Founded in 1971, the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA) was originally established as a section of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) to provide a forum for leadership and professional development for minority students, public servants, administrators, and governmental officials.  With more than 50 years of service, COMPA has established herself as one of America’s leading national public service organizations. 

Our mission is to serve and assist public administrators, students and other professionals involved in public service.  Furthermore, we seek to advance the science, processes, technology and arts and image of public administration by providing leadership in the elimination of discriminatory practices against all minorities.

Our vision is to promote excellence in public service and administration in university settings and in city, county, state and national government operations.

COMPA is dedicated to achieving and supporting the following goals: 

1. Strengthening and increasing the role minorities play in setting public policy;

2. Influencing public managers and executives to insure that the interests and goals of minority employees are served;

3. Educating our membership about emerging issues in public sector management by sponsoring conferences and issuing periodicals;

4. Nurturing the career aspirations of our membership by identifying employment opportunities; and

5. Recognizing outstanding service by public administrators.