Appointees and Policymaking

Derrick Morgan

Executive Vice President, Heritage Foundation

Derrick Morgan is the Executive Vice President of The Heritage Foundation, overseeing policy, communications, and government relations under President Dr. Kevin Roberts. Previously, he was senior vice president of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, leading national advocacy efforts and testifying before Congress. Morgan has worked for four senators and one representative, and served in the Bush Administration as assistant, special counsel, and staff secretary for Vice President Dick Cheney. His legal career includes roles at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and the Department of Justice. A recognized conservative voice, he has appeared on major news outlets and his commentary has been published in prominent publications. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center.

Roger Severino

Vice President of Domestic Policy

Roger Severino is the Vice President of Domestic Policy and the Joseph C. and Elizabeth A. Anderlik Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, specializing in civil rights, conscience and religious freedom, administrative law, and information privacy, particularly in healthcare. He previously led the HHS Office for Civil Rights, where he was instrumental in enforcing civil rights laws and founded the first division focused on conscience and religious freedom. Severino has a background in both the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society at Heritage and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. His notable achievements include significant regulatory reforms, landmark civil rights resolutions, and the largest HIPAA settlement in history. Severino holds a JD from Harvard, a master’s in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon, and a bachelor’s from USC, and he is also a member of the bars in D.C. and Virginia. In his personal time, he enjoys teaching salsa and west coast swing.

Erin Walsh

Senior fellow in international Affairs at the Asian Study Center

Erin Walsh is a Senior Research Fellow for National Security at The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, with a distinguished career spanning both public service and the private sector, including roles in four Republican presidential administrations. Over 16 years in government, she has worked at the White House, the State Department, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and the Department of Energy, notably serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director at the National Security Council from 2017 to 2020. Walsh also has experience with the United Nations in Bosnia during the war and spent 12 years in the private sector at Goldman Sachs and Cisco, where she led initiatives focused on corporate engagement and technology education across Asia and developing countries. She holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a master's from the London School of Economics, and has traveled to over 100 countries.

Impact of Service

Importance of understanding the regulatory role in federal agencies.
Many opportunities exist for influencing policy at various levels.

Importance of Excellence

Starting in junior roles, doing excellent work leads to opportunities for greater influence.
The need for preparedness when called upon for opinions on important matters.

Religious Freedom Initiative

Erin highlighted the successful push for the president to address religious freedom at the UN.
This marked the first time a U.S. president spoke on this issue at the UN, showcasing leadership.

Hiring Criteria for Administration Roles

Look for candidates with relevant academic or real-world experience.
Candidates must align with the president’s conservative policies.
Team players with a supportive attitude are essential.
Individuals from various professional backgrounds (e.g., small business, law) are encouraged to contribute to the conservative movement.
Diverse experiences can enrich the administration's effectiveness.

Flexibility and Work Ethic:

Candidates should be adaptable and willing to work in a fast-paced environment.
The unpredictability of roles means candidates must be ready for rapid changes.
Flexibility is crucial; adapting to changing issues is key to success.
Maintaining energy and optimism is important during challenging times.
Building a broad network of contacts is beneficial for support and guidance.
Time is a precious commodity; administrations have limited periods (4-8 years) to accomplish their goals.
It’s essential to work efficiently from day one to execute promises and initiatives.

Opportunities for Young Professionals

Entry-level positions, such as confidential assistants, offer valuable training and experience.
Internships and volunteer opportunities can lead to full-time positions in administration.
Experience in government enhances credibility and opens doors for future opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Being a known quantity within the conservative movement can lead to hiring opportunities.

Policy Implementation Process:

The transition from idea to reality involves navigating executive orders, regulations, and potential litigation.
Proper planning from the start is vital for success in implementing policies.
The country faces significant challenges from progressive ideologies; conservative principles need representation.
National security threats, particularly from China, highlight the need for strong leadership.

First 100 Days:

This period is critical for establishing momentum; the administration must capitalize on the initial excitement.
Every hour counts, and unexpected events can arise that impact plans.