Washington, DC - The Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA, today celebrated its 40^th anniversary of preparing and advancing management excellence in the Federal Government. Established on May 9, 1968 by executive order, the Federal Executive Institute mission was to increase the capacity of top civil service executives and professionals who in turn would improve the quality of Government for the American people.

FEI is part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. OPM Deputy Director Howard Weizmann provided remarks at the ceremony, and focused on the benefits FEI has delivered since its founding. "Exceptional leadership in the Federal Government is essential" he said. "For 40 years now, the Federal Executive Institute has been an extraordinary source for managers and leaders, and their work has greatly benefited both the Government and the American people."

Since 1968, FEI has graduated more than 20,000 participants from the flagship program Leadership for a Democratic Society, and over 26,000 participants from all programs.

During the first two years, FEI classes were conducted at the University of Virginia primarily using UVA professors. In 1970, FEI moved to its present location, the Thomas Jefferson Inn, a landmark hotel in Charlottesville.

Leadership for a Democratic Society (LDS) was the first program developed by the FEI founders. The first 8-week course comprised 30 students from 30 agencies. LDS is now a four-week course with 72 participants in each class. While it remains the flagship course, FEI now offers over 30 Open Enrollment courses, plus a wide array of custom programs for agencies across government. FEI also provides performance consulting and executive coaching programs to agencies and executives.

FEI programs are open to government agencies around the country and around the world with participants from State and Local government offices, as well as International governments.