Councils

The Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, establishes two councils. Chaired by senior officials, the White House Transition Coordinating Council and the Agency Transition Directors Council are pivotal bodies responsible for facilitating the seamless transfer of presidential power. These councils, along with the President’s Management Council, work to ensure a smooth and transparent presidential transition, providing the incoming administration with the essential information they need to assume their roles promptly.

• White House Transition Coordinating Council
  Oversees succession planning, and fosters communication between transition representatives and senior agency employees.
• Agency Transition Directors Council
  Coordinates transition activities among government departments, ensures briefing materials are ready, and prepares career employees for key positions during the transition.

The WHTCC, the ATDC, and the President’s Management Council divide transition activities 

The WHTCC will provide overall oversight and guidance on the presidential transition process to agencies and the Federal Transition Coordinator.  Drawing upon WHTCC guidance, the ATDC, in concert with the President’s Management Council, will coordinate transition activities across large agencies.

Agencies not represented on the ATDC

To ensure a whole of government approach, the Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director for Management and the Federal Transition Coordinator will regularly convene the transition directors of agencies that are not covered by the ATDC to provide updates on the transition process.

Guidance

The current presidential administration will give broad guidance to help agencies develop briefing materials to use in the event of a change in administration so the incoming presidential administration has useful information to quickly and smoothly begin their new roles. 

Whom to contact

Contact your manager or your agency’s designated transition point of contact with any questions regarding the transition.