michael Brintnall; Nancy R. Foye-Cox; Tonya T. Neaves
District III encompasses Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Left to right: Ines
Falo Beecher; Kalu Kalu; Ronnie Korosec
District IV encompasses Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Left to right: J
Paul Blake; Suzanne Discenza; Sharon Mastracci
District V encompasses Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.
Left to right:
Paul A. Danczyk; Dovie D. Dawson; James Nordin Left to right:
M. Jae Moon, International Director Galia Cohen, Student Representative Gedeon M. Mudacumura, COMPA Representative Heidi Jane Smith, Parliamentarian
ASPA Endowment
The ASPA Endowment supports the Society’s efforts to strengthen public service. The Endowment has several named funds that honor the legacy and contributions of dedicated ASPA members and public administration leaders like Nesta Gallas, the Society’s first female president, and Philip Rutledge, ASPA’s first African-American president. As 2014 drew to a close, the Endowment’s portfolio returned to prerecession levels with a total value of $685,079 and net growth of 7.75 percent for the year.
Campaign for 76 In 2014, the Endowment launched a special campaign to mark the Society’s 75th anniversary and its future. The Campaign for ’76 highlights ASPA’s historic and ongoing contribution to strengthening a democratic and strong society. This fund, an idea originating with President Allan Rosenbaum, was established specifically to support ASPA’s long-term financial health and viability and its work on behalf of the public service. The campaign’s name was derived directly from the compelling message of the Founding Fathers in 1776 that resonates within ASPA today: governance by the people and a celebration of ASPA’s storied history as it moved into its 76th year.
2014-2015 Endowment Board Marc Holzer, Chair; Rutgers University at Newark, Newark, NJ Erik Bergrud, Park University, Parkville, MO Cheryle Broom, Seattle, WA Jack H. Knott, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Sylvester Murray, Jackson State University, Miami, FL Irene O’Brien, Rutgers University at Newark, Newark, NJ Paul Posner, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
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2014 Timeline JANUARY ASPA welcomes Bill Shields as its new executive director. Shields had served for more than a decade with the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). National Council members and key stakeholders hold their annual leadership retreat in Chicago. Their focus is on development of ASPA’s new strategic plan. MARCH More than 500 members celebrate ASPA’s 75th anniversary at a gala celebration held during the 2014 Annual Conference in Washington, DC. The conference, with the theme Celebrating the Successes and Promoting the Future of Public Service, attracts 1,200 attendees who participate in 125 panel sessions. The Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA) holds its annual conference in conjunction with the ASPA conference. The ASPA section welcomes remarks from civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis. The ASPA presidency transitions from Stephen E. Condrey to Allan Rosenbaum. The Midwest Public Affairs Conference holds its inaugural regional conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana. More than 150 attend the two-day event. APRIL The ASPA National Office announces plans to strengthen the Society’s Chapter-Section network.
MAY The National Office launches The ASPA Forums, a series of Washington, DC-based convenings on key issues of public management. The first one, cohosted by the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management, focuses on managing risk in public sector organizations. ASPA convenes more than 15 public service organizations, including the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities, to begin the process of building a coalition to support a strong and effective public sector. ASPA launches its newly redesigned PA TIMES Online version. ASPA Chapters and the National Office participate in annual Public Service Recognition Week celebrations. JUNE Jointly organized by ASPA and EGPA, the 10th Transatlantic Dialogue takes place in Lugano, Switzerland.
JULY
OCTOBER
ASPA hosts the 3rd Young Scholars Workshop in conjunction with Jilin University. Twenty young scholars arrive in Changchun, China for the intensive three-day forum.
The Association on Budgeting and Financial Management holds its annual conference in Grand Rapids, MI. The section tackles Fiscal Sustainability in Hard Times as its theme.
The second ASPA Forum is held. Co-hosted by the International Personnel Management Association for Human Resources, it focuses on succession planning at the federal and local levels.
The third ASPA Forum features a five year retrospective on the Recovery Act featuring expert panelists central to its implementation and oversight.
Deans and chairs of NASPAA-accredited schools receive the book Memos to National Leaders, a joint effort of ASPA and NAPA. AUGUST ASPA launches Leadership Insights, an e-publication series highlighting unique perspectives on timely public policy and management topics. Later, it introduces the BookTalk series as the newest member benefit. SEPTEMBER ASPA’s convenes Chapter and Section leadership for the first in a series of annual meetings to strengthen our network of locally-based and subject matter affiliates. The National Council approves ASPA’s five-goal strategic plan. Atlanta hosts the 2014 Southeastern Conference on Public Administration which focuses on the theme, “Reflection, Progression and Uncertainties: Theories and Practices for Innovative Governance.”
The 10th International Conference on Public Administration, which ASPA has co-organized since its outset, takes place in Chengdu, China. NOVEMBER The Northeastern Conference on Public Administration tackles Building Bridges: Working Toward Collaborative Governance at its annual conference, held in Portsmouth, NH. Members elect Janice Lachance as ASPA’s 20172018 president. They also elect five new National Council members. Members overwhelmingly approve establishment of a committee to oversee an ethics review process, the latest step in establishing ASPA as a leader in public sector ethics. DECEMBER The National Council approves the reconstitution of ASPA’s Central Ohio Chapter.
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