ASPA’s 2010 Annual Conference a Success

This article appeared in the Summer print issue of PA TIMES.

Caneka McNeil

The 2010 Annual Conference held in San Jose, CA was a major success. This year’s theme, “Invigorating Public Service for Change,” was displayed in a variety of sessions, workshops and special events. There were more than 1,000 participants who attended the conference eager to learn about the field of public administration and how they can continue to advance public service.

The conference featured notable speakers such as John Berry, director of OPM; and Paul Volcker, chairman of the U.S. Economic Recovery Advisory Board and former chairman of the Federal Reserve. Stay tuned to ASPA for conference podcast highlights. Interested to see what you missed? Check out ASPA’s conference blog.

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the conference.

Opening Plenary Session
John Berry, director of OPM, served as the opening plenary speaker. He addressed the progress on President Obama Administration’s personnel management reform agenda. Berry’s heartfelt address inspired ASPA members and the next generation of public service leaders to move ASPA and the field of public service forward.

SWPA Breakfast
Councilwoman Madison Nguyen, the first Vietnamese American to serve on the San Jose City Council, offered the keynote address at the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA) Breakfast. She discussed her inspiration for choosing a career in public service and her current initiatives as a councilwoman.

Donald C. Stone Lecture
Richard Stillman, editor-in-chief of the Public Administration Review (PAR), served as the presenter for the Donald C. Stone Lecture. Stillman took the audience on an intellectual journey and reflected on PAR at 70. He passionately explained why PAR mattered yesterday, why PAR matters today, and why PAR matters for the future.

Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Luncheon
Alvin Brooks, community activist, served as the honoree and speaker for the Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Luncheon. Brooks’ speech included a series of stories that provided life lessons while involving humor. Brooks touched the hearts and souls of the attendees and gave them encouragement and motivation to continue their service to the public.

Caneka McNeil is ASPA’s communications specialist. Email: [email protected]

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