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When
it comes to selecting Cabinet Secretaries, a nominee's proven
expertise in public management is often a deciding factor.
Continuing a trend of previous administrations, three of President-elect
Bush's nominees are Fellows of the National Academy of Public
Administration-the nation's premier source of independent,
nonpartisan advice on government management and organization.
Secretary of State-designate Colin L. Powell,
Treasury Secretary-designate Paul O'Neill, and Secretary of
State-designate Donald Rumsfeld have all been Academy Fellows
for over 10 years. Individuals are elected by their peers
for an outstanding and sustained contribution to the practice
or study of public administration. Appointment to the Academy
is one of the highest honors in the field.
The Academy's membership of over 500 Fellows
is known for its unparalleled insight and experience in addressing
critical issues confronting our governance system. The membership
consists of current and former executive branch officials,
members of Congress, governors, mayors, legislators, diplomats,
business executives, public managers, and scholars. As a completely
independent nonprofit, the Academy is set apart as a trusted
source of high-quality, independent analysis and advice and
is recognized for its ability to build bridges among people
and groups with diverse views.
The nominations of Powell, O'Neill, and
Rumsfeld carry on Academy Fellows' involvement in administrations
both Republican and Democratic. Under the Clinton administration
four Fellows held Cabinet posts. Donna Shalala served as Secretary
of the Department of Health and Human Services, Henry Cisneros
served as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Federico Pena (former Fellow) served as Secretary
of the Department of Energy, and Hazel O'Leary served as Secretary
of the Department of Energy.
Powell, the first designee named by Bush,
is former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has served
as Commander of U.S. Forces Command, Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs, and Senior Military Assistant
to the Secretary of Defense.
O'Neill is Chairman and former CEO of the
Aluminum Company of America and has served as Deputy Director
of the Office of Management and Budget and as President of
the International Paper Company.
Rumsfeld is former chairman and CEO of General
Instrument Corporation and has served as Senior Advisor for
William Blair and Company, CEO of Searle Company, Secretary
of the U.S. Department of Defense, White House Chief of Staff,
Ambassador to NATO, Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity,
and member of the U.S. House of Representatives (Illinois).
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