The School of Government Hosts Bipartisan Congressional Chiefs of Staff Retreat
Earlier this spring, the United States Congressional House of Representatives Chiefs of Staff traveled to Chapel Hill for a bipartisan retreat focused on strengthening leadership, building relationships, and creating space for reflection.
The inaugural program, hosted by the UNC School of Government in partnership with the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), brought together congressional chiefs from across the country. Held at the Paul J. Rizzo Conference Center and various locations across UNC’s campus, the retreat offered senior legislative leaders an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of Capitol Hill and invest in their professional growth, their teams, and one another.
The retreat opened in Wilson Library with remarks from School of Government Dean Aimee Wall and CMF Director Jen Daulby. Reflecting on the importance of the setting, Daulby noted, “Attending a retreat in a university setting signals that you’re in a place of learning—one that encourages curiosity and collaboration in a way that simply isn’t possible on Capitol Hill.”
School faculty member Willow Jacobson then led cohort introductions and a session on leading in today’s complex public environment. “Context matters,” Jacobson said. “The nature of participants’ positions and the work they do shapes the kind of support we provide. We recognize the unique and important responsibilities they hold and intentionally ask about their specific needs. We are committed to being responsive to those needs.”
Participants also explored UNC’s campus through a guided tour hosted by Vice Provost Maria Estorino and her team, joined by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Magnus Egerstedt. The visit offered a window into the university’s history and resources while connecting UNC’s mission of public service to the leadership challenges participants face in their own roles. “Having a weekend to step away from the day-to-day and focus on important—but not urgent—issues was incredibly valuable,” one participant reflected.
On Saturday, School of Government faculty led interactive sessions at the Rizzo Center focused on the practical realities of leadership. Rick Morse guided participants in shaping team culture and vision, Anita Brown-Graham helped leaders analyze challenges and strengthen their offices, and Obed Pasha introduced systems-based strategies for navigating complex problems. Additional sessions featured the School of Civic Life and Leadership’s Dean Jed Atkins and faculty member Ejuerleigh Jones, focusing on leveraging common ground for shared outcomes.
On Sunday, Chancellor Roberts joined the group to send the chiefs off, reinforcing the importance of public service and the role of thoughtful, collaborative leadership in shaping stronger institutions.
What began as a gathering of colleagues from across the aisle quickly evolved into a network grounded in shared purpose. “Relationships and connections were made that wouldn’t otherwise happen,” another participant reflected. “Congress depends on those relationships—that’s how problems get solved.”
In June, the School of Government and CMF reconvened the chiefs at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Washington, DC, office for a follow-up session, joined by several new participants and building on the momentum of the March retreat. The gathering continued conversations on leadership, relationship-building, and the unique challenges of serving in Congress. Under Jacobson’s facilitation, chiefs revisited key themes from the retreat, deepened peer connections, and expanded a bipartisan network of colleagues committed to effective public service.
In discussing the School’s broader approach to leadership development, Dean Aimee Wall shared that “While the School of Government focuses primarily on supporting state and local government officials in North Carolina, much of the leadership and governance work we do in the state can be applied more broadly.” She also noted that partnering with the Congressional Management Foundation to build a customized program for congressional leaders has been a natural fit for the School, grounded in shared values of bipartisanship and policy neutrality.
The School of Government is nationally recognized for its work in management and leadership development, combining academic research and scholarship with years of practical, on-the-ground experience. Rooted in a mission of service to North Carolina, this approach continues to guide its work.
Published July 6, 2026