The Good Government Show interview with Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.
In an era of growing skepticism towards government, Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, is on a mission to change how Americans view their federal workforce. “I’ve talked to over 200 people in public service,” says Dave Martin, host of the Good Government Show, “and what strikes me is the incredible dedication these professionals have to making a real difference in people’s lives.” Founded in 2001 on the very day of the 9/11 attacks, the Partnership has spent over two decades championing the vital work of public servants. From ensuring food safety to preventing mine collapses, federal employees perform essential services that most Americans take for granted. Yet recent years have seen a dramatic decline in public trust, with only 23% of Americans expressing confidence in their government in 2024, down from 35% just two years earlier.
Stier argues that the current political climate threatens to undermine the professional, non-partisan civil service that has been carefully built over 140 years. He warns that attempts to politicize government agencies risk transforming them from public service institutions into tools for private interests. “The only thing that’s going to stop this is a public that activates and ultimately understands and cares,” Stier passionately explains.
Looking forward, Stier remains optimistic. He sees a new generation of young leaders emerging who are passionate about public service and committed to modernizing government. “I have hope,” Martin adds, “because these civil servants aren’t just bureaucrats – they’re our neighbors working tirelessly to solve our community’s biggest challenges.” By focusing on purpose, expertise, and genuine public good, these future leaders can rebuild trust and create a more effective, responsive government that truly serves its citizens.
The Partnership for Public Service continues to be at the forefront of this critical mission, celebrating the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve American lives, one dedicated public servant at a time.