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Building a Vibrant and Supportive Community
At the heart of our mission is the belief that people—our students, alumni, faculty, and staff—are our greatest strength. Our commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive community of lifelong learners drives every facet of our work.
From reimagining how we attract and engage students, to deepening alumni connections, strengthening faculty development, and amplifying our voice through media and events, we are investing in the systems, relationships, and stories that build belonging, inspire engagement, and celebrate our collective impact.
Goal One of our strategic plan, People, is defined as fostering an accessible and inclusive community of lifelong learners.
This year, CPS took significant steps to enhance how we attract, onboard, and support our students. Key improvements focused on digital tools, coordinated programming, and targeted student support.
The college implemented a range of innovative top-of-funnel strategies to engage prospective students more effectively. We strengthened our digital marketing efforts through enhanced SEO, targeted social media campaigns, and refreshed website content tailored to adult learners. We launched new program samplers and virtual info sessions to provide early, low-barrier exposure to our offerings.
Our outreach efforts were also more personalized, leveraging data insights to deliver timely, relevant communications. Additionally, we coordinated with faculty and alumni to showcase real-world outcomes and foster a deeper sense of connection from the first point of contact. Together, these improvements expanded our reach and created a more seamless and supportive path for prospective students exploring CPS.
These initiatives have played a big part in the College's overall strategy, becoming a bright spot for us this past year. We stepped up our involvement with University alums and donor events, and built on the Giving Day approach we developed in FY14.
The result? Our community stepped up, too—with overall financial contributions jumping by about 156%. Their generous gifts will continue to drive our progress and commitment to our mission.
This year, CPS significantly elevated its lead nurturing strategy, launching a comprehensive series of email campaigns tailored to each academic program.
To meet prospective students where they are in their journey, we developed three distinct campaigns—each targeting a specific stage of the enrollment funnel: prospect, applicant, and submitted application. Each campaign featured five thoughtfully sequenced emails designed to guide prospective students through the decision-making process, from initial interest to enrollment.
These messages delivered timely, relevant content such as program highlights, faculty spotlights, student success stories, career outcomes, and key deadline reminders. The campaigns built trust, answered common questions, and maintained engagement over time by aligning the communication cadence with the prospective student journey.
In essence, it functioned as a digital concierge—delivering the right information at the right time to help learners feel informed, supported, and confident in their decision to choose CPS.
In addition to the lead nurturing strategy, the Recruitment and Admissions team revamped their open house strategy to be online and in-person, allowing prospective students to meet with faculty, staff, and current students in our programs.
Additional events that the team participated in this year included:
We launched a revamped Student and Career Services website to improve usability and access, along with a new Student Success Module within GWRevU, offering streamlined academic and career guidance. Orientation was reimagined with joint sessions for BPS and MPS students, fostering early connections across programs
The College of Professional Studies and the Graduate School of Political Management continued to strengthen their commitment to public engagement and thought leadership through a robust calendar of events.
Over the past year, the events team successfully organized over 40 public, free events across CPS and GSPM, drawing over 4,400 RSVPs.
These gatherings—ranging from panel discussions and book talks to live podcast recordings and expert lectures—offered meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, alums, and the broader community to connect, engage with timely topics, and showcase the depth and impact of our academic programs.
Alumni and Family Weekend Breakfast: This year, the College of Professional Studies hosted its inaugural Alumni and Family Weekend Brunch in the CPS Dean’s Office. The event welcomed faculty, staff, current students, alums, and their families for a morning of community building and celebration. This new tradition fostered meaningful connections across generations of the CPS community and reinforced the college’s commitment to inclusive engagement.
GSPM Happy Hours: GSPM Happy Hours were reintroduced to strengthen connections within the D.C. community of Graduate School of Political Management alumni, current students, and prospective students. Held monthly, these events consistently drew strong attendance and played a key role in cultivating a vibrant and engaged network.
