Philip McNamara

Recruited by incoming presidential transition team to serve on day one of the new administration as a key member of the senior staff of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Led a team of ~300 employees, including 10 senior executives, across DOT’s core mission-support, management functions. Oversaw Department-wide human resources of 57,000-employee agency, including labor relations and employee engagement. Provided leadership in acquisition and procurement (~$9 billion annually), and facilities management and security across 11,000 locations in all 50 states. Oversaw budget & financial management of $700 million administrative & IT services working capital fund and served as audit liaison with the Inspector General and Government Accountability Office. Created a new stand-alone office to centralize grants and financial assistance policy & oversight across the enterprise and improve grants administration.

As Chief Human Capital Officer (aka Chief People Officer) led the development of new personnel policies on telework and remote work to position DOT as an employer of choice. Designed all future of work, post pandemic “return to office” plans. Led all efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion in recruitment, retention and promotion. Oversaw the development and implementation of agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) strategic plan, with a focus on hiring 1,700 new employees as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastrucuture Law.

As Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, developed an acquisition plan to increase small disadvantaged and minority owned business participation in DOT direct contracts to over $2 billion dollars annually from 18% to 22%.

As Senior Real Property Officer developed strategies to rightsize DOT’s faciliites and real estate footprint and consolidate underutilized office space. Saw the construction finalization of a new 300,000 square foot research and office building and development of a campus facilities capital investment plan for 900 student college/military service academy.

As Chief Sustainability Officer spearheaded efforts to revitalize and enhance DOT’s sustainability initiatives across all operations and assets to tackle the climate crisis. Developed targets for DOT to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles, and ensure energy and water-efficient facilities.   

Handpicked by former “CEO” | Head of the Department of Homeland Security to serve as the Department’s Chief of Staff during a critical transition period (changing leadership) at the Department. Performed critical oversight of fast-moving, day-to-day operations for the third largest department in the federal government with 240,000 employees in 75+ countries and 22 agencies. Advised Secretary on management, communications, policy, legal and regulatory matters, as well as collaborated internally across functions and with Congress, state/local governments, private sector partners and foreign countries to advance agenda. Managed $60B budget, as well as hired, developed and motivated 35-person staff.

Successfully navigated organization through a critical seven-month CEO leadership transition from Secretary Janet Napolitano through Acting Secretary Rand Beers, to Secretary Jeh Johnson.

Spearheaded DHS-wide implementation of the 16-day 2013 federal government shutdown and subsequent reopening – an effort requiring continuous communication with the White House and multiple internal functions.

Aided Jeh Johnson, after preparing him for his Senate confirmation, in prioritizing his activities and concentrating on hot-button policy issues during his first seven weeks on the job.

Tapped to reinvigorate outreach and engagement with critical external partners that had felt neglected by DHS, and bring greater organization and structure to internal functions that lacked cohesion and focus. Designed and delivered comprehensive government relations, public affairs and multistate advocacy strategies –building coalitions and leveraging extensive network of industry, government and political connections in DC and across the country to achieve results. Strengthened partnerships between DHS and state/local governments, elected officials, the private sector and other key stakeholders. Directed 50+ government affairs specialists.

Bolstered the effectiveness of operations by consolidating DHS external affairs functions into a new “Office of Partnership and Engagement” – an eight-month transition that increased staff threefold (from 14 FTEs to 48 FTEs) and funding fivefold (from a $2.5M budget to a $13M budget). OPE remains in place today.

Handpicked by DHS Secretary to spearhead a major government affairs plan around one of President Obama’s key immigration initiatives – within a year, through direct personal lobbying, convinced 21 of the largest 25 jurisdictions (cities/counties) that had once resisted to again partner with DHS.

Developed and executed nationwide government affairs (advocacy/lobbying) campaign, working with governors and state legislators to improve the security of state drivers’ licenses required by a federal law passed by Congress (REAL ID Act). Over two years, grew compliance from 13 states to 50 states (out of 56 jurisdictions).

Achieved nationwide implementation of the high-profile, “If You See Something, Say Something” public affairs campaign that involved solidifying partnerships with airports, colleges and universities, entertainment venues, professional/collegiate sports leagues and the public.

With the arrival of a new administration came the need for new and improved enterprise-wide processes at the department. Provided general management and budget oversight of $17.5M department, creating and optimizing business operations, processes and culture to significantly enhance organizational efficiencies and effectiveness. Worked across functions to properly vet all CEO and COO communications and resolve critical policy issues. Acted as chief liaison between the department and the White House’s National Security Council. Led staff of 60.

Orchestrated the enterprise-wide development of new business processes for managing written responses to Congress and submitting witness statements before congressional hearings. Produced ~1,000 pieces of top-level communications from the Secretary to Congress and submitting 150+ witness testimonies.

Created and led DHS-wide group that reviewed, evaluated and recommended technical, policy and legal issues to ensure LGBT equality across DHS activities. Served as the DHS LGBT liaison, coordinating DHS policy with the White House and managing critical stakeholder relationships with external advocacy groups.