About AAFEA

The African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) is a national non-partisan and non-profit professional association dedicated to strengthening African American leadership across the federal government. For decades, AAFEA has served as a trusted national forum and professional home for senior federal executives and those preparing to lead at the highest levels of public service.AAFEA advances excellence in leadership, integrity in governance, and continuity across the federal executive pipeline.

Our History

AAFEA was founded to address a critical need within the federal government: a dedicated professional home to support, develop, and connect African American leaders serving at the highest levels of public service. Its founders recognized that African American executives often navigate leadership roles without consistent access to informal networks, mentorship pathways, and institutional support systems available to others.From its inception, AAFEA has served as both an advocate and a professional home. Built and sustained by senior federal leaders who understood the responsibilities of executive service, the Association has emphasized leadership that is principled, prepared, and resilient.That founding vision established AAFEA as a national forum for executive dialogue, leadership development, and stewardship of the federal executive pipeline. This legacy continues to guide the organization as it evolves to meet the needs of current and future generations of leaders.

Our Founders

Twenty Years of Leadership, Legacy, and Impact… and Counting

Created for AAFEA’s 20th anniversary, this video reflects the organization’s journey, purpose, and enduring commitment to advancing African American leadership in the federal government. Through the voices, milestones, and moments that shaped AAFEA, it honors the foundation laid by past leaders while pointing toward a future defined by excellence, community, and service.

AAFEA’s 20th Anniversary Video

Our Mission

AAFEA strengthens leaders, institutions, and the future of public service by advancing ethical leadership, executive readiness, and professional stewardship across the federal landscape. We do this by:

Our Role and Impact

AAFEA operates at the intersection of leadership development, community, and institutional responsibility. Our work spans the full continuum of leadership, from preparing high performing professionals for senior executive roles, to supporting seasoned executives through peer engagement, dialogue, and continuous professional development.Through national programming, executive forums, fellowships, and strategic partnerships, AAFEA amplifies the contributions of African American federal leaders while strengthening the resilience and effectiveness of the executive corps.

Our Commitment

AAFEA is committed to ethical leadership, professional integrity, and collective responsibility. Strong institutions are sustained by leaders who are supported, connected, and grounded in shared purpose. That commitment continues to guide our work today and into the future.

Leadership and Governance

AAFEA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of current and retired members of the Senior Executive Service and other distinguished federal leaders. The Board provides strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and continuity of mission.AAFEA’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to accountability, stewardship, and institutional continuity.

Roxie Jones
Historian

AAFEA’s Past National Presidents

AAFEA’s past National Presidents, all career members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), represent a legacy of service, vision, and principled leadership. Their stewardship shaped the organization’s direction and laid the foundation for its continued national impact.

Signature Experiences for Leaders Who Shape Public Service

AAFEA’s programs support accomplished and aspiring federal executives through a clear leadership pathway grounded in readiness, stewardship, and long term impact. Participation signals commitment to excellence, service, and leadership at the highest levels of government.

Pathway Overview

AAFEA Fellows Program

Audience: GS 14, GS 15, and equivalent senior leaders preparing for SES
Format: Hybrid, cohort based, one yearThe AAFEA Fellows Program prepares high-performing federal leaders for successful competition and service at the Senior Executive Service level. Designed for those ready to move with intention, the program combines executive mentorship, applied leadership work, and candid guidance from current and former SES leaders.Fellows develop the strategic thinking, executive presence, and narrative clarity required to compete effectively for SES positions while deepening their connection to a national community of senior executive federal leaders.Key Elements:

Outcome: Fellows complete the program with sharpened executive readiness, credible SES narratives, and lasting relationships within the federal executive community.

• Learn About the Fellows Program

AAFEA Emerging Leaders Program

Audience: GS 13, GS 14, and equivalent
Format: Virtual, six monthsThe AAFEA Emerging Leader Program supports early- and mid-career leaders as they prepare for expanded responsibility and future executive roles. The program emphasizes self-awareness, leadership identity, and intentional career planning, supported by executive insight and peer accountability.Participants gain clarity about who they are as leaders and how to position themselves for future advancement within complex federal environments.Key Elements:

Outcome: Participants leave with stronger leadership identity, clearer career direction, and increased readiness for senior roles.

• Program Details Coming Soon!

