PMF stories
Terminations & Resignations
We invite current and former PMFs who have been impacted by recent workforce reforms to share their story, with as much detail as they feel comfortable.
HUD
Washington, DC
As a Presidential Management Fellow at HUD, I was responsible for helping distribute $7 billion in grants aimed at improving affordable housing, public facilities, and local economies. Many of our grantees were new to federal funding, so my team and I worked to make the process accessible and understandable for them. By fast-tracking these funds, we helped prevent financial hardships and ensured that projects like renovating low-income housing and upgrading community centers could move forward quickly, benefiting families and neighborhoods across the country.
Growing up, I woke up before dawn to work in the fields, picking walnuts to help my family make ends meet. That experience shaped my passion for public service—because I saw firsthand how policies impact people’s lives. The Presidential Management Fellows program gave me the opportunity to turn that passion into action, placing me in roles where I could work on economic and community development at the federal level. It’s one of the most selective and effective programs for bringing in the next generation of government leaders—less than 10% of applicants are chosen. Eliminating it doesn’t just take away a career pathway; it weakens our ability to recruit top talent to solve our country’s toughest challenges. At a time when we need smart, well-trained public servants, cutting the PMF program is a step in the wrong direction.
I'd note the following re. the PMF program:
1. Exceptional Talent Recruitment — The PMF program has historically served as a vital pipeline for attracting top-tier talent to federal service. In 2024, the program received 7,193 applicants, with only 825 selected as finalists, highlighting its competitiveness and the high caliber of candidates it draws.
2. High Retention and Impact — Approximately 87% of PMF participants transition into permanent or term positions within the federal government after completing the two-year fellowship. This retention rate underscores the program's success in developing professionals who contribute significantly to public service.
3. Diverse and Inclusive Participation — The PMF program welcomes graduate students from all academic disciplines and backgrounds, ensuring a diverse cohort of fellows. This inclusivity enriches the federal workforce by bringing varied perspectives and experiences to address complex national challenges.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS
Washington, DC
I worked as a Health Insurance Specialist at CMS to help improve public transparency in the commercial health insurance and PBM markets, which are notorious for a lack of transparency. Had I worked at CMS for a longer period before being illegally terminated as a probationary employee, I would have also implemented Affordable Care Act regulations to ensure that health insurance companies spend at least 80% of their premium dollars on medical expenditures.
Without this work, policymakers will not have access to research they need to make informed decisions in order to improve health outcomes and lower costs for patients. Additionally, health insurance companies may find it easier to spend less on medical procedures and pocket a higher proportion of premium dollars than legally allowed.
I believed (and still believe) there is significant value in public service and wanted to make a positive contribution towards the country. Given the massive problems in the US healthcare sector, I was particularly interested in helping improve healthcare programs that could benefit a broad segment of the US population.
If your goal is to make the federal government more efficient and productive, then terminating the PMF program is the last thing you should be doing. The termination of the PMF program makes it abundantly clear that the Trump Administration is only interested in dismantling the government, not making it more efficient.
State
Washington, DC
For decades, the Presidential Management Fellows program has played a critical role in attracting the best early career professionals into public service. Today's PMFs are tomorrow's top government leaders. A disproportionate share of the Senior Executive Service started their government careers as PMFs.
There is nothing "efficient" about terminating the federal government's most successful talent pipeline. No sane and successful private sector enterprise would ever consider eliminating its most promising employees. The Trump Administration's imprudent action will only undermine the quality of government services and will ultimately come at great cost to the American taxpayer.
The PMF program represents the best of federal government. It brings together federal servants across agencies to collaborate, break down silos, build better ways of working together, solve problems, and ultimately better serve the American people.
PMFs are a diverse group — from young people just starting out in the workforce to mid-career professionals who recently decided to return to school to pursue an advanced degree. There are many veterans in our ranks.
PMFs bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their work and, most importantly, a commitment to serving. Many PMFs take pay cuts to join federal service. PMFs are badass problem solvers. I truly believe that PMFs can do any task that is placed before them, and I would hire a PMF or alum in a heartbeat.
