USAGM has hired three independent experts to conduct a review of numerous allegations made against the agency’s previous management covering the period of June 2020 through January 2021. The review will encompass several allegations that the OSC has mandated that USAGM investigate as well as issues of interest to congressional committees of jurisdiction. In accordance with OSC’s expectations, the USAGM review team has communicated with OSC, State/OIG, and GAO that their effort will be informed by State/OIG and GAO findings.

Strategic consulting services spanning federal infrastructure issues including postal, human capital management, strategic planning, public policy, program management, policy analysis, leadership, and government and legislative relations

Leading a project examining how Congress can improve its oversight processes through the better utilization of the Inspectors General

Blair was named President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration in June 2011. The Academy is a non-partisan, non-profit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective, expert advice on public management issues. Blair was elected as an Academy Fellow in 2008. In November 2009, Mr. Blair was chosen to present, as part of an Academy team, to senior member of the Iraqi government at a conference in Baghdad to discuss the fundamentals of an effective civil service. He also served on the Academy panel charged with assessing the design, implementation, and Impact of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System and its Fellows Nominating Committee.. Mr. Blair brings to the Academy more than 26 years of federal public service and is a recognized expert and prominent leader in public service management, having served in top leadership positions in the Executive and Legislative branches as well as the regulatory sector. He has received successive Presidential appointments to the Office of Personnel Management and the Postal Regulatory Commission and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.The Academy is comprised of almost 700 Fellows who are elected by their peers based on their achievements and experience in the field of public administration. Fellows include some of the nation’s top leaders, policymakers and public managers in federal, state, local, and foreign governments; distinguished scholars of public policy and administration; and talented business executives and labor leaders. They are supported by a professional staff with extensive academic and governmental experience, as well as critical subject matter expertise.

As Commissioner, Blair continued his work to ensure a postal regulatory framework that was responsive to customers while respecting the new roles envisioned of the Postal Service and the regulator by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. Blair was apppointed to a term expiring in October 2012.

Mr. Blair served as the first Chairman of the independent Postal Regulatory Commission, the successor agency to the Postal Rate Commission, from December 2006 through August 2009. He was unanimously confirmed as a Commissioner of the former Postal Rate Commission by the United States Senate and designated Chairman by President George W. Bush.As Commission Chair, he served as the agency’s principal executive officer and directed its operations and activities in regulating the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Blair led the Commission’s implementation of postal reforms mandated by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. Mr. Blair directed the Commission’s efforts in developing and issuing regulations establishing a modern system of rate regulation. These regulations were adopted eight months prior to the statutory deadline. He directed the Commission’s work in issuing a comprehensive report on universal mail service and the postal monopolies.Mr. Blair reorganized the Commission to better align its staffing and operations to its new mission. He created the Commission’s first Office of Inspector General and created the Commission’s first Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations. He also issued the Commission’s first Strategic and Operational Plan. He also oversaw the redesign of the Commission’s website and IT security programs. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to mail communication, Mailcom, a mailing industry trade association, awarded Mr. Blair the 2008 Benjamin Franklin Award.In July 2008, Mr. Blair served as the deputy head of the U.S. delegation to the Universal Postal Union where he addressed more than 1,000 international postal officials during general debate. He also led U.S. delegations to China in 2007 and Japan in 2009 to discuss the U.S. experiences in postal reform efforts. In March 2009, Mr. Blair chaired the Commission’s first international conference of postal regulators.

Acting Director - February - June 2005. Managed agency staff of more than 5100 personnel and administered budget of $220 million in appropriated funds, almost $1 billion in revolving funds and $92 billion in annual trust funds outlays with an asset base of $730 billion. Accomplishments –• Directed agency effort to develop legislation for modernizing the civil service.• Obtained “green” status on President’s management scorecard for key initiatives in human capital, e-government and competitive sourcing.• Represented Administration views before Congress and stakeholders on civil service and postal reform legislation before Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.• Proposed draft regulations implementing new National Security Personnel System at the Department of Defense. • Oversaw merger of Defense Security Services with OPM’s Center for Federal Investigative Services, increasing agency personnel from 3600 to more than 5100.

Served as Senior Counsel for Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN). Legislative and oversight portfolio included issues involving the civil service, federal employee compensation and benefits, government ethics, federal budget process reform, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Directed Subcommitee oversight activities of the U.S. Postal Service including introduction of first comprehensive postal reform legislation since 1970. Crafted legislation creating first independent Office of Inspector General for the Postal Service. Appinted by Subcommitee Chairman John M. McHugh (R-NY).

Successive appointments made by Ranking Members Gene Taylor (MO), Benjamin A. Gilman (NY) and John Myers (IN). Responsible for legal review of pending committee legislation and oversight of federal civil service, U.S. Postal Service, and Bureau of the Census. Accomplishments –• Designed policy and legislation for federal government civilian retirement systems, with an annual program budget of $36 billion. Addressed cost structure, funding and long-term financial stability. Constructed supplemental retirement system for employees covered by Social Security.• Developed legislative initiatives for reforming the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Addressed cost controls, adverse selection concerns, plan design, and benefits relating to insurance carrier negotiations.• Initiated and completed congressional committee consolidation of former Post Office and Civil Service Committee with Government Reform and Oversight Committee.