U.S. Representative to World Bank, Four-Time Presidential Appointee to Lead Nation’s Preeminent Organization Dedicated to Good Government

Washington, DC — February 5, 2007—The Board of Directors of the National Academy of Public Administration today announced the appointment of Jennifer L. Dorn as the Academy’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 1.  Dorn currently serves as the U.S. representative on the Board of the World Bank, a global cooperative owned by 184 member countries, of which the United States is the largest shareholder.

The Academy is an independent, non-profit organization chartered by Congress to improve government effectiveness. Its research program includes studies on the FBI’s post-9/11 reorganization and the effect of off-shoring activity on the U.S. economy and workforce.  The Academy recently completed ground-breaking work on public health and corrections, the nation’s fiscal future, the challenges and opportunities of intergovernmental collaboration and foreign aid and governance challenges in Haiti.  The Academy’s work is conducted by its 600 Fellows, who are among the nation’s top policy makers, public administrators and academics.  They include current and former Cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors, state legislators, diplomats, business executives, local public managers, foundation executives and university leaders.

“Jenna Dorn is a proven leader and consensus-builder, with a reputation for finding innovative solutions to the most complex management and public policy challenges,” Board Chair Valerie Lemmie said.  “The Board is delighted to have her take the helm.”  Dorn was elected a Fellow in 1992 and served on the Academy’s Board from 1997 to 2003. 

Dorn brings to the Academy more than 30 years of public service leadership.  She has served in four Senate-confirmed positions under three U.S. Presidents.  In addition to her position at the World Bank, Dorn’s Presidential appointments include four years as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, managing the federal government’s $7.2 billion annual program to improve and support public transportation services in communities across America.  She previously served as Assistant Secretary of Labor and Associate Deputy Secretary of Transportation.  

Recruited in 1998 by former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop as the National Health Museum’s first president, Dorn laid the foundation for the creation of a preeminent institution and educational resource about health.  She also served for seven years as Senior Vice President of the American National Red Cross, overseeing fundraising, marketing, communications, international services and government relations for what was then a $1.8 billion organization.

“The heart of the Academy is its 600 elected Fellows and the work they do to improve government,” Dorn said.  “I have embraced and supported the mission of the Academy for many years—and I look forward to leading the organization as it makes even greater contributions to effective government on behalf of the American people.”

Dorn holds a B.A. in Journalism from Oregon State University and an M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.