Additionally, the folks in OPM who run the PMF program are a talented and caring bunch of dedicated federal servants, who have done so much for current and past PMFs. This program deserves to keep going for the OPM staff, for current and past PMFs, and for the agencies and people we serve.
US Forest Service
Glenwood, NM
I was the Gila National Forest's only budget staff on a team that should have had three staff members. I managed EMS, fire, and facility budgets while supporting day-to-day field operations. I served as Acting District Ranger for the Wilderness Ranger District and was prepared to make the step into the leadership of the agency with a detail as a Deputy District Ranger lined up to have been occurring at the time I write this.
I wanted to contribute positively to environmental policy, stewarding our public lands, and caring for the people that live and visit these places. This job was a dream come true for me.
As the premier federal leadership development for the United States Government, it cannot be overstated how much value the PMF program has delivered over the past 50 years. PMFs have been our top performers and most dedicated patriots. To be among those cut down in their prime is a devastating loss personally but also for the nation at large. It is in all Americans’ interest that the PMF program be restored and that the highest quality leadership is on-tap in our executive agencies.
DHS
Washington, DC
I come from a family of teachers and was a teacher prior to grad school. I have always felt a calling to serve with a purpose rather than to work for a paycheck. After receiving my PhD, I felt that my skills were better suited to serve by working on behalf of the American people on a federal level. After grad school, I worked for a consulting firm to improve processes and workflows for a federal agency for two years prior to becoming a PMF. I wanted to serve the American people directly and "cut out the middle man." I believed that my skills in research, analysis, public speaking, and project management would be better served working directly for the American people.
The PMF program is the embodiment of DOGE's mission to increase efficacy across the federal government. PMFs are highly efficient and hardworking civil servants who could work in private industry for higher salaries but choose to apply their expertise and skills working on behalf of the American people.
I wanted to work in federal service I believed in the dignity of service to country. I wanted to do something with my career that made a positive difference in the world and public service did that.
I have no issue with reducing the size of the federal government or the prudent evaluation of the positive impacts of federal programs. But you will need bright, committed public servants to execute your strategy. The PMF program is a ready source of the talent you will need to reshape the federal workforce into the efficient, citizen-forward organization you envision. The commitment to public service is not partisan nor does it argue for the primacy of big government. PMFs are individuals that have faith in the federal government as a source of positive change and innovation. Their role is to execute public policy in a non-partisan manner, ensuring that the needs and interests of citizens are always at the forefront. They bring a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and fresh perspectives that are essential for achieving meaningful and sustainable reforms.
NIH
Milwaukee, WI
I served as a Health Specialist at the National Institutes of Health. My job involved identifying and translating the latest and greatest scientific research on chronic disease, chronic pain, the health of people with disabilities, and conditions disproportionately impacting women. I ensured the value of this research was communicated in an accessible way back to the American people and to Congress. I was essentially ensuring the accountability and efficiency of the research funded by NIH. The elimination of my role, and multiple others in my branch, means that this important research will be delayed in getting into the hands of medical doctors, patient organizations, and other scientists who build upon that work.
I truly believed in the mission of NIH and in serving the public. I have always wanted to be a team player and to contribute my skills in health research, policy development, and strategic thinking to advance our agency's collective goals. I took pride in my work, knowing that I was making a difference and advancing our "fundamental knowledge... to enhance health" as is the mission of the NIH. I'm formally trained as a research scientist myself, but I wanted to ensure at a high level that NIH-funded chronic disease research was making a real impact on the lives of everyday people.
The PMF program, for the one year I was involved, was absolutely life changing. It connected me to a whole community of talented alum and fellows, along with valuable leadership development trainings and courses. It showed me that I could be a true leader in my division and equipped me with everything I needed to get there one day. I've met people who I know will become life-long friends and colleagues. The PMF program allowed me to easily connect with anyone, including revered NIH leadership and scientists.
