H128: Leading Through Reorganization: What Works, What Doesn’t and How Federal Agencies Can Build Leaders for a New Era
- Room: 207A
- Session Number:H128
Thursday, July 23, 2026: 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
Speaker(s)
Description
This session explores the realities of reorganization in the federal environment: what historically works, what frequently fails, and the operational and cultural considerations leaders must account for to make reorganization successful. Mandated consolidations in human resources, procurement and financial management, paired with a significant loss of institutional knowledge, leadership experience and technical skills, have forced organizations to rethink how they operate and how they lead.
Key Takeaways
• Sustainable reorganization requires a long-term approach that prioritizes people, builds leadership capacity early and keeps mission delivery at the center of every structural decision.
• Consolidation of human resources, procurement, and financial management functions requires clear governance, defined authorities and shared service models that fit the agency’s culture and mission.
• Staff at all levels play a critical role in stabilizing reorganized environments by contributing to knowledge transfer, flagging operational risks and supporting leaders with authentic feedback and collaboration during periods of change.
Learning Objectives
Identify the common drivers and pitfalls of federal reorganizations, including consolidation of mission-support functions. Evaluate key structural, cultural and workforce considerations that influence whether a reorganization succeeds. Learn practical strategies for accelerating leadership readiness among newly appointed leaders. Recognize the role employees and teams play in supporting leaders and maintaining mission continuity during transitions. Develop an action-oriented approach to building resilience, clarity and capability across reorganized divisions or agencies.
Handouts