You are here: American University School of Public Affairs Key Executive Leadership Programs Home

Change Your Career, Change Your Life Key Executive Leadership Programs

The #4 ranked Key Executive MPA and Executive Leadership Certificate Programs have transformed good managers into extraordinary leaders since 1975.
Request Info

The Key Executive MPA is ranked#4 in the nation for Executive Master in Public Administration Programs. There are 900+ new Key students annually. 96% of Key students said the program helped foster their successful careers.

2022 Presidential Rank Awards 16 Key Alumni take home Presidential Rank Awards!

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced the recipients of the 2022 Presidential Rank Awards (PRA), one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service. Chosen by President Biden, the PRAs recognize the hard work and important contributions of dedicated civil servants in the American federal workforce.  

This year, the President selected 233 winners from 33 federal agencies for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service over an extended period of time. These individuals are all members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific and Professional (ST) corps.  Among those awardees were 16 Key Programs alumni!
 

key events banner

Key x TEI present: Private to Public and Back Again

April 12, 2023 | Noon to 1:00 pm ET
Hosted online via Zoom | Registration Required

 

key blogs banner

Not the Mighty Oak
November 2022 | 
Stephan Schaefbauer, DVM, MPH, Area Veterinarian in Charge – Minnesota, United States Department of Agriculture, walks through her leadership journey, describing the process of more the growth of a interwoven forest rather than the stangation of the might oak in this short poem. Read more.

Joy in the Workplace
September 2022 | 
Bob Tobias, Former Director & Senior Executive-in-Residence, Key Executive Leadership Programs, attempts to answer the ever-present question - where can we find joy at the workplace and why is doing so uncommon? Read more

To Truly Make a Difference, You First Have to Care
July 2022 | 
Kyo Marie Dolan, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Cyber Operations, U.S. Secret Service, Criminal Investigative Division, breaks down conventional thoughts on leadership and the importance of bringing emotion and intelligence to the table to make an effective leader. Read More

Giving Everyone Their Own Voice (and Making Sure it is Heard)
June 2022
 | Maribeth Petrizzi, Assistant Director, Federal Trade Commission; 2021 Roger W. Jones Award Recipient, talks about the importance of having your own voice and how a leader can can encourage that. Read More

When Managing is not Enough
May 2022
 | Willie Crump, National Unit Chief for Contraband Smuggling at U.S Department of Homeland Security, talks about what it takes to be a manager and provides an insight into what can take managing to the next level. Read More

Finding Passion Within Your Work
April 2022
 | Ken Sheely, Acting Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure, and Operations at the National Nuclear Security Agency, talks about how important it is to find passion within your work so that you don't dread going to the office. Read More

soldier salute toward American flag on the top half with bottom half text saying "Veteran Benefits" and brief description of Yellow Ribbon Program
2018-2019 Key Executive Leadership Programs Impact Report. Read Report Here.
What does it take to be an extraordinary leader in today's world? Integrity. Skill. Fierce Resolve.  Watch video here for more information.
FEDTalks - The Future of Communication. Connect. Empower. Transform.
Government employees now eligible for 25% discount in the KEY MPA Program
Stay Connected! Subscribe to Key Newsletters for updates, special offers and more!