USDA Food and Nutrition Services
New York, NY
My job was to build regulatory policy to maintain the effectiveness and integrity of food distribution programs. Specifically, I worked on emergency feeding programs and tribal food programs.
I have been a public servant since 2017 when I joined the Peace Corps. I see many of the same needs I saw in the Peace Corps within the US. Serving has given my life a lot of meaning and federal service seemed like a way I could maximize my impact.
PMFs are often misunderstood to be interns, given the programs history. But as it’s gotten more and more competitive, it has become a way to bring in talented people with years of job experience to serve on a salary that is lower than what they could otherwise earn.
I am a budget analyst for a federal law enforcement agency, and right now, my agency is facing yet another devastating budget cut. Our budget office, when fully staffed, is already the smallest of any federal agency, operating at only 35% staffing, and now, we are being asked to do even more with even less. This is why my role is not just important, it is critical.
As a budget analyst, I do more than just review numbers on a spreadsheet; I strategically assess how to lessen the impact of funding cuts on the safety and security of the American people. Reduced funding doesn’t just mean tightening budgets, it means fewer resources for law enforcement, delayed operations, and a diminished ability to respond to threats. Every decision I make helps determine whether agents receive the training they need, whether investigations get the necessary resources, and whether vital public safety initiatives can continue at all. In a time of shrinking budgets and growing challenges, my role ensures that every dollar is maximized to protect those who protect us.
Without skilled budget analysts, agencies risk severe mismanagement, funding shortfalls, and operational breakdowns. In a time of deep cuts and workforce shortages, my job is ensuring that every single dollar is accounted for, stretched to its fullest potential, and used where it’s needed most. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
I pursued federal service because I wanted to serve a greater purpose. My journey to this point has been anything but easy. I worked full-time for the Air Force, supporting a senior leader, while earning my Master’s in Public Administration with a 4.0 GPA. I put in very long workdays at times followed by long nights of studying, all with the goal of transitioning into a career where I could contribute to something bigger than myself.
I have seen firsthand how government decisions impact real people, and I wanted to be part of making positive change. The PMF program felt like my calling, an opportunity to use my skills and dedication to improve government operations, financial management, and policy-making. I left everything behind. I moved my family from another country to Washington, DC, without a support system or safety net, because I believed in this mission and this opportunity.
The PMF program is indispensable to the federal government and the American public. It is a pipeline for highly skilled, motivated professionals who bring fresh ideas, efficiency, and leadership to federal agencies. More than just a hiring program, PMF represents the epitome of a merit-based system, selecting only the most qualified, capable, and driven individuals through a rigorous, highly competitive process.
Each year, thousands of applicants from across the country compete for a limited number of spots through a multi-stage assessment process that evaluates critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and technical expertise. Only the best and brightest are chosen as finalists, making PMF a key tool for ensuring that the federal workforce is only built on merit, talent, and a commitment to public service.
Eliminating this program is not just removing a job opportunity but it is weakening the future of government leadership. Without this pipeline, the federal government will struggle to retain top talent, resulting in delays in services, inefficiencies in government operations, and a loss of future leaders who are dedicated to serving the American people.
For me personally, the decision to end the PMF program is devastating. I haven’t been let go yet, but the uncertainty is overwhelming. I took a leap of faith. I left behind my life overseas, uprooted my family, and committed to this role, only to see this opportunity possibly disappear faster than I even had a chance to fully embrace it.
I urge the Administration and Congress to reconsider eliminating the PMF program. If we want a government that works for the people, we need skilled, dedicated professionals who are willing to serve, innovate, and lead. The PMF program is one of the best tools we have to ensure that happens. It is a proven, merit-based pathway to cultivating the next generation of public servants, and losing it would be a tremendous disservice to the future of federal leadership.
State
I spent several years working overseas in humanitarian missions in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, but I felt the work I did was a Band-Aid. I wanted to support the diplomatic decisions to solve these crises and ultimately serve back on frontlines, representing the US in high-stakes negotiations to make long-lasting change.