Publishing - Ethics in Publishing Conference: Integrity in a Time of Change” was the theme of George Washington University’s 14th Ethics in Publishing Conference, which explored the impact and contributions of artificial intelligence (AI) and other issues at a time when the publishing industry is expanding to accommodate greater diversity globally and here in the United States. At a hybrid virtual and in-person conference held in the City View Room of the Elliott School of International Affairs, more than 700 members of the publishing community, including library professionals, scholars, and student speakers, addressed the influence of language, multilingualism, accessibility, and inclusivity in the publishing process.
"What began as a small seminar, integrated into the ethics capstone course for our publishing students from 2007 to 2016, has grown into the dynamic and impactful event we are all a part of today," Dean Riddle said.
Homeland Security - Women in Homeland Security event: This year, the College of Professional Studies proudly hosted its annual Women Leaders in Homeland Security event, spotlighting women's critical roles in the homeland security landscape. Sponsored by the Homeland Security and Cybersecurity programs, the event brought together students, alumni, and professionals for an inspiring panel discussion featuring leading voices in the field.
The distinguished panel included:
Panelists shared personal experiences and professional insights, highlighting the diverse career paths available to women in homeland security. The event underscored CPS’s commitment to equity, representation, and advancing women in high-impact national and global security roles.
Sustainable Urban Planning - "What is your dream job ?" Event: On March 22, the Sustainable Urban Planning Program (SUP) and Director of Career Services, Nicole Mintz, invited a panel of expert employers to discuss career opportunities in urban planning at the GW Arlington Education Center. The panelists, representing a range of sectors—including policy, climate change, county government, nonprofits, and international organizations—shared invaluable insights into the diverse field. Students participated in personalized discussions with the employers to learn about the skills and characteristics needed for success in the job market.
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Paralegal Studies - Supreme Court Review and Preview: 2024 marked the tenth annual Supreme Court Review and Preview event hosted by the GW Paralegal Studies program. Professors Sarah Coats, Larry Ross, and Toni Marsh discussed essential cases from the 2023- 2024 term, including presidential immunity, guns, voting rights, the First Amendment, social media, and more. They followed the story told by statistics, including the impact of the 6-3 supermajority, and previewed what promises to be the most intriguing cases in the upcoming term.
Alumni Achievement Ceremony with Secretary Del Toro: The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) honored U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, M.A. ’96, with the GSPM Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award on September 23. The event featured remarks from Secretary Del Toro and a dynamic conversation with CPS Dean Liesl Riddle. Attendees engaged in a lively question-and-answer session before concluding the evening with a celebratory reception.
"Meet the Author" Virtual Series: The GSPM "Meet the Author" Series was hosted this past Fall 2024 semester in collaboration with GSPM Career Services Director, Mag Gottlieb, and GSPM Academic Advisor, Sydney Roig. The series hosted current GSPM students, alums, or faculty who have authored a publication in recent years. The sessions aimed to highlight the writing and publication process, provide an overview of the content of the book or journal, and share how the author's experience as a student or faculty member in the GSPM aided in their process of becoming an author. We were very pleased that many students (online and in-person), alumni, faculty, and board members tuned in virtually to support the series week after week.
National Political Conventions: Dean Liesl Riddle and members of our leadership team, including Luke Kasim, Dr. Casey Burgat, and Samantha Cropper, attended the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Milwaukee and Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Chicago, providing an inside look into the U.S. political process. Their experiences provided unique insights as we entered last year’s pivotal election season.
The College of Professional Studies expanded its impact and visibility through a series of high-profile external partnership events that exemplify our commitment to unique, mission-aligned experiences that happen #OnlyatGW. By collaborating with leading organizations across sectors—from STEM education to cybersecurity, manufacturing policy, and global entrepreneurship, CPS provided current and prospective students with invaluable access to dynamic learning opportunities and national conversations.
These events not only showcased the college’s role as a convener of thought leadership but also helped grow our partnership profile, strengthen community ties, and reinforce GW’s reputation as a hub for innovation, policy, and public service.
