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EO 12493Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12493

President's Commission on Executive Exchange

This executive order continues the President's Commission on Executive Exchange, a program that places senior private sector executives in federal government positions and senior federal executives in private sector roles for up to one year. It also establishes an international embassy assignments program and an education component, with administrative support from the Office of Personnel Management.

49 FR 47819
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Impact dates

  1. Member terms expire (two-year terms from appointment)

  2. Standard Executive Exchange Program assignment duration

  3. Standard International Embassy Assignment duration

  4. Maximum extension for International Embassy Assignments

  5. Maximum extension for standard program in extraordinary circumstances

Key directives

  • Continue the President's Commission on Executive Exchange
  • Limit Commission to 36 members with up to 75% from private sector senior leadership
  • Establish two-year terms for members
  • Administer Executive Exchange Program with 1-year assignments (up to 90-day extension)
  • Administer Executive International Embassy Assignments Program with 1-year assignments (up to 365-day extension)
  • Administer education program for exchange executives
  • Ensure compliance with 5 U.S.C. § 2301 merit principles
  • OPM to provide administrative services and staff support
  • Revoke Executive Order No. 12136

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Commission continued
  • EO 12136 revoked
  • OPM administrative support obligation begins

Near term (90d)

  • Presidential Exchange Executive assignments may begin under established procedures

Long term

  • Two-year member terms cycle
  • Ongoing executive exchanges between sectors
  • Potential program expansion via Presidential recommendations

Risks & tensions

  • Potential conflicts of interest as senior private sector executives gain access to high-level government decision-making
  • Revolving door concerns between private sector and government
  • Vague 'to the extent permitted by law' and 'as he deems practicable' language creates uncertainty about enforcement of composition requirements
  • No explicit ethics or recusal provisions in text
  • Program effectiveness depends on voluntary agency cooperation
Executive Order 12493: President's Commission on Executive Exchange · Executive Orders