[Virtual] "Ethics, Vetting & Public Trust"

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, April 15, 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

Political appointment and senior government service bring a level of scrutiny that many candidates underestimate. Financial holdings, professional relationships, foreign contacts, public statements, social media, taxes, ethics obligations, and personal history may all become relevant. This session helps prospective public servants understand how to prepare for scrutiny while approaching government service with the transparency and judgment that public trust requires.

What We’ll Discuss

• What political and presidential vetting actually examines
• Ethics, financial disclosure, conflicts of interest, and recusals
• Security-clearance considerations
• Digital footprints and professional history
• Political vetting versus legal and ethics review
• Transparency, disclosure, and protecting public trust

Speakers

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’s experience in presidential personnel and White House operations gives him direct insight into the appointment process, national-security personnel, clearances, transition planning, and the preparation required for senior government service.

Charles Carithers

Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Charles Carithers is a public-policy and government-affairs professional whose work focuses on national security, public service, and the intersection of policy, institutions, and government leadership.