ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Providing an Order of Succession Within the National Endowment for the Humanities

This memorandum establishes the order of succession for the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities, specifying that the Deputy Chairman, Chief of Staff, Assistant Chairman for Planning and Operations, and Assistant Chairman for Programs would serve in that order if the Chairperson becomes unable to perform their duties. The memorandum includes exceptions for acting officials and preserves presidential discretion to depart from this order.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 54717

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register directed

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession: Deputy Chairman, then Chief of Staff, then Assistant Chairman for Planning and Operations, then Assistant Chairman for Programs
  • Exclude acting officials from succession by virtue of acting service
  • Require eligibility under Federal Vacancies Reform Act
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from this order
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Order of succession takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Applies to any future vacancy or incapacity in NEH Chairperson position

Risks & tensions

  • Minimal tension; standard administrative housekeeping, though presidential discretion clause (Sec. 2(c)) could create uncertainty if exercised
Presidential Memorandum: Providing an Order of Succession Within the National Endowment for the Humanities · Executive Orders