Across the Aisle: In partnership with Business for America, GSPM co-sponsored this event which highlighted three GSPM alumni including freshman U.S. Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), former Maryland State Senator Chris Shank (R), and moderator Tiffany Waddell, Director of Government Relations at the National Governors Association—for a candid discussion on what prepared them for public service, the lessons they learned on the job, and how business can foster bipartisanship.
Uniting Women in Cyber: CPS supported UWIC, the premier event for cybersecurity leaders, professionals, and aspiring practitioners. Our faculty and recruiting team connected with a vibrant community focused on emerging global trends, technological advancements, and workforce development.
Annual US Industrial Roundtable: The annual US Industrial Policy Roundtable, hosted by the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing and the World Economic Forum in partnership with CPS, brought together cross-sector leaders to shape actionable strategies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing through workforce development, innovation policy, and national collaboration on GW’s Campus in May 2025.
Native Raising Event: In July, the GW Arlington Campus welcomed back the Natives Rising STEM Camp. This fantastic camp aims to empower and inspire Native American youth by providing a life-changing experience to 30-35 students from tribes across the United States through a week of educational workshops and opportunities to thrive in STEM fields, all at no cost to them. Students are accompanied by Native American chaperones, staff, and industry professionals.
ADN Conference: The African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25) marks the tenth anniversary of this premier global convening, celebrating and championing the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans, descendants of Africa, and friends of Africa. This milestone event is curated to inspire and equip participants to be agents of change while encouraging intentional engagement in shaping Africa’s future through entrepreneurship, investment, trade, and strategic partnerships. CPS co-sponsored the event, and Dean Riddle led a panel to discuss cybersecurity challenges and opportunities on the African continent.
CEPL’s Support for Federal Government Employees: Navigating Career Transitions and Expanding Networks Beyond Government: On March 19, 2025, CEPL hosted a free, interactive panel event, Navigating Career Transitions: Leveraging Your Network Beyond Government, drawing over 300 participants. This virtual session featured seasoned career strategists and leadership experts who shared how to expand networks, translate skills across industries, and craft forward-looking career visions while navigating the emotional challenges of career transitions. Dr. Natalie Houghtby-Haddon, Executive Director of GW CEPL, opened the event by welcoming attendees and introducing Dean Liesl Riddle of the College of Professional Studies, who shared reflections on leadership through change. Kelley Bishop, Associate Vice Provost for Career Services at GW, then moderated a lively discussion with our distinguished panelists: Leslie Grossman, Brenda Donald, Nancy Potok, Judy Schramm, and Katharine Manning. Together, they explored expanding professional networks, engaging in purposeful conversations, clarifying personal vision and purpose, and leveraging networking tools effectively. The event closed with final remarks and additional career resources offered by Ina Gjikondi, Director of Learning Innovation and Strategic Growth at CEPL, and Dr. Houghtby-Haddon, underscoring CEPL’s ongoing commitment to supporting leaders through career and life transitions.
CPS Community Hours: The CPS Dean’s Office hosted pizza nights at the Arlington, Alexandria, and Hall of the States campuses. Open to all, these events were the perfect opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and engage with the vibrant CPS community.
Rainbow Connections Network: CPS launched an LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group in the fall of 2024. Open to all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, the Rainbow Connections Network offers a unique space for community, representation, and advocacy. In the past year, students have gathered to hear from guest speakers across industries and hosted the LGBTQ Victory Institute Fellows. Our students also had the opportunity to network with LGBTQ GW alumni at a joint event hosted by GW Out for Business. Additionally, the Rainbow Connections Network offers informal socials for students (both CPS and GSPM) an opportunity to learn from each other and how each member of our community approaches their own CPS journey. In the future, Academic Advisor and Student Success Coach Josh Adamek hopes to expand the group and continue to partner with GW and the greater DC community to foster an inclusive space for CPS students.
