From the EOP to Nonprofits: A Résumé of Service

President’s Day. It’s the day to honor those persons who have served in the highest position in these United States. It’s always a Monday because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 that was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Supporting every president is an advisory body of exceptional technical and innovative leaders. Unlike other career opportunities, the Office of the President has a distinct end date — no 10-year gifts for this unique group. With the drive to serve, many never stop pursuing fields to help people, and our country. But where do they go and how are they continuing these missions?

Once confirmed, presidential appointees start with a world of opportunity at their fingertips. From the time of the nomination to the appointment, political media tracks every move, and journalists try to get a feel for how an administration will transform priorities into reality. Appointees take the time to devise plans to support the sitting president’s agenda and make a mark in history.

Appointees have the unique challenge of creating high-performing teams with shifting personnel and long-term, trusted Senior Executive Service (SES) — all while committing to aggressive timelines to deliver results. And just as their plans are implemented, mid-term elections approach and the reminder of “everything is temporary” sets in. While no one knows the final outcome of the looming presidential election, there is an undercurrent in the urgency of executing plans. Concurrently, it’s time to build the right relationships to make sure there’s a pathway for success beyond the role of a lifetime.

Former appointees have a unique set of skills: backing a political agenda while navigating archaic systems and preserving staff morale — a blend of service and leadership. This experience sets them up for success and a transition into nonprofit leadership. Whether it’s sitting at the helm of a top lobbying trade group, an influential think tank, or inspiring the next generation of public administrators, they can continue to make an impact.

To get a complete understanding, Leadership Connect is the source to use to know who’s influencing and making decisions in the public and private sectors. The in-depth profiles identify subject-matter expertise, interests, and career trajectories. If you’ve ever wondered “Where are they now?”, here’s a sampling of nonprofit leaders from past administrations.