Candidate information for the slate of individuals running for ASPA National Council positions appears below.
 
District I Candidates
District II Candidates
District III Candidates
District IV Candidate
District V Candidates
Student Representative Candidates

Please be aware that voting for the 2023 elections has closed. Election results will be announced in the coming weeks once all votes have been tallied.


District I Candidate

Hillary Knepper

Biography

Hillary Knepper is associate provost for student success and a full professor in the department of public administration at Pace University. Prior to the academy, she was an administrator in nonprofit and public sector organizations, where her passion for vulnerable populations and equity was foremost in her work. She brings this strong practitioner perspective to her research on intersectionality, gender equity and health care. Her recent co-authored book, Intersectionality and Crisis Management: A Path to Social Equity, is available through Routledge Focus. She is excited to be co-authoring “Women’s Sports and Public Administration: A Parallel Path to Social Equity,” with Michelle Evans, to be published in Administrative Theory & Praxis. Other recent work can be found in Public Administration Review, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Teaching Public Administration and Public Administration Quarterly. She serves as editor in chief of the Journal of Health and Human Services Administration. Her recent media interviews include Scripps National News and Good Course The Interview. She was recognized by ASPA as one of 16 women in public administration and was featured in their “Profiles of Excellence.” In 2017, she was the recipient of the Section on Women in Public Administration’s (SWPA) Marcia P. “Marcy” Crowley Service to SWPA Award and, in 2022, she was awarded the Section’s Rita Mae Kelly Distinguished Research Award. Knepper earned her PhD in public affairs at the University of Central Florida, where she also enjoyed teaching extensively for its nonprofit management program.

Candidate Statement

Colleagues, I am excited about the possibility of representing District 1. As a long-time member, I have enjoyed the benefits of ASPA’s support of our discipline and I welcome the opportunity to give back. Throughout my 20 years of ASPA membership my service commitment has grown, including being a peer reviewer for Public Administration Review, board membership with the Section for Health and Human Services Administration, and the Section for Women in Public Administration, where I have served in committee and executive leadership, including as Chair. I am a founding trustee for the Northeast Conference on Public Administration, an ASPA Founders’ Fellow Mentor, a PA TIMES Online columnist and now co-chair of the 2024 Annual Conference. My dedication to ASPA lies in what I believe is a critical element of our work: bringing together scholars and practitioners to understand, analyze and (ultimately) transform public service. By committing to each other through this organization, we can bridge what divides us and create a more equitable world. Our membership supports our efforts to look inward as we focus outward—the perfect connection for academics and practitioners. Education and practice are facing many challenges, both domestically and internationally. This is why our membership and your support of ASPA is so vital. Your support of your fellow ASPA members makes a difference. Chapter activities, conference participation, publishing in our academic and practitioner journals all matter. If elected, I commit to representing you and your interests at the National Council, furthering our work, being available to our members and Chapters and being open to new ideas and opportunities. It will take all of us working together to successfully lead public service during these turbulent times. Thank you for your consideration.

Back to Top



District II Candidates

Phillip Carlisle

Biography

Since 2022, Phillip Carlisle has served as director of development at Washington English Center (WEC), a Washington, DC, nonprofit that offers English classes to more than 1,250 immigrants and refugees each year. A practitioner, he works with private foundations, corporate partners and individual donors to advance WEC's vision that all immigrants have access to the education and support they need to achieve their goals. In his role, he is responsible for raising more than $550,000 each year. From 2017 to 2022, he worked at ASPA, serving nearly three years as director of strategic development and advancement. During his time at ASPA, he actively supported and/or managed the work of its National Council, Endowment Board, Founders’ Fellows program, awards program and membership department. His efforts led to growth in ASPA's institutional membership program, unrestricted giving and strategic partnerships. Carlisle received his BA from Albion College and MA from Brandeis University.

