2025 Senior Executive Leadership Summit:
The Journey of Leadership

Program and Schedule*

*Please note that this schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

Day 1 (Hybrid) - Laying the Path

Description: On the first day, the summit will explore the environment that public servants need to lead within, which is more complex today than ever. We will discuss how leaders can intentionally set themselves and others up for growth and success. What are tools, mindsets and knowledge that leaders should pack and prepare to navigate uneven terrain? How can they support those they lead? How can they best understand and potentially even change the environment itself for the better?

 

Day 1 Plenary Panel - The State of Leadership: Exploring Today’s Public Service Leadership Landscape 

Description: Today’s leadership environment is more complex than ever. New technologies are transforming the way we work, budgets are under pressure and government agencies’ regulatory tools are changing. Understanding this environment and the current issues at hand is the first step in a federal leader’s journey of propelling their teams toward mission success. This panel will explore some of the most critical challenges and opportunities that define today’s public service leadership landscape and how senior executives can set themselves and their teams up for success.

Panelists: 

  • Larry Turner,  Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor

  • Moderator: Betsy Myers, Senior Advisor, Warren Bennis Leadership Institute, University of Cincinnati

 Breakout Session Topics: 

  • Building Employee Engagement in Times of Transition 

  • Exploring Today’s Budget Environment

  • A New Model for Trust

  • Building a Culture of Accountability

  • Leading with a Data-Driven Mindset

  • The Power of Storytelling in Public Service

  • Making Hybrid Work Better

  • Facilitation Skills for Leaders

  • And many more…

 

Agenda:

08:00 - 09:00 AM: Registration 

09:00 - 09:30 AM: Opening Remarks

09:30 - 10:15 AM: Opening Keynote

10:15 - 10:45 AM: Networking Break

10:45 - 11:45 AM: Panel Discussion

11:45 - 12:45 PM: Lunch

12:45 - 01:45 PM: Breakout Series 1

01:45 - 02:00 PM: Break

02:00 - 03:00 PM: Breakout Series 2

03:00 - 03:30 PM: Networking Break

03:30 - 04:30 PM: Breakout Series 3

04:30 - 06:00 PM: Reception

 

 

Day 2 (Hybrid) - Navigating the Way

Description: On the second day, we will hit the ground running to navigate the twists and turns that public service leaders encounter along their professional journey. These might include evolving technologies, policy changes, organizational shifts, or more personal obstacles and opportunities. How can leaders navigate inevitable change and transition? How can they adapt and improvise when facing the unexpected? We will explore the peak moments that keep leaders motivated and energized, the tough challenges that test resolve and foster resilience, and everything in between.

 

Day 2 Plenary Panel - The Long Game: Wisdom on Navigating the Civil Service Leadership Journey 

Description: When disaster strikes, challenges arise or opportunities unfold, public service leaders rise to the occasion and are responsible for many noteworthy and inspiring accomplishments that protect the nation and more effectively deliver services for the betterment of the nation and society. This panel will explore how leaders have navigated various challenges and opportunities to achieve meaningful results for the public. They will share valuable wisdom on how to be an effective public service leader by meeting the moment during periods of change and uncertainty. 

 Panelists: 

  • William Schoonover, Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, DOT

  • Moderator: Kerry Neal, Associate Commissioner for Administration, Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Breakout Session Topics: 

  • Burnout Prevention in Leadership 

  • From the Inside Out: Bridging Employee Experience and Customer Experience Strategies

  • Personal Resilience in Uncertain Times 

  • The Bright Side: Recognizing and Celebrating Successes 

  • Working With What You’ve Got: Improvising and Adapting as a Leader

  • From Bill to Reality: Implementing Major Investments

  • How to Lead When You’re Not Feeling the Leader Within You

  • Leading Through Change and Transition  

  • And many more…

Agenda:

08:00 - 09:00 AM: Registration 

09:00 - 09:15 AM: Welcome Remarks 

09:15 - 10:00 AM: Opening Keynote

10:00 - 10:15 AM: Break

10:15 - 11:15 AM: Panel Discussion 

11:15 - 11:45 AM: SEA Awards Ceremony

11:45 - 12:45 PM: Lunch

12:45 - 01:45 PM: Breakout Series 4

01:45 - 02:00 PM: Break

02:00 - 03:00 PM: Breakout Series 5

03:00 - 03:30 PM: Networking Break

03:30 - 04:30 PM: Breakout Series 6

 

Day 3 (Virtual ) - The Journey Continues

Description: On this final day, the summit will orient leaders toward the future, sharing ideas and solidifying new connections as they continue their leadership path. Some sessions will foster discussion on how leaders can continue their growth within the ever-changing leadership landscape, and others will examine the landscape itself. What are the new frontiers to anticipate? How can leaders maintain the right mindset and prepare to face whatever is on the horizon? Attendees will leave the summit energized and inspired to step confidently into the next chapter of their leadership journey.

Day 3 Plenary Panel - The Next Frontier: The Future of Leading in Public Service  

Description: Advancements in technology, shifting expectations of work and complex societal issues are changing the leadership landscape. What are the trends leaders need to look out for moving forward? How can leaders stay agile, mindful, responsive and innovative when facing new opportunities and challenges? What are the skills leaders need to venture with confidence into the unknown? This panel will explore these questions and provide direction, advice and inspiration for participants embarking on the next steps of their leadership journey. 

Panelists: 

  • Alexis Bonnell, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory

  • Caroline Star, Director of Operations, School of International Futures

  • Moderator: Jennifer Ives, Director, Center for Federal AI, Partnership for Public Service

 

Breakout Session Topics: 

  • Best Practices for SES Continuing Development

  • Venturing Beyond: Continuous Growth through Coaching

  • Back to the Future: Foresight for Feds

  • Harnessing AI to Lead Today and Tomorrow

  • Leading Through Modernization 

  • Empowering Others Through Autonomy

  • And many more…

Agenda:

09:00 - 09:45 AM: Opening Keynote

09:45 - 10:45 AM: Panel Discussion

10:45 - 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 - 12:00 PM: Breakout Series 7

12:00 - 01:00 PM: Lunch Break

01:00 - 02:00 PM: Breakout Series 8

02:00 - 02:30 PM: Closing Plenary