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The mission of the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW CEPL) is to develop public leaders who make a positive difference in their organizations, communities, and in the lives of the people they serve. The Center further fulfills its mission by weaving together a combination of academic and practitioner resources to provide rigorous, graduate-level executive education, grounded in the realities of public sector leadership and management.
5000+
Graduates of
GW CEPL’s executive education programs
25
Years of experience providing
world-class leadership development support
34
Countries reached through our training and coaching services
$52 M
Identified savings for DC Government through our
Lean Six Sigma projects
#1
Nation’s first Executive Coaching Certification, serving UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
In The News
GW CEPL Launches New Micro-Executive Certificate in Emerging Technology Leadership, with a Focus on AI
November 11, 2026
What does it mean to lead well when the technologies around us no longer just wait for our commands, but increasingly act alongside us? That is the question at the heart of a new micro-executive certificate the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) has launched in Emerging Technology Leadership for Local and State Government, with a focus on AI. Built with partners at DC Government, it reimagines CEPL's Executive Leadership Program for senior DC government leaders.
Calvin Cafritz Awards Honor D.C. Government Employees Going Beyond Responsibility
This year’s winners designed systems for greater efficiency in government operations, delivering improved services for city residents.
July 6, 2026
George Washington University hosted the 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards Gala for distinguished D.C. government employees June 24 in recognition of outstanding performance and exemplary service. Held in partnership with the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL), the celebration was held in the University Student Center (USC) and featured a live band and sit-down dinner for scores of D.C. government workers, families and friends.
Announcing the Winners of the 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards Program
The Calvin Cafritz Awards program is the signature event of the Foundation, recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in the Washington, DC community.
June 3, 2026
The Calvin Cafritz Awards program is the signature event of the Foundation, recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in the Washington, DC community. Over the last 25 years, the Calvin Cafritz Awards have been presented to over 100 extraordinary individuals and 10 innovative teams.