AAFEA Executive Mentoring Program

In partnership with The Training Connection

Audience: GS 13 through SES, and equivalent leaders
Format: Structured mentoring engagement, typically April through SeptemberThe AAFEA Executive Mentoring Program provides structured, relationship based mentoring that supports leadership growth, executive transition, and long term effectiveness. Managed by The Training Connection, the program uses a proven framework that emphasizes accountability, clarity, and meaningful engagement.Participants are intentionally matched with experienced executives who offer perspective on leadership decisions, career navigation, and executive effectiveness within the federal environment aligned with the participants’ career goals.Key Elements:

• Program Details Coming Soon!

AAFEA Executive Circle Dialogues

Audience: Executives and retired executives
Format: Virtual and in-person, confidential, quarterlyAAFEA’s Executive Circle Dialogues offer a confidential peer environment where senior leaders engage in candid conversation about leadership responsibility, stewardship, and the realities of executive decision making in public service.These dialogues are designed for leaders who value thoughtful exchange, shared experience, and collective wisdom as part of sustained executive practice and continual leadership development.Focus Areas:

AAFEA Monthly Coffee Talks

Audience: All member categories
Format: Virtual, monthlyAAFEA Monthly Coffee Talks are monthly informal, interactive conversations with senior federal leaders who share candid insight drawn from lived executive experience. These sessions provide accessible entry points into AAFEA’s leadership community while offering practical perspective on career navigation, leadership growth, and executive life.Designed to be conversational, Coffee Talks encourage open dialogue, questions, and shared reflection across the membership.What to Expect:

AAFEA Leadership Webinars

Audience: Executive Pathway and Senior Leader members
Format: Virtual, bi-monthlyAAFEA’s Leadership Webinars provide focused professional development on topics central to executive readiness, leadership presence, and career strategy. Sessions are interactive, grounded in federal leadership realities, and led by experienced practitioners.Each webinar delivers practical guidance participants can apply immediately within their leadership roles.Core Topics:

AAFEA Awards Gala

Save the Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Location: Marriott College Park Conference Center and Hotel
Registration Details: Coming Summer 2026AAFEA’s Annual Awards Gala is the Association’s premier recognition event, honoring African American federal executives, senior leaders, and partners whose leadership advances excellence in public service.The Gala opens the Signature Leadership Weekend and sets its tone, celebration of achievement, reflection on service, and connection among leaders who shape policy, institutions, and outcomes at the highest levels of government.Each year, AAFEA presents awards that recognize:

The Awards Gala attracts senior federal leaders and trusted partners committed to leadership development and public service excellence. Sponsorship reflects visible alignment with these values and directly supports AAFEA programs and scholarships.

AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop

Save The Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Marriott College Park Conference Center and Hotel
Registration Details: Coming Summer 2026The AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop is AAFEA’s flagship learning experience, designed to strengthen executive readiness and leadership continuity within the federal government.Held during the Signature Leadership Weekend, the Workshop convenes current and aspiring federal executives for candid dialogue on real-world leadership challenges. Sessions feature accomplished current and former executives, facilitated conversations, and executive-led panels grounded in lived experience rather than theory.Participants leave with practical insight, expanded relationships, and a deeper connection to a community committed to leadership excellence and stewardship.The Workshop is open to members and non-members, with preferred pricing for AAFEA members.

AAFEA Fellows Graduation & Scholarship Awards Luncheon

Held Annually: During the Leadership Development Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Marriott College Park Conference Center and HotelThe Fellows Graduation and Scholarship Awards Luncheon marks the culmination of AAFEA’s yearlong Fellows Program and affirms the Association’s commitment to developing the next generation of federal executive leaders.The Luncheon formally recognizes Fellows who have completed a rigorous leadership development experience and celebrates scholarship recipients whose promise reflects the future of public service.This invitation-based gathering brings together Fellows, mentors, senior executives, and Board members for a focused moment of recognition, reflection, and shared responsibility for sustaining leadership excellence across the federal executive pipeline.

Membership

Thank you for your interest in the African American Federal Executive Association, Inc. (AAFEA), a non-profit association founded in February 2002 by African American members of the Federal Senior Executive Service. AAFEA promotes the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Federal Government. We sponsor programs and advocate for policies that enhance the opportunities for African Americans to serve our nation in senior-level positions.AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent). Equivalent grades for uniformed service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Service in the rank of Major and higher or equivalent.+

You are part of a network of caring, supportive current, and retired African American senior federal employees dedicated to excellence and helping you achieve your career goals.A separate program fee applies to selected applicants.

