Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute
February 10, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose and Policy: Emphasizes responsible taxpayer spending and the elimination of government programs that do not directly benefit the American people, aiming to refocus the government on serving taxpayers and upholding the Constitution.
- Focus on Bureaucratic Reform: Criticizes the persistence of a bureaucratic leadership established over decades (specifically targeting the legacy of the Federal Executive Institute) that has contributed to an entrenched managerial class in Washington, D.C.
- Elimination of the Federal Executive Institute: Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take all necessary steps to eliminate the Institute, effectively discontinuing its role in providing leadership training to bureaucrats.
- Revocation of Prior Orders: Revokes previous executive documents including the May 9, 1968 Presidential Memorandum and relevant provisions of Executive Order 11348 from April 20, 1967, which previously established or supported the Federal Executive Institute.
- General Provisions: Ensures that the order does not impair the authority of other executive entities, adheres to applicable law, and does not create any enforceable rights for any party against the government.
Risks & Considerations
- The elimination of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) may lead to a reduction in leadership training opportunities for federal employees. This could impact the quality of leadership within federal agencies, potentially affecting their efficiency and effectiveness.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how the removal of such a training institution could affect its own leadership development programs, particularly if there were any collaborations or shared initiatives with the FEI.
- The focus on reducing federal programs that do not directly benefit the American people might set a precedent for further cuts to other educational or training programs, which could indirectly impact Vanderbilt’s partnerships or funding opportunities.
- There is a potential risk that the elimination of the FEI could lead to a broader trend of reducing federal support for educational and training initiatives, which may necessitate strategic adjustments by Vanderbilt to maintain its leadership in these areas.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Leadership Development Programs may need to reassess their strategies and offerings in light of the elimination of a major federal leadership training institution.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see changes in demand for its expertise in leadership training and development, potentially opening new opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies seeking alternative training solutions.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might need to engage more actively with federal agencies to understand the implications of this executive order and advocate for the university’s interests in leadership and training initiatives.
Financial Impact
- The elimination of the FEI may lead to a reallocation of federal funds, which could impact the availability of grants or contracts related to leadership training and development.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize programs that directly benefit the American public, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for leadership development research and initiatives, particularly if federal agencies seek alternative training solutions following the closure of the FEI.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving potential changes in leadership training and development programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Leadership Development Programs should assess the impact of the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute on leadership training opportunities. This may present an opportunity to expand Vanderbilt’s offerings in executive education and leadership development for government officials and other sectors.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor any shifts in federal training and development priorities to identify new opportunities for collaboration or funding that align with Vanderbilt’s strategic goals.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Department could explore research opportunities on the implications of reducing federal bureaucratic training programs, potentially influencing future policy discussions on government efficiency and public service training.
Opportunities
- The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Executive Education Programs to fill the gap left by the Federal Executive Institute’s elimination. By offering tailored leadership training programs, Vanderbilt can attract government and private sector leaders seeking development opportunities.
- Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in discussions about the role of federal training programs and their impact on government efficiency and effectiveness. Hosting forums or publishing research on these topics could enhance the university’s reputation in public policy and administration.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to capitalize on new opportunities in leadership training and public policy research.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – There is no explicit deadline provided in the order; instead, directives are to be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to appropriations.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Federal Executive Institute: This Government program, which has provided leadership training for bureaucrats for over 50 years, is being directly eliminated as a cost-saving measure.
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM): The Director of OPM is directed to take all necessary steps to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute in accordance with applicable law.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): While not directly targeted, the order clarifies that nothing in this directive shall affect the functions of the OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
Relevance Score: 2 (Three Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Director of the Office of Personnel Management – Tasked with taking all necessary steps to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact an agency head with significant responsibility over agency programs.)