Encyclopedia · Person
Donald J. Devine
American political scientist and former federal personnel director
Personal details
- Born
- April 14, 1937 · Bronxville, New York
- Education
- St. John’s University, B.B.A.; City University of New York, M.A.; Syracuse University, Ph.D.
- Occupation
- Political scientist and federal official
- Family
- Married; four children (1985 official biography)
- Federal office
- Director of the Office of Personnel Management, March 1981–March 1985
Donald J. Devine is an American political scientist and former federal personnel director.
Academic and federal career
Devine taught government and politics at the University of Maryland before joining the Reagan administration. He directed the Office of Personnel Management from 1981 to 1985, overseeing federal personnel reforms.
Later writing and Project 2025
Devine wrote on the civil service and conservatism. He co-authored the central personnel agencies chapter of Heritage’s 2023 Mandate for Leadership with Dennis Dean Kirk and Paul Dans.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.