Washington, DC -- In recognition of her outstanding leadership of the Federal workforce, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James was recently inducted as a Fellow at the 2004 National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Director James joins a membership of over 550 NAPA Fellows who will work to advise leaders in Federal agencies, Congress, state and local governments, academia, and foundations on organizational, operational, and strategic planning challenges.

"It is an honor to be a part of such a distinguished group of individuals who are deeply committed to serving the American people and the important issues of modernizing the workplace," said James. "I look forward to continuing to work with NAPA and NAPA President C. Morgan Kinghorn in advancing the cause of public service as they serve as an important resource in addressing emerging issues that are critical to the future strength of our government."

NAPA President C. Morgan Kinghorn said, "This year's class of Fellows represents the very best in public administration.  Their experience is vast and diverse, but they share a common attribute:  a commitment to public service and effective management that is strong and unwavering.  As the steward of our Federal civil service, we are pleased Director James has joined the Academy community."

Fellows are elected each year by the existing 550 members.  The primary criterion for selection is sustained contribution to the field of public administration through public service or scholarship.  In addition to Director James, the 2005 Fellows are: 

· Timothy Conlan, Professor of Government and Politics, Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University;

· Ronald Dellums, Board Chair, Constituency for Africa;

· Edward Flynn, Secretary for Public Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

· Admiral James Loy, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;

· Elizabeth Robinson, Deputy Director, Congressional Budget Office;

· Bruce Romer, Chief Administrative Officer, Montgomery County, Maryland;

· Leon Tarver, II, President, Southern University System;

· Sheila Burke, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Smithsonian Institution; and

· Anthony Williams, Mayor, District of Columbia.

NAPA is an independent, non-partisan organization chartered by Congress to assist Federal, state, and local governments in improving their effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.