New AAFEA Membership Dues StructureMembership Dues:
Active GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $125/year
2-Year Membership - $225/yearActive SES (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $150/year
2-Year Membership - $275/yearRetired Federal Employees
Retired GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies) - $50/year
Retired SES (or equivalent in other agencies) - $75/year

AAFEA is now accepting membership applications and renewals. We invite you to join AAFEA!If you are a ready to join or renew now, please click the link below to pay online.

• Join Now!

AAFEA Member Meeting Calendar

The AAFEA Meeting Calendar for the Membership Year includes General Membership Meetings, SES Coffee Talks, Special Events, and Board Meetings. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Washington DC metropolitan area.- General Membership Meetings are open to all current, financial members. Details regarding location and times will be provided to the membership via email in advance of the meeting. In general, meetings are typically scheduled over the lunchtime period.- SES Coffee Talks are open to all current, financial members. The SES Coffee Talk series is a small group (20-40 person) discussion forum. Forum leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and the executive responsibilities and challenges faced by established and newly minted members of the Senior Executive Service.To date, the SES Coffee Talk series has presented members of the SES from the National Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The forum leaders represent a variety of disciplines including law, foreign relations, human resources, and engineering.The after work forum is held monthly at The City Club in the Washington metropolitan area. The SES Coffee Talks are available to all current AAFEA members and a reservation is required. Dates and locations are announced via the AAFEA newsletter.- Special Events include the Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials and the Annual Workshop. Details regarding these events are posted on the AAFEA website and circulated via email and the AAFEA newsletter.- Board Meetings are open only to AAFEA Board members. The Board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of each month at the City Club, Washington, D.C., except in July and August.Questions about membership? Need more information? Contact AAFEA

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

- What are the benefits of membership in AAFEA?
Benefits include access to current and retired members of the SES and other high ranking federal officials; participation in the AAFEA mentoring program; and access to the AAFEA Scholarship Program. In addition, AAFEA distributes information to our members regarding high-level GS and SES vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.- Does AAFEA collect resumes or recruit for the federal government?
AAFEA is a private professional organization. We do not recruit for the US government or maintain resumes. Our mission is to ensure the government develops policies and programs that enhance the opportunities for African Americans in the Senior Executive Service. Please note that as a benefit to our members, AAFEA does distribute information regarding federal vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.- What is a financial member?
Financial members are those persons whose dues are current and paid in full. If you are in doubt regarding your status, please contact us.- I am a current financial member of AAFEA, but I am not receiving member updates or communications. What should I do?
Please contact AAFEA to ensure that your membership is current and that we have the correct contact information on file. AAFEA suggests that a personal (non-governmental) email address be used for all membership communications.

Impact & Awards

AAFEA’s impact is reflected in the leaders we support, the excellence we recognize, and the pathways we strengthen across the federal executive community. Through national awards and targeted scholarships, AAFEA honors leadership that advances integrity, inclusion, and stewardship at the highest levels of public service.

Our Impact

For more than two decades, AAFEA has served as a national convener and catalyst for African American leadership within the federal government. Our programs, fellowships, and partnerships have supported leaders across the full continuum of service, from GS 13 professionals preparing for senior roles to seasoned Senior Executive Service members sustaining effectiveness and resilience.Our awards and scholarships are a core expression of this work. They recognize distinguished service, elevate role models, and invest directly in leadership development that strengthens both individuals and institutions.

National Awards

Scholarships and Leadership Investment

Recognition and Stewardship

Award recipients and scholarship recipients are formally recognized through AAFEA’s national programming, including the Annual Awards Gala, and through official AAFEA communications.Together, these honors reflect AAFEA’s enduring commitment to leadership excellence, professional stewardship, and the sustained strength of the federal executive pipeline.

AAFEA Fellows Program

A Pathway to Senior Executive Leadership

The AAFEA Fellows Program is a highly selective leadership development experience for federal leaders preparing to step into senior executive roles.

Program Overview

The AAFEA Fellows Program is a rigorous, cohort-based leadership development experience designed for high-performing federal leaders preparing for senior executive roles in the United States government.Over the course of a year, Fellows engage in structured learning, executive mentorship, and applied leadership practice aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s Executive Core Qualifications. The program emphasizes readiness for the Senior Executive Service hiring process while strengthening the broader leadership capacities required to lead complex organizations, influence across systems, and navigate executive-level responsibility.The cohort model is central to the experience. Fellows learn alongside peers from across the federal government, building relationships that extend beyond the program and contribute to a lasting professional network of trusted leaders.This program requires focus, commitment, and sustained engagement. Participants who fully invest in the experience gain clarity, confidence, and perspective that support their continued growth as executive leaders in public service.

