Government reform groups merge

The Council for Excellence in Government will merge into the Partnership for Public Service, effective Feb. 16.

The merger will consolidate government reform resources and expand the partnership’s programs, said Max Stier, president of the partnership. The current economic climate has made it difficult to raise funds for nonprofit organizations, including those aimed at improving government performance, John Macomber, chair of the council’s board of trustees, said Feb. 9.

“We need innovation and leadership in government more than ever before,” Stier said.

The council will transfer its major programs to the partnership, including the Excellence in Government Fellows, Strategic Advisors to Government Executives and Public Service Recognition Week. The majority of the council employees also will join the partnership, working in areas of government transformation, policy, education and outreach, Macomber said.

“Moving these programs to the partnership will improve efficiency, increase their impact and provide needed services to more government executives and organizations,” he said. The council will cease operations Feb. 15, he noted. The council also has published The Prune Book, which describes the toughest management and policymaking jobs with each new administration and the skills needed to be successful at them.