Candidate Statement

I'm running for District Representative because I care about ASPA. As a nonprofit professional, I have the skills and experience necessary to strengthen the organization. I grew to understand ASPA's programming, operations and governance over the four-plus years I spent on staff—and I'm committed to seeing ASPA succeed, just as I have been since 2017. I have the fundraising and recruitment background necessary to help grow revenue, keep dues and conference-related fees stable, and continue to position ASPA as the premier nonprofit dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching, and practice of public administration. I care about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and understand the importance of publications like PA TIMES, Public Integrity and Public Administration Review in supporting that work. As an LGBTQ+ candidate, I will bring my lived experiences to the Council and fight tirelessly for increased diversity amongst its members. I know many of you and also know what's necessary to help ASPA continue to flourish for years to come. Please consider me for District II Representative. I won't let you down.

Alan Kennedy

Biography

Alan Kennedy is assistant teaching professor of public policy at William & Mary. An attorney, he also serves as a judge advocate general in the United States Army Reserve. He was a presidential elector for Biden-Harris in 2020. He focuses on gun policy, free speech and civil rights. His gun policy dissertation received top awards from University of Colorado Denver. He has been recognized nationally by ASPA as a Founders’ Fellow (2020) and recipient of the Public Integrity Award (2023), and by the American Bar Association as a Top 40 Young Lawyer (2021). Kennedy earned his BA from Yale University, JD and MA from William & Mary, and PhD from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs.

Candidate Statement

As both an academic and practitioner, it would be a great honor to draw on 15 years of government and military experience to expand ASPA’s reach and impact. I was humbled to receive the Public Integrity Award this year and would like to give back, especially as our democracy is under siege, DEI programs and academic freedom are being challenged, and social equity is needed urgently. In recent years, I represented immigrants challenging Trump’s Muslim Ban, I went to court as a Biden-Harris presidential elector in anticipation of January 6 and I successfully challenged military generals who unconstitutionally punished me for participating in Black Lives Matter protests. ASPA needs more leaders on the National Council who are not afraid to fight for racial, gender and social equity, and who will defend democracy from all who seek to silence dissenting voices.

Matthew Mingus

Biography

Matthew Mingus is director and professor at the School of Public Affairs and Administration, Western Michigan University, where he has been since 1998. His experience includes being a visiting professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (2013-2014), a senior governance advisor for the U.S. Department of State in Iraq (2009-2010) and the inaugural Fulbright research chair at the University of Ottawa’s Center on Governance (2005-2006). His research focuses on cross-border issues and comparative systems of federalism/decentralization; he also has five years of nonprofit management experience in programs focused on community-based substance abuse prevention and one year with the Department of Finance and Treasury Board Canada. He received a gubernatorial appointment to the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission (2017-2019), has been an associate member on the National Academy of Public Administration Standing Panel on International Affairs since 2016 and serves on the editorial boards of Administration & Society and the International Journal of Organizational Theory and Behavior. Mingus was the Harry S Truman Scholar from Colorado (1986) and received a fellowship to earn his MPA at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, which helped him succeed in doctoral work at the University of Colorado.

Candidate Statement

ASPA has nurtured my mind and career, deepened my knowledge and understanding of public administration and inspired me to bridge the gap between research and practice to advance excellence in public service. I accepted the nomination from Michigan's Capital Area Chapter because I am passionate about public administration and believe ASPA plays a vital role in connecting public service professionals and advancing the academic field. I have been a life member for nearly 30 years, and my commitment to public service started as I was raised by two career U.S. civil servants. I am at a stage of my life and career where I can enthusiastically give back to the organization that has given so much to me. I don’t need a title or a thank you card. I simply want to contribute. While I have been in academia for 25 years, my experience also includes five years managing nonprofit organizations, working for two national governments and living and working in Canada, China and Iraq. I am confident I have the skills and diverse experiences to be an effective contributor to ASPA’s National Council. Most importantly, I am dedicated to listening to and working with ASPA members to improve our national organization and support our Chapters and Sections. My background and experiences from across the spectrum of public service will enable me to make meaningful contributions on your behalf. I humbly ask for your vote for District II Representative.

