THE SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83-00156R000600020056-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 1, 2005
• Sequence Number: 56
• Publication Date: September 19, 1979
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2pk1 l-r \ Wkg 00156R000600020056-9
WASHINGTON
September 19, 1979
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: The. Selection and Development of the. Senior
Executive Service
The Senior. Executive Service, the keystone of the Civil Service
Reform Act, was inaugurated on July 1.3. The SES'offers one of
the most promising, avenues for improving the management of the
Federal government. I know that you share my satisfaction and
pleasure that over 96 percent of those eligible to join the
Senior Executive Service did so. It is-essential that we take
advantage of this demonstration of confidence in the.Service
and maintain the momentum which it has created.
I know that you will take a continuing interest in the SES and
in the development of those who will join the Service in the
future. One of the most important ways of accomplishing this
is by establishing a strong Executive Resources Board in your
organization to oversee the administration of the Senior Executive
Service. This Board will also direct executive development
systems to identify and train candidates for future membership
in the SES.
The people who serve on these Boards hold the key to the future
of the SES. It is imperative that you impress upon the Chairperson
and members of your Executive Resources Board the importance this
Administration places upon executive selection and development.
The Office of Personnel Management has established criteria for
executive selection and development programs. I believe these
criteria provide the flexibility you need to devise a system
which meets the specific characteristics and needs of your
organization. Central to every program must be the identification
and selection, in advance, of top performers who have executive
potential and whose talents should be developed to enable them to
take top-level responsibilities. This will involve both wide
competition and a very careful selection for the executive
development programs required by the Reform Act. I also want
to make certain that women, the handicapped, and members of
minority groups are given full consideration when selections
are made.
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We have the opportunity, now, to establish systems that will
provide an effective, motivated, and exemplary corps of career
executives to serve the needs of our Nation in the years to
come. There are no more important actions we can take to
.provide long-term benefit to Government and more efficient
delivery of services to the public.
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