Unsung Heroes: Federal Execucrats Making a Difference (VIP; 40) - Softcover

Riccucci, Norma M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 087840595X ISBN 13: 9780878405954

Publisher: Georgetown University Press, 1995

Synopsis

This book explores an important side of public employment that most Americans never get the opportunity to see - high-level career executives who make positive contributions to our quality of life. Norma M. Riccucci profiles six "unsung heroes", the people behind the scenes of some of the most successful programs in American government, and identifies the tools, skills, and strategies that make them effective leaders. Through in-depth interviews and provocative story-telling, Riccucci demonstrates that while these executive-level bureaucrats - or "execucrats" - may have an overall negative public image, they create, develop, execute, and enforce a number of programs and public policies that change our country for the better. She highlights six of these modern execucrats who best exemplify the creativity, determination, and leadership found in such officials: William Black, Senior Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Thrift Supervision, who attacked the rampant corruption and mismanagement that created the savings and loan crisis; Eileen Claussen, Director, Atmospheric and Indoor Air Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who negotiated as intensely within her own government as with other countries to create an international plan to protect the earth's ozone layer; and, Ambassador Edward Perkins, U.S. State Department, the first African-American Ambassador to South Africa and the first American ambassador to meet with black South African leaders as part of his persistent efforts to end apartheid in that country. This title highlights: Stephen Marica, Assistant Inspector General, Small Business Administration, who investigated the Wedtech scandal, which bilked millions of dollars in fraudulent defense contracts from American taxpayers; Dr. Vince Hutchins, Director, Division of Maternal and Child Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who spearheaded the team that developed "Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition", a public-private partnership that improved, and even saved, the lives of thousands of newborn babies; and, Dr. Helene Gayle, Division Chief, HIV-AIDS Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, who is actively battling the AIDS virus through education and prevention programs around the world. Riccucci not only relates the intriguing tales of these six dedicated officials who overcame the challenges before them, but she also analyzes the specific factors - from knowledge of the system to honesty, integrity, and humor - that are needed to become a dynamic government executive. Of interest to those both inside and outside government circles, "Unsung Heroes" gives captivating insights into effective executive leadership.

About this title

Product Description:

Unsung Heroes Explores high-level career executives who make positive contributions to Americans' quality of life. This title profiles six "unsung heroes", the people behind the scenes of some of the most successful programs in American government, and identifies the tools, skills, and strategies that make them effective leaders.

About the Author:

Norma M. Riccucci is a professor of public administration at Rutgers University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 087840595X
• ISBN 13: 9780878405954
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 268