, adjunct professor for , has been named president and chief executive officer of the , effective Jan. 1, 2025.
James-Christian Blockwood
Blockwood has taught Maxwell students in the nation鈥檚 capital since 2022 and served as executive vice president at the Partnership for Public Service. He also previously served in the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs.
Blockwood will succeed Terry Gerton, the Academy鈥檚 longest-serving leader.
鈥淚n our search for our next president and CEO, the board of the Academy was looking for a combination of broad and deep experience in public administration, outstanding leadership skills, and a demonstrated commitment to the Academy鈥檚 unique role and mission,鈥� says Janet A. Weiss, Academy board chair. 鈥淭erry Gerton has been an extraordinary leader for the Academy and in James-Christian Blockwood we have identified a leader we believe will build on Terry鈥檚 legacy, the reputation of the Academy and our capacities for the future.鈥�
As one of only two congressionally chartered institutions of its kind, the Academy has a mandate to advance the field of public administration and provide nonpartisan expertise to Congress and the next presidential administration.
The Academy has 1,000 fellows from all levels of government, academia and the private sector. Fellows include public managers and scholars, business executives, current and former cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, state legislators and diplomats. Among them is .
Van Slyke said Blockwood advances the field of public administration through his work with the University. 鈥淗e helps students and executive professionals hone critical skills and prepares the next generation to be the future leaders our country needs,鈥� Van Slyke says, adding that his course on strategic foresight is a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students and builds on his strong reputation in strategy, management and public affairs. 鈥淗e is very well-equipped to lead an organization focused on advancing the practice of public administration.鈥�
Blockwood says it is a 鈥減rivilege to have the confidence of the board of directors to lead the Academy into its next era鈥攅specially with the Academy’s 60th and our nation鈥檚 250th anniversaries as milestones ahead.”
