Charles T. Goodsell 
Public Servants Studied in Image and Essay 
A Fanfare for the Common Bureaucrat

‘This book is a great resource to introduce the field to those who are just thinking of becoming public administrators…The first book of its kind to focus not on managers but on the front-line employees themselves.’

—Russell W. Mills,
Bowling Green State University



This latest work by highly regarded scholar of bureaucracy Charles T. Goodsell uses narrative essays and accompanying video profiles to bring to life the work and careers of individuals working for the common good in 12 essential jobs at all three levels of American government. The first book to explicitly encourage undergraduates to consider the public service as a career,
Public Servants Studied in Image and Essay offers an on-the-ground look at some of the careers available to them after graduation. It showcases the hard work and dedication of ordinary bureaucrats—rather than administrative leaders—to help students appreciate the nature and achievements of American bureaucracy. The book’s narratives are framed by an introduction and conclusion by Goodsell to provide context and to place them within the research on bureaucracy and public administration. 




This book includes
Exclusive
! Video Interviews

Tabla de materias

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introductory Remarks

Part One: Public Safety

Ch. 1: Adam Price, ATF Special Agent

A Firearms Agency Under Fire

Ch. 2: Michael Bender, Police Captain

Cops Doing Mental Health

Ch. 3: Stephanie Pechura, Felon Rehabilitator

Tough Love in Action

Part Two: Public Environment

Ch. 4: Cindy Berndt, Regulation Expert

Unsung Heroine of Process

Ch. 5: Karen Wilson, Energy Advisor

The Public Policy Professional

Ch. 6: Howard Glenn, Drainage Master

Coaching a Team That Must Win

Part Three: Public Conservation

Ch. 7: Daniel Mc Keague, Forest Ranger

In the Habit of Change

Ch. 8: Dan Riccio, Livability Director

A Beautiful Place Kept That Way

Ch. 9: Keith Grupposo, Probation Officer

Giving Second Chances When Possible

Part Four: Public Well-Being

Ch. 10: Kathy Robertson, Homelessness Combatant

Making Homeless Programs Work

Ch. 11: Carla Holloman, Social Worker

Matured Professional Caretaking

Ch. 12: Jeffrey Richardson, County Manager

Much Responsibility Closely Watched

Review and Conclusions

Appendix

Index

About the Author

Sobre el autor

Charles T. Goodsell is a retired Professor Emeritus of Public Administration at the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.  His previous books on public administration are Mission Mystique (2011),  The Case for Bureaucracy (1983, 1985, 1994, 2004),  Public Administration Illuminated and Inspired by the Arts (co-edited, 1995),  The Public Encounter (edited, 1981), and Administration of a Revolution (1965).  Other works include The American Statehouse (2001),  The Social Meaning of Civic Space (1988), and American Corporations and Peruvian Politics (1974).  He has lectured and spoken on bureaucracy throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, and China. He has published 13 books over a 60-year career and is one of the nation′s best known advocates for American public service. He was a founding faculty member of Virginia Tech′s Center for Public Administration and Policy, and retired in 2002, but continues writing.