BPS Student Outing: In November, students in our BPS programs traveled from the Virginia Science & Technology Campus to the Foggy Bottom Campus. They took a campus tour, visited the campus store, and met with the Dean over lunch in the CPS Dean’s Office. BPS Program Directors Jeff Delinski, Scott White, and Tierney Pitzer were present, along with Assistant Dean of Students Suzanne Farrand and Academic Advisor Sydney Roig.
Academic Affairs Staff Retreat: This year, the Academic Affairs team came together for a dynamic retreat at the Regent House in Arlington. Organized by leaders of the academic affairs team, the event featured an engaging Olympics-themed day filled with team-building activities and spirited collaboration. The retreat was a standout moment that strengthened connections across the team and celebrated our shared commitment to academia and enhancing the student experience. It served as a recharge and a reflection point for the critical work ahead.
Peer Mentoring Pilot Launch: The CPS Peer Mentoring Program is a student engagement initiative designed to support the transition of new students into the College of Professional Studies. The program connects incoming students with current students (mentors) from the same academic program to provide guidance, share experiences, and build a sense of community. The pilot launched with three programs—Homeland Security, Paralegal, and Political Management—and offered mentors a training session and a resource guide to facilitate meaningful conversations and support. The goal is to foster academic and personal success through peer connection and mentorship.
Staff and Faculty Appreciation Lunch: In honor of Employee Appreciation Day, the Dean’sOffice organized lunch in Foggy Bottom, Arlington, and Alexandria in March to bring together the CPS community and celebrate the hard work and dedication to the university.
March Madness: This spring, the CPS Student Services Team brought the excitement of college basketball to the College of Professional Studies with a spirited March Madness competition open to faculty and staff. Designed to foster community and engagement across programs, the bracket-style challenge encouraged participants to test their basketball predictions while connecting with peers in a fun, low-stakes environment.
CPS enhanced its media presence through engaging podcasts and dynamic live events. These initiatives fostered meaningful conversations across a broad spectrum of topics, reinforcing the college’s reputation as a vibrant hub for diverse perspectives and insightful dialogue.
The Professionals Podcast
In its second season, The Professionals podcast—co-hosted by Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim—continued to explore the college’s evolving identity, mission, and impact in a rapidly changing world. The podcast featured in-depth conversations on topics ranging from cybersecurity to paralegal studies, offering insights and inspiration to students, alums, and lifelong learners. Notable guests this year included leaders and experts from across disciplines, further enriching the series’ reach and relevance.
Recent guests included:
Subscribe to The Professionals Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts, including:
Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.
This season’s guests included:
Subscribe to Mastering The Room wherever you get your favorite podcasts, including:
One Humanity Lab (OH Lab) at GW CEPL is a learning and innovation hub that leverages whole-person leadership to harness collective wisdom, drive positive transformation, and uplift global consciousness. Into an Ecology of Wholeness explores the field of coaching from various angles through the lens of the e-Co Leadership Coaching program. The e-Co program is based on the perspective that we must first develop inner capacities to expand outwards in our service to others. Inner capacities include a return to our dreaming, intuition, creativity, and grounded connectivity to people, communities, nature, and Source.
Recent guests include:
Director Thennie Freeman, the powerhouse behind the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Leslie Grossman, author and speaker, a trailblazer in leadership, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Gizem Salcigil White, Founder & CEO of Turkish Coffee Lady, the first and only authentic Turkish coffee brand in the U.S., dedicated to building a global community of coffee explorers and empowering women.
Subscribe to One Humanity Lab wherever you get your favorite podcasts, including:
This year, the Chief Influencer podcast—produced in partnership with Anthony Shop and Social Driver—reached a major milestone: its 100th episode. To mark the occasion, the podcast filmed several high-profile, live episodes at George Washington University, each spotlighting influential voices shaping culture, policy, and purpose-driven leadership.
In a standout celebration, the podcast featured a live recording honoring Virginia Ali, co-founder of the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl. A legendary figure in Washington, D.C., Ali reflected on her extraordinary journey, the rich history of her restaurant, and its enduring impact on the city’s culture. Hosted by Anthony Shop, the conversation offered heartfelt insights into perseverance, community-building, and what it means to become a beloved institution.
