One State's Proven Strategy for Civil Service Reform

Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam initiated civil service reform in 2011, the first year of his two-term administration, and under his leadership the initiative was a solid success that is relevant at all levels of government.  The Republican former Mayor of Knoxville was a business executive prior to entering politics. His Cabinet included a couple of former executives from large companies. That’s important to the story. The state’s circumstances mirrored those of the federal government. Tennessee’s civil service law dated to 1939. The state was known as a laggard in moving away from archaic employment practices. When Haslam was inaugurated, 40 percent of the state workforce would be eligible to retire within five years. State hiring was mired in extended delays. Pay and promotions were based on seniority. The skills shortage, declining interest in government careers and an aging workforce portended future performance problems.