What Makes the AAFEA Fellows Program Distinctive

Executive Core Qualification Alignment

Program content and assignments are intentionally aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s Executive Core Qualifications. Fellows develop and refine executive narratives while deepening the leadership behaviors required for senior executive roles.

Career SES Mentorship

Each Fellow is paired with a current or former Career Senior Executive who provides individualized guidance, perspective, and feedback throughout the program year. Mentorship focuses on executive readiness, leadership judgment, and navigating the SES selection process.

Cohort-Based Learning Community

Fellows advance through the program as a cohort, engaging in shared learning experiences with peers from across the federal government. This structure fosters trust, peer coaching, and lasting professional relationships.

Applied Leadership Through Capstone Work

Fellows design and complete a capstone project aligned with AAFEA strategic priorities. This work emphasizes executive-level thinking, collaboration, and practical application of leadership competencies.

Direct Engagement with AAFEA Leadership

The program offers meaningful interaction with AAFEA’s Board, senior leaders, and alumni, providing visibility into executive leadership pathways and strengthening connections across generations of federal leaders.

Program Structure at a Glance

Program Length

Twelve-month leadership development experience

Format

Hybrid delivery combining in-person and virtual sessions

Learning Cadence

Monthly facilitated seminars and leadership sessions

Mentorship

Ongoing one-on-one engagement with a Career Senior Executive mentor

Core Milestones

Who Should Apply?

The AAFEA Fellows Program is designed for federal leaders who are preparing for senior executive roles and are ready to invest in a rigorous, year-long development experience.Ideal candidates typically:

The program is intentionally selective. Fellows are expected to fully engage in program activities, contribute to cohort learning, and approach the experience with professionalism, openness, and accountability.

Outcomes and Impact

Fellows who fully engage in the program complete the year with greater clarity, confidence, and readiness for senior executive leadership.By the conclusion of the program, Fellows have:

Beyond individual development, the Fellows Program contributes to AAFEA’s broader mission of expanding and sustaining a strong pipeline of prepared, principled federal executive leaders.

Alumni and Community

Since its inception, the AAFEA Fellows Program has supported a growing community of federal leaders who continue to serve across agencies and functional areas throughout the federal government.Program alumni remain engaged with AAFEA as mentors, speakers, contributors, and trusted peers. Their continued involvement reinforces a multi-generational leadership community grounded in service, excellence, and mutual support.Participation in the Fellows Program connects individuals to more than a single cohort experience. Fellows become part of a broader AAFEA leadership network that values shared learning, professional integrity, and sustained contribution to public service.A complete list of Fellows alumni is available upon request or through dedicated alumni features.

Application Status and Next Steps

Application for the 2026 AAFEA Fellows Program cohort are now Closed

AAFEA accepts a limited number of Fellows per cohort to preserve the depth, quality, and integrity of the experience. Future application cycles will be announced through AAFEA communications and posted on this site.Individuals who are interested in a future cohort are encouraged to join the Fellows interest list to receive updates about application timelines, information sessions, and program announcements.

• Join the AAFEA Fellows Interest List

Partnerships

The African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) partners with organizations that share a commitment to leadership excellence, ethical stewardship, and public service impact.Partnerships with AAFEA are designed to underwrite leadership development, recognition, and community-building initiatives that strengthen the federal executive pipeline. All partnerships are mission-aligned, time-bound, and program-specific.

Why Partner with AAFEA?

AAFEA partners are aligned with and invested in AAFEA’s mission. They recognize that strengthening the federal executive pipeline through diverse perspectives and experiences advances excellence in public service and benefits all Americans. Partners also value the insight and perspective gained through meaningful alignment with senior public service leaders across the federal ecosystem.AAFEA partnerships offer:

AAFEA partnerships are intentionally limited to ensure meaningful recognition and authentic engagement. Sponsorship supports leadership development rather than access, influence, or decision-making authority.

Partnership Principles

AAFEA partnership architecture is grounded in the following principles:

Our Commitment to Integrity

AAFEA maintains a clear separation between partnership support and organizational governance.Partnerships do not include:

This structure protects member trust and ensures that partnerships strengthen AAFEA’s mission while preserving AAFEA’s independence.

Grateful for Our Generous Sponsors & Partners Over the Years

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