The PMF program was flawed — the requirements meant many offices struggled to bring people on — but the opportunity is extraordinary. Getting to rotate means participating in policymaking from multiple perspectives and bringing that experience back to better fulfill your team's mission. An efficient government should value expertise and have more programs like these.
NIH
I wanted to work in federal service to serve the American people and improve understudied and underfunded areas of women's health, such as endometriosis and maternal health, and address health disparities.
The PMF program is essential to attract top talent to the government, thereby facilitating innovation and ensuring a skilled workforce.
HHS
Washington, DC
I’ve held a few different positions during my time but currently work as a budget analyst. My job helps ensure that money is getting to our program offices and that those programs can then go on to serve at-risk populations across the country. We also help write the budget requests and justifications and support the program’s financial needs. Without us, this process would be more complex and convoluted, preventing the programs from reaching as many communities and people as possible. While I still have my job, because I am only a recent PMF graduate, I am constantly on edge, assuming that I will be the first let go from my office during a RIF because of my age and experience.
I’ve always wanted to be in a “helping profession.” While in college, I discovered the way for me to do that was through policy and in the government. When I learned about PMF, it immediately piqued my interest because I really didn’t think that an agency job was going to be attainable in my field because I assumed that every person with a political science degree would be aiming for the DC jobs. I’ve always wanted to work in the health and social programs arena, and I knew that I could use my knowledge and skills to make a positive difference across the country this way, which is exactly what I’ve done.
The PMF Program truly produces some of the best leaders in the federal government. So many people I have sought mentorship from have ultimately told me that they were also PMF/PMI alumni, and I have made it a goal to try to reach the level they’re at. I have no clue if that will even be possible now.
This Administration seeks to use more “merit-based” hiring practices, and while I believe that the federal hiring process already is incredibly merit-based, the PMF application process is incredibly rigorous, and so few people make it through to be a finalist, let alone land a job as a PMF. If you want to use merit-based hiring, you are doing yourselves a major disservice by eliminating this program that would continue to get you the best of the best. This isn’t “wasteful government spending;” this program is an investment in the next generation of government leaders, and we know it will take strong leaders to fix what will have been done over these next 4 years.
CDC
Atlanta, GA
I was drawn to federal service because it offers the opportunity to contribute to missions that save lives, protect communities, and strengthen public health infrastructure. Knowing that my work directly supports rapid and effective emergency responses gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. I take pride in being part of a system that prioritizes preparedness, resilience, and the well-being of both responders and the communities they serve.
The PMF program is a vital pipeline for developing the next generation of federal leaders — bringing in top talent with the skills, dedication, and fresh perspectives needed to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges. Eliminating the program not only limits opportunities for highly qualified professionals to serve in government but also weakens the long-term leadership and innovation capacity of federal agencies. The PMF program ensures that federal service remains competitive with the private sector, attracting individuals who are committed to public service and ready to make an impact.
For me, this program represented the start of my career after years of rigorous schooling and preparation. I uprooted my life, leaving behind family and friends, for this opportunity, taking a significant financial hit on relocation costs in the process because I believed in the mission of public service. Cutting this program is a short-sighted decision that not only undermines the strength, efficiency, and future leadership of the federal workforce but also disregards the sacrifices and commitments made by those who choose to serve. At a time when we need a strong, innovative, and dedicated federal workforce, eliminating the PMF program sends the wrong message to the next generation of public servants.
US Forest Service
Tuscon, AZ
I have a PhD in a science field and served as on "-ologist" on interdisciplinary teams on legacy mandated processes. I will answer describe my job in the form of a 5-point list of what I would have done last week had I not been terminated:
Finished my training for a firefighter Type 2 qualification. I had done almost all of the preliminary training. This qualification means I could be called up as part of a militia fire-fighting team throughout the summer during what is expected to be a severe fire year in my region.
Continued working on a code I’m writing to identify areas where fire fuels are increasing on public lands and may become dangerous in the future.