Another packed event on September 19 welcomed President Obama’s former speechwriter, Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well, for a book signing and live recording. The College of Professional Studies proudly hosted the event, which drew a large crowd and featured a dynamic conversation on storytelling, influence, and the craft of communication at the highest levels.
In February, CPS Dean Liesl Riddle served as guest host in an exclusive interview with Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist and noted cybersecurity philanthropist. Often referred to as “the Paul Revere of cybersecurity,” Newmark discussed his wide-ranging efforts to protect American infrastructure, support veterans, and cultivate partnerships with universities and government. His leadership philosophy—rooted in the Golden Rule—provided an inspiring lens through which to view his commitment to public good, national security, and ethical influence.
Together, these live episodes highlight the College’s commitment to showcasing purpose-driven leaders, sparking meaningful dialogue, and connecting students with real-world changemakers. As Chief Influencer surpasses its 100th episode, CPS celebrates the podcast’s growing impact and continued collaboration with voices that inspire action and lead with purpose.
This year, CPS significantly advanced its focus on faculty development, recognition, and leadership transitions. We welcomed several visiting scholars who enriched our academic community through international collaboration and cultural exchange. Our Faculty & Academic Affairs team implemented new policies for faculty promotion and conducted targeted training to enhance teaching effectiveness and student support.
The College also celebrated faculty and staff achievements through awards recognizing long-term service, innovation, and transformative contributions to our community.
CPS introduced its first-ever Alumni Achievement Award, acknowledging our alumni's outstanding professional and community impacts.
Leadership changes within key programs like the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership and the Graduate School of Political Management underscored our ongoing commitment to impactful public service and political management education.
These transitions and the arrival of new senior fellows and staff position CPS strongly for continued growth, innovation, and success.
Visiting Scholars Programs: CPS welcomed seven visiting scholars over the academic year, including international scholars supported through the J-1 visa program. These scholars enriched the academic environment through research collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.
Faculty Development: This year marked the launch of a new full-time faculty promotion policy and accompanying guidance. The Faculty & Academic Affairs team also conducted over 30 individual training and development sessions with part-time faculty. These sessions focused on teaching practices, instructional advising, and support with technology platforms such as Blackboard, all aimed at strengthening the student learning experience.
CEPL Senior Fellows Engagement and New Appointments: TIn 2024, CEPL’s Senior Fellows continued to play an active role in shaping leadership conversations and offering valuable expertise to the broader public service community. Former CEPL Executive Director and renowned former Chief Human Capital Officer for several Federal agencies, Ron Sanders, participated in a FedInsider webinar focused on the current state of the federal workforce and engaged with the USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center, sharing insights on workforce resilience and leadership challenges. Katherine Manning and Rich Tafel also contributed to CEPL’s career pivot offerings, providing support and guidance for public sector leaders navigating career transitions.
This year, CEPL also proudly welcomed three new Senior Fellows:
These appointments further strengthen CEPL’s community of practice, expanding the reach and depth of our work to empower leaders at all stages of their professional journeys.
2nd Annual Faculty Awards Ceremony and individual recognition: This year’s faculty celebration will honor several individuals for their exceptional service and contributions to the College of Professional Studies. Awards will recognize milestone achievements, dedicated part-time teaching, and outstanding impact on the college community.
First-Ever CPS Faculty Senators: As the first elected Faculty Senators from CPS, Dr. Scott White and Dr. John Warren have played an instrumental role in elevating the College’s voice within the broader University Faculty Senate. Their active engagement in key committees and campus-wide conversations has ensured that CPS perspectives are represented in critical policy discussions. We are grateful for their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing CPS's academic mission and visibility across GW.
