Welcome to PrunesOnline, an inventory and description of the toughest management and policy-making jobs in the federal government.  Whether you are an interested member of the public or the press – or someone who aspires to one of these 120 Presidentially-appointed jobs – we think you’ll find insightful and valuable information on PrunesOnline.  

So, why “prunes”?   A good question.  The title is a play on “The Plum Book”, which Congress publishes to coincide with every Presidential election.  It lists the thousands of jobs, board and commission seats that a President can fill.  “Prunes” are “Plums” that are seasoned by experience and with a much thicker skin – and these jobs are among the toughest in Washington. 

Find out who already has been tapped for these critical positions, the background they bring to the job, where they are in the Senate confirmation process, and learn about the current challenges of the agency and the Department that will be their home. You will also find useful resources for Presidential nominees navigating the appointment and confirmation process, and strategies for surviving and thriving as a new appointee in a “prune” job.  As an added feature, you’ll find relevant National Academy studies for many of these organizations. 

The National Academy of Public Administration – the Home of Good Government -- is pleased to host this on-line resource.  As a non-profit, independent coalition of top public management and organizational leaders, our 600 distinguished Fellows and experienced professional staff are dedicated to helping government provide accountable, efficient, effective and transparent organizations that deliver results.  We recognize the importance of effective leadership in these challenging times, and as a Congressionally chartered organization, we are trusted across government to provide objective management advice and practical solutions to vexing problems. 

We are grateful to the Council on Excellence in Government (CEG), which created PrunesOnline with the guidance and support of Frank Weil.  When CEG closed its doors earlier this year, they asked us – and the National Academy eagerly agreed – to continue this important service.  We have added a number of features and resources which we believe make its content even richer.  No matter what your perspective – prospective appointee, stakeholder, press or public – we hope you will find it both useful and interesting. 

Jennnifer L. Dorn
President and CEO
The National Academy of Public Administration 

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