WELCOME TO THE
SENIOR EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION (SEA)

President's Message

The Senior Executives Association brings together leaders who share a deep commitment to public service, effective government, and the people who make mission delivery possible every day.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated public servants who have demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving the American people. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that strong leadership, thoughtful collaboration, and investment in people are essential to meeting the challenges facing government today and in the future.

SEA provides an important forum for connection, learning, professional growth, and the exchange of ideas among current and former senior leaders. It is a place where experience is shared, relationships are strengthened, and meaningful conversations about leadership and public service can take place.

As President, I am committed to supporting SEA's mission, strengthening member engagement, and ensuring the association remains a trusted resource for executives across government. Together, we can continue fostering leadership excellence, advancing good government, and supporting those who have dedicated their careers to public service.

Thank you for being part of this community and for all you do in service to our nation.

Mary Kate Whalen
President
Senior Executives Association


OUR MISSION

The Senior Executives Association is a professional community dedicated to elevating and supporting senior leaders across government. SEA:

  • Promotes good government practices that empower senior executives and federal leaders to achieve mission success
  • Advocates for legislation and policies that strengthen and protect the career Senior Executive Service
  • Facilitates meaningful networking and collaboration among federal leaders
  • Connects current, rising, and aspiring leaders with continuous professional development and peer learning opportunities

WHO WE ARE

SEA proudly represents:

  • Career members of the Senior Executive Service, SL and ST, and equivalent positions
  • Retired and former career Senior Executives and equivalents who continue to contribute to public service
  • Aspiring leaders and Rising Senior Executive Leaders, including GS 12 through GS 15, who participate in SEA’s leadership pipeline

WHAT WE DO

Connections. Information and insights. Advocacy. Professional development. Building the leadership profession.

For more than 40 years, SEA has been the steady voice for career leaders. Whether engaging Congress, the Administration, or partners across the Executive Branch, SEA advocates for practical, data driven solutions that strengthen government and support those who serve.

For a list of accomplishments SEA has secured on behalf of the Career Senior Civil Service, click here.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to public service and to helping federal leaders better serve the American people. SEA members are part of a movement to modernize government for the twenty first century and to empower the leaders who are driving that change every day.

MEMBERSHIP

SEA members gain access to member only benefits and discounts, including research, reports, and many professional development sessions offered at no cost. Members receive timely membership alerts, our biweekly action newsletter, and the opportunity to participate in active Communities of Practice and Committees.

Most importantly, members have a seat at the table as SEA brings the voice of senior leaders to national conversations on the most pressing good government challenges.

To learn more, visit our Membership Categories and Membership Benefits pages and Join SEA Today.

TOP ISSUES

SEA closely tracks issues that affect career senior leaders and the broader federal workforce. Current areas of focus include:

  • Modernization of the civil service
  • Engagement with the presidential transition that elevates the importance of career leadership
  • Revitalization of the merit system
  • Investment in the capability of the federal workforce

RESEARCH, COALITIONS & TASK FORCES

SEA members and staff actively contribute to research and collaborative efforts that shape the future of federal leadership. Current projects include partnerships with:

  • Shared Services Leadership Coalition
  • Assessing Management Quality Task Force
  • Transforming the Governance of Federal Human Capital Management Report