Catalyst Award Winners: We’re thrilled to celebrate the recipients of this year’s CPS Catalyst Awards, honoring faculty and staff who exemplify our core values of progress, innovation, and community. A special thank you goes to our selection committee—last year’s inaugural awardees—who helped continue the tradition by recognizing this year’s outstanding colleagues.
Partners in Progress
Staff: Vanessa Keszler
Faculty: Elaine Lammert
Advancing Innovation and Learning
Staff: Dr. Michelle Lague
Faculty: Dr. Todd Belt
Community Excellence
Staff: Jessica Hyland
Faculty: Puja Telikicherla
Congratulations to these exceptional individuals for their meaningful contributions to the CPS community!
1st Annual CPS Alumni Achievement Award Winner: This year marked the launch of the College of Professional Studies’ first-ever Alumni Achievement Award—an important new tradition recognizing exceptional alumni who embody CPS’s mission and values. We extend our deepest thanks to the award committee for stewarding this initiative and proudly announce Laura Remis as the inaugural recipient.
Laura Remis has achieved remarkable professional success in scientific publishing, serving in a leadership role at Science Advances and contributing to one of the most respected STEM journal portfolios at AAAS. A passionate supporter of GW, Laura regularly returns to speak in CPS classrooms, mentors students, and provides internship opportunities—generously giving back to the GW community. Widely respected in the field, Laura’s dedication to ethical publishing and commitment to fostering the next generation of editors exemplify the impact CPS alumni can have across industries and around the world.
Angela McMillen Ayres, Interim Executive Director of GSPM: As the search for GSPM’s next Executive Director continues, we extend our sincere gratitude to Angela McMillen Ayres for her steady leadership and dedicated service as Interim Executive Director. Angela’s thoughtful guidance and collaborative spirit have provided continuity and stability during this critical transition. Her commitment to the School’s mission and community has been instrumental in positioning GSPM for continued success.
McMillen Ayres has used her knowledge of GSPM as an Advisory Council member to increase GSPM’s visibility within the political community by hosting new events including reprising GSPM Happy Hours, and hosting new event such as Across the Aisle: How Leaders Find Common Ground in a Divided Era, the GSPM Reception at the NATO Summit, the Mastering the Room pollster post election event and the upcoming GSPM/AAPC Mid-Atlantic Conference being held on the GW University campus on July 10, 2025.
Dean’s Council GSPM Executive Director Subcommittee Search Committee: We extend our sincere thanks to the CPS Dean’s Council members who served on the subcommittee for the Graduate School of Political Management Executive Director search. Your time, thoughtful input, and commitment to identifying a visionary leader for GSPM were instrumental in shaping this important process. We deeply appreciate your dedication to the future of the School and the College.
Dr. Matt Dallek, Interim Program Director | Political Management Program: This year, we sincerely thank Dr. Matt Dallek for his outstanding leadership as interim Program Director for the Political Management Program during Dr. Todd Belt’s sabbatical. Dr. Dallek stepped into the role with dedication and a clear vision, ensuring continuity and excellence in both academic and operational areas. We’re grateful for his commitment and steady guidance during this pivotal time.
Slate Implementation: A special thank you goes to Sam Wimberly and Maria Escoto for their exceptional work in stewarding the College of Professional Studies through the transition and implementation of Slate. Their leadership, collaboration, and deep institutional knowledge were instrumental in navigating this complex process. Thanks to their efforts, CPS is now better positioned to leverage Slate’s capabilities to enhance recruitment, admissions, and student engagement. Their dedication and problem-solving throughout this critical transition did not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
Jim Robinson named Emeritus Faculty Status: We honored James Robinson, who retired on December 31, 2024, as Executive Director of the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) after more than 20 years of transformative leadership. Since 2003, Jim has been instrumental in elevating CEPL to national prominence through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to developing public service leaders. His retirement celebration was a significant community engagement event, bringing together CEPL alumni, DC Government partners, and the broader GW community to honor his enduring legacy. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Jim was appointed Emeritus Professor, cementing his impact on GW and the public leadership community.
