Heard On West Exec Podcast

Brian Jack shares his journey from the 2016 campaign trail to serving as White House Political Director, highlighting the importance of political and policy expertise with Sarah Huckabee Sanders. He discusses the intricacies of campaign strategies, compliance challenges with the Hatch Act, and maintaining relationships with political entities. Jack also emphasizes how President Trump's active involvement in congressional races and policy focus influenced political dynamics. This episode delves into the rewarding aspects of public service, offering valuable insights for aspiring political professionals.

Learn More About The Executive Branch for America: https://eba.americancornerstone.org/

Dive into this episode of Heard on West Exec as Sarah Huckabee Sanders sit down with Dr. Ben Carson, focusing on the American Cornerstone Institute and its mission to uphold foundational principles like faith, liberty, and community. Dr. Carson discusses the importance of understanding government structures through the Executive Branch for America program and the educational initiative, Little Patriots, which instills American values in children. This conversation highlights the need for public service engagement and the preservation of fundamental freedoms in today's society.

Learn More About The Executive Branch for America: https://eba.americancornerstone.org/

Discover the intricacies of working in the executive branch with Alex Flemister, former White House Public Liaison. Host Irv Dennis discuss the challenges and triumphs of government service. The episode delves into the pivotal role of the Office of Public Liaison in shaping and communicating presidential policy, while sharing heartwarming anecdotes and insights into the daily life at the White House. Engage with tales of impactful networking and transitions to the private sector, highlighting the connections forged and the critical role of public service.

Brad Bishop joins the podcast this week to talk about his extensive experience in the executive branch of the U.S. government. Brad discusses his roles at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the White House, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He highlights the differences between these roles, emphasizing the importance of understanding policy for effective communication. The conversation also delves into the interagency process from the White House and agency perspective, the significance of the President's guidance, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. You won’t want to miss Brad’s insights and valuable advice for aspiring communications professionals in this episode. 

In this episode of the "Heard on West Exec,” host Irv Dennis, CFO of the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI) and former CFO of HUD, discusses his experiences in the executive branch and the significance of understanding government operations. He is joined by HL McCullough, an intern at ACI and a student at Pepperdine University, who shares his journey and aspirations for public service. The conversation centers on the ACI's Executive Branch of America (EBA) program, which provides insights into the workings of the executive branch, the budgetary process, and the importance of public service.

In this episode of "Heard on West Exec,” host Evelyn Lim from the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI) speaks with Irv Dennis, former CFO of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Irv, who spent   38 years at Ernst and Young, shares his experience addressing HUD's financial challenges. They discuss some of the themes in Irv’s book, “Transforming a Federal Agency: Management Lessons from HUD’s Financial Reconstruction” such as the agency's significant financial weaknesses, the strategies he implemented to improve governance, and the importance of leadership and financial discipline. Irv discusses the benefits of integrating private sector expertise into government roles which lead to  better efficiency and more accountability. 

Former HUD General Counsel Paul Compton joins Irv Dennis to delve into the complexities of the regulatory environment at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They discuss the intricacies of rule-making, the challenges of interagency cooperation, and the significance of the confirmation process. Compton also reflects on the dynamic and diverse nature of HUD's mission, the importance of networking, and the invaluable insights gained from public service. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s key federal agencies and explores the rewarding experiences of working in the executive branch.

Join host Irv Dennis along with Reid Wilson as they explore the intricacies of public service in the executive branch. Irv, former CFO at HUD, and Reid, former special assistant to Secretary Ben Carson, share their journeys, highlighting the dynamic nature of political appointments, the essential role of interagency collaboration, and the rewarding aspects of serving the American public. Reid's transition to legislative roles in Congress reveals how foundational experiences at HUD influence current work. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career in public service. Subscribe for more engaging discussions on life in government.

Evelyn Lim welcomes Chad Wolf, former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, to discuss his career path from Capitol Hill to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and then leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They delve into the challenges and opportunities of setting up TSA post-9/11, managing a large and diverse department, and forming effective leadership teams. Wolf gives insights into just what transition and beachhead teams are and do. Listen in for his advice for those aspiring to join the federal executive branch.

In this episode of Heard on West Exec, host Irv Dennis has a dynamic conversation with Troy Edgar, former CFO of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Irv and Troy dive deep into the complexities of managing a vast organization like DHS, which employs over 280,000 people and has a $90 billion budget.

From navigating the intricacies of federal budgeting to managing multiple DHS components such as the Coast Guard, Secret Service, and TSA, Troy provides an insider's look into the role and responsibilities of DHS’s CFO. He also shares riveting anecdotes from his time in public service, including an unexpected adventure exploring tunnels at the U.S.-Mexico border. This episode highlights how private sector experience can substantially benefit public service roles, and the importance of seamless coordination between the executive interagency and even Congress.