Presidential Administration Academy Certificate Program
Prepared to Serve
Learning The Basics of Appointed Service
We are pleased to announce the launch of our inaugural certificate program, Prepared to Serve.
The Prepared to Serve certificate program provides aspiring appointees with background information about the role of political appointees in federal service, job opportunities in an Administration, how the background investigations and clearance processes work, and steps you can take now to get ready for the rigors of the hiring process. The program starts with inspiring sessions on the principles that undergird conservatism and the history of the modern conservative movement.
Participants can choose to complete select courses or earn a certificate of completion by taking all seven courses included in the certificate program and passing each quiz.
| Course List |
|---|
| 1. Conserving America Dr. Matthew Spalding, Hillsdale College |
| 2. The History of the Conservative Movement Christopher Malagisi, Hillsdale College (D.C.) |
| 3. Why Your Service Matters: How Presidential Appointees at All Levels Impact Policy Derrick Morgan, Roger Severino & Erin Walsh, The Heritage Foundation |
| 4. Political Appointees & the Federal Workforce Spencer Chretien & Kaitlin Stumpf, The Heritage Foundation |
| 5. Want to Work for the President? What You Can Do Now to Prepare Kristine Bramsen, The Heritage Foundation |
| 6. The Federal Background Investigation & Security Clearance Process Dennis Kirk, The Heritage Foundation Bethany Kozma, Keystone Policy |
| 7. Presidential Transitions & Appointee Hiring: What You Need to Know Ed Corrigan, Conservative Partnership Institute Rick Dearborn, The Heritage Foundation |
| Bonus Elective: Getting in the Front Door: Suitability, Ethics & Financial Disclosures Dennis Kirk, The Heritage Foundation |
| Bonus Elective: Deep Dive on The Federal Background Investigation & Security Clearance Process Dennis Kirk, The Heritage Foundation |
This Program is Designed For Conservatives Who:
- Have not previously served in a presidential administration but would like to serve in the future.
- Are former political appointees who plan to continue their service with the next conservative Administration and want a refresher on the basics of appointed service.
- Are seeking insight and information to determine if federal appointed service is the right fit for them.
- Want to learn more about the processes, requirements, and preparations necessary to be successful appointee candidate.
Instructors
Kristine Bramsen
Director, The Phillip N. Truluck Center for Leadership Development
The Heritage Foundation
Spencer Chretien
Associate Director, 2025 Presidential Transition Project
The Heritage Foundation
Ed Corrigan
President & CEO
Conservative Partnership Institute
Rick Dearborn
Visiting Fellow, 2025 Presidential Transition Project
The Heritage Foundation
Dennis Kirk
Associate Director, Personnel Policy, 2025 Presidential Transition Project
The Heritage Foundation
Bethany Kozma
Founder & CEO
Keystone Policy
Christopher Malagisi
Executive Director of Outreach
Hillsdale College (D.C)
Derrick Morgan
Executive Vice President
The Heritage Foundation
Roger Severino
Vice President of Domestic Policy & The Joseph C. and Elizabeth A. Anderlik Fellow
The Heritage Foundation
Dr. Matthew Spalding
Vice President of Washington Operations & Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government
Hillsdale College
Kaitlin Stumpf
Senior Program Manager, 2025 Presidential Transition Project
The Heritage Foundation
Erin Walsh
Senior Research Fellow in International Affairs in the Asia Studies Center
The Heritage Foundation