Department executives in the states: An examination of differences based on selection and work experience

State level department executives have an extraordinary influence over policy in their departments. Yet these executives receive neither public nor research attention in proportion to their importance in directing state policy. This study, based on a survey and resumes from state executives in all 50 states, examines the individual characteristics and professional experiences of state executives. The study found significant differences between elected and appointed executives. Also, most of the appointed department heads had experience in substantive area of the department. State government or partisan political experience was less common among the appointed executives. Finally, the professional experience of executives varied among the departments.