[Virtual] "The Path to a Presidential Appointment"

Leadership Seminar Series presented by the BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project

In collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS)

Thursday, January 21, 2027 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET | Virtual

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

Details, session PPT, zoom background here: https://iabpia.org/Leadership-Project

About the Session

Presidential appointments can appear mysterious from the outside. In reality, they involve a complex process of talent identification, role matching, political trust, sponsorship, vetting, ethics review, and, for some positions, Senate confirmation. This session demystifies how appointments actually work and what prospective appointees should be doing well before an administration begins staffing.

What We’ll Discuss

• How presidential appointees are identified and evaluated
• Presidential Personnel and transition-team processes
• Schedule C, noncareer SES, PAS, and other appointment categories
• The role of sponsors, validators, and political relationships
• Vetting, ethics, clearances, and Senate confirmation
• How early prospective appointees should begin preparing

Speakers

Chris Piper

Center for Presidential Transition, Partnership for Public Service

Chris Piper works with the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition, supporting efforts related to presidential transitions, political appointments, personnel systems, and the preparation required for effective administration leadership.

Devontae Freeland

Professor of Practice in Public Policy, Universitat Pompeu Fabra–Barcelona School of Management | Former Associate Director for National Security Agency Personnel, White House Presidential Personnel Office

Devontae Freeland served in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, including responsibility for national-security agency personnel. His government service also includes roles with the White House Chief of Staff, White House Counsel, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Biden-Harris Transition Team.

Heather Samuelson

Attorney & Strategic Advisor, HFS Strategies PLLC | Former Special Assistant to the President & Senior Confirmations Counsel, The White House

Heather Samuelson is an attorney and strategic advisor with nearly two decades of experience spanning the White House, State Department, and nonprofit sector. As Special Assistant to the President and Senior Confirmations Counsel, she guided hundreds of presidential nominees through the Senate confirmation process. She previously served as State Department White House Liaison, Assistant Counsel in the White House Counsel’s Office, and Chief Counsel to the Clinton-Kaine Pre-Election Transition Team.