Reviewed publicly accessible websites in my region to ensure that all information is up-to-date and accurate.
Finished a template for an automated report on a legally mandated monitoring issue, which could be used across the country, saving a conservative estimate of 1,500 hours of labor annually (almost 10 months of one person full-time).
Reviewed potential land management plan components for scientific accuracy and legality as part of an effort to make management plan revisions, a legally required process, more efficient.
I got my degree and postdoctoral fellowship through a public university and grants from the National Science Foundation, meaning that the taxpayers have already made a significant investment in my education and training. I saw public service to a shared resource as a way to pay back that investment. Before accepting my government position, I was interviewing for positions in private industry offering almost double my government salary. I chose my job because I care about public lands and believe in the mission of my agency.
In the year I applied to the PMF program, there was an acceptance rate of 7% and a placement rate of under 4%. In return for the government's investment in my hiring, training, and salary, I have implemented efficiencies in legally required processes that amount to a savings more than triple the amount spent on me. Hiring people who have the skills to improve internal processes while still fulfilling legal requirements, including fidelity to the best available scientific information, is an efficiency that serves taxpayers.
Like many, I am crushed by my firing and especially by the lies contained in my termination letter. My performance was exemplary, with exclusively positive annual reviews, quarterly conversations, and ad-hoc check-ins. I received 2 group performance awards in my first year. It is hard to process my sadness over projects I am leaving behind while also trying to find my next step.
Essential Health Program Specialist for a large congressional mandated HEAL initiative which is a major investment. Dedicated 40-50% effort focused on this congressional mandate. The other 60-50% are devoted to assist with program specific congressional responses. Provided essential programmatic support for funded and ongoing clinical research projects related to improving neurological health in populations with higher burden and risk of neurological disease. Provided unique expertise in clinical health sciences, human nutrition, prevention research, and engaging communities through community-based projects in populations at risk for disease. My role as Health Program Specialist Fellow helped to advance the health of American populations who needed it the most.
The PMF program is one of integrity and one that instills leadership and service to country. It’s a merit-based program free of any bias from recruitment through the interview process. Some of our nation’s finest top officials are alums of the PMF program and have contributed meaningfully to our society. Eliminating the program will be a major blow to public service and a major deterrent to citizens with advance degrees who want to use their skills and talents to make our nation better. The decision to reinstate the PMF program and current fellows to their appointments will be a step in the right direction for our country and for public service.
I wanted to work in federal service to engage challenges larger than ourselves.
If the objective is truly to improve government performance and efficiency, abolishing PMF was a major step in the opposite direction.
USDA Forest Service
Washington, DC
I served as an accountant. I ensured that the financial statements of the Forest Service were reconciled and reported — ensuring transparency and oversight into agency operations.
I love this country. I’ve always felt a strong call to serve the American public. I wanted to use my skills in a way that benefited future generations and ensured that the federal government was fulfilling its obligation to its citizens.
The PMF program is a long-standing talent pool of patriotic graduate-level candidates who want to serve their country. PMFs are willing to work above and beyond to create a stronger country and civil service. The program attracts highly qualified professionals and helps plug gaps where traditional recruitment fails.
Read our statement on the future of the PMF program in light of President Trump’s executive order and other recent workforce reforms.
US Forest Service
Washington, DC
I served as a USFS liaison to the Chesapeake Bay Program, which is a partnership of the 7 watershed states that make up the Chesapeake Bay. In that role, I worked on promoting the health of our forests. I worked to identify the scientific needs of our forests and communicated solutions to pressing forestry issues to our local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners.
I wanted to work in federal service because I believe in the power of government to make a positive impact in people's lives. I wanted to truly serve the public and contribute to my community and to my nation.
The PMF program is designed to get truly dedicated public servants — people that have the potential to greatly impact the organizations that they work for — and to bring fresh, young, and extremely talented individuals into leadership roles quickly so that government can evolve quickly to meet the needs of the people. Without it, the ability for government to evolve and to be effective will be greatly diminished.