The Calvin Cafritz Awards for Distinguished DC Government Employees: The prestigious Calvin Cafritz Awards program recognizes outstanding DC Government employees and innovative teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in the Washington, DC community. Over the last 21 years, the Cafritz Awards have honored more than 106 individuals and eight teams who played vital roles in providing outstanding service to DC residents.
This year, five individual winners and two teams were selected from 163 nominations and 60 completed applications. The selection process was rigorous and competitive, involving independent evaluations, finalist rankings, and panel discussions.
Individual winners include Jessica Marie Bress, who created and led the nationally recognized DC Police Leadership Academy; Anwar Mahmood, who improved ADA compliance across public spaces; Dr. Kofi Onumah, who led DC’s COVID-19 mass vaccination rollout and co-authored the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program; Phillip Walker, who revitalized youth leadership programs; and Gashaw Woldehanna, who implemented financial system improvements across 39 District agencies. The team winners are the Peer Case Management Institute (PCMI) team, which developed a workforce program training individuals with lived experience of homelessness to become case managers, and the LOW TITER O WHOLE BLOOD PROGRAM TEAM, which launched DC's first prehospital whole blood transfusion program, saving lives with a 93% survival rate.
The Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL): CEPL marked a significant leadership transition at the close of 2024. Effective December 31, 2024, Jim Robinson stepped down as Executive Director after more than two decades of visionary leadership. Since joining CEPL in 2003, Jim has played an instrumental role in elevating the Center to national prominence as a public sector leadership development leader. Under his guidance, CEPL has empowered thousands of municipal, federal, and nonprofit leaders through flagship programs such as the Program for Excellence in Municipal Management (PEMM), which has trained over 1,000 DC government leaders, and the Executive Leadership Program, now celebrating its 10th cohort and more than 200 alumni in executive roles. Jim’s legacy is one of innovation, service, and impact—and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the university and the broader public leadership community.
Dr. Ina Gjikondi has taken on an expanded role as Director of Learning Innovation & Strategic Growth. She will lead CEPL’s work with the DC Government, develop long-term partnerships, and expand the One Humanity Lab. Ina continues to oversee key programs, including the Certified Public Manager® Program, e-Co Leadership Coaching, the Youth Development Professional Certification, and the DC Executive Leadership Program.
Samantha Luna has transitioned into the role of Senior Accountant, supporting CEPL’s financial strategy and special CPS projects. Additionally, we were proud to celebrate Kateryna Pyatybratova, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, as she prepared to take the next step in her career. Kateryna’s leadership and dedication have helped shape many of CEPL’s programs and partnerships, and we are deeply grateful for all she has done.
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The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM): GSPM is at a pivotal moment as it begins a national search for its next Executive Director, launched in March 2025. The school is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and experienced leader to elevate its flagship Political Management program and advance its national and global reputation.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong political background, proven leadership ability, and a passion for applied political strategy. They must be prepared to lead within an academic setting, collaborate effectively with faculty and university leadership, and serve as a compelling public voice for GSPM. This role demands someone who can introduce bold, forward-looking ideas that align with the school’s mission and goals.
Fundraising, partnership-building, and strategic communication will be critical elements of the role, along with the ability to attract top-tier faculty and students. While an advanced degree is preferred, the successful candidate must also demonstrate a deep commitment to GSPM’s values and the broader mission of the College and University. This is a transformational leadership opportunity at a defining time for the school’s future.
We are excited to welcome the newest members of our team to the College of Professional Studies. Their expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and enhance the student experience.
Morgan Campbell,
Financial Analyst
Aida Cavalic
Managing Director for Finance and Administration
Anastasiia Gevel
Cafritz Awards Program Coordinator
Rachel Mahmud
Director of Administration, CEPL
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Angela McMillen Ayres
Interim Executive Director of GSPM
Joseph Nolan
Executive Special Assistant
Payton Prewitt
Program Associate for Academic Operations
Missy Walker
Acting Assistant Dean of Recruitment and Admissions
