Partnership for Public Service statement on the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly 

May 21, 2025

WASHINGTON – Partnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier released the following statement today following the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly. 

“During his distinguished 30-year career in public service, Representative Gerry Connolly was a fierce advocate for federal employees and a champion of their critical work to serve the public.  

“The Partnership for Public Service could not have asked for a greater partner in our shared goal to build a better government. Connolly had a razor-sharp knowledge of how government works. He gleefully took on the nuts and bolts of government operations, from federal personnel policy to IT modernization to procurement – the details of which may seem boring to some, but are core to how our government serves the public. 

“Now more than ever, federal employees look to their leaders for moral clarity and reassurance. Connolly defended our democracy and the public good by pushing back against the recent denigration of public service. Our federal employees – including those being forced to leave service – along with the good government community will miss his leadership even more as the attacks on our civil service continue. 

“The Partnership is deeply grateful for Rep. Connolly’s longstanding collaboration and his countless contributions to make our government more effective for the American people. We join Connolly’s constituents, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Connolly family in mourning his passing.” 

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.  

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.       

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