Eloisa Thring

Biography

Eloisa Thring co-authored the “Outcome-Based Equity Analysis for Sidewalk and Trail Programming,” a manuscript that will be presented at the 2024 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. This analysis incorporated equity considerations in the planning and prioritizing of future sidewalk and trail improvement projects in Loudoun County, Virginia. She is a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. She completed the Marine Corp Marathon in 2011 and 2013 and periodically volunteers at local soup kitchens. She grew up in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and is the proud parent of a teenage son who is preparing for college life. Thring received an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and an MPA from George Mason University.

Candidate Statement

I am a highly motivated and progress focused leader with 30 years of public service in transportation engineering who builds and cultivates strong collaborative partnerships, and leads and coaches authentically high-performing teams in fast-paced environments. I also am an analytical thinker that solves complex problems, and a continual learner who expands business skills to adapt to the constant changing environment. I am the transportation operations program manager with Loudoun County Government who administers programs and services related to roadway safety, a self-motivated, self-directed leader with strong emotional intelligence. I will be extremely honored (and grateful) to receive your vote and be selected as your District II Representative in the 2023 ASPA National Council Election. Thank you for your consideration.

Back to Top



District III Candidates

Shaoming Cheng

Biography

Shaoming Cheng is associate professor and chair in the department of public policy and administration at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs of Florida International University. Previously, he was director of the NASPAA-accredited NPA program (2017-2021) and interim director of the PhD in public affairs program (2021-2022). He is an active, dedicated ASPA member, as well as the International City/County Management Association, NASPAA and Southeastern Conference for Public Administration. In addition to his unparalleled commitment to the public service profession, he has assumed leadership responsibilities in professional associations. He was the co-chair of ASPA’s 2023 Annual Conference, a member of its financial management committee, board member of ASPA’s Section on Chinese Public Administration, commissioner of the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA), chair of COPRA’s eligibility committee and member of ICMA’s graduate education committee. He also was faculty advisor of the ICMA student chapter at FIU (2017-2022). As evidence of his enthusiasm for and dedication to professional communities, in 2022 he was recognized as “educator of the year” by ASPA’s South Florida Chapter. His research is devoted to evidence-based and data-augmented decisionmaking that informs effective and efficient public policy and administration options and designs. His research has been funded, totaling more than $3.2 million, by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Kauffman Foundation, Cyber Florida: The Florida Center for Cybersecurity and Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Cheng received his PhD from George Mason University.

Candidate Statement

I am deeply honored and privileged to accept the nomination as the representative of District III to ASPA’s National Council. With the utmost respect, I humbly request your vote, guidance and support as we unite in pursuit of our shared vision for ASPA. As a dedicated member of the ASPA National Council, I will work collaboratively, strategically and vigorously with all constituencies of our ASPA community to ensure a prosperous financial future, to inspire and prepare students of various disciplines and background for rewarding public service careers and to upskill the public and nonprofit workforce. Leveraging my substantial background as an academic administrator and my involvement with ASPA's financial management committee, I will actively seek and capitalize on revenue-generating opportunities, thereby fortifying ASPA’s fiscal sustainability. Drawing from my successful experience as an academic educator, I am dedicated to engaging with students from a wide range of backgrounds, both domestically and internationally. Together, we will develop diverse pathways to public service education, cultivate students’ career readiness and nurture the next generation of public leaders. Furthermore, I am determined to explore and expand innovative, proven professional development initiatives, equipping practitioners with the latest knowledge and tools. This includes areas such as data-driven decision-making, AI-informed public service delivery, and cybersecurity planning, governance, and policy. Your support will be instrumental in realizing these aspirations and advancing our collective mission within ASPA. Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to serve.

Paige Moore

Biography

Paige Moore is a doctoral candidate in the School of Public and International Affairs and an adjunct faculty instructor in the School of Social Work at North Carolina State University. Her background as a research professional has focused on examining and identifying innovative solutions to social problems through research, analysis and practice. Her extensive experience in program evaluation, teaching and research, as well as evidence-based policy writing and implementation, has allowed her to lead research projects to success while serving the needs of diverse populations. Her interdisciplinary background in social work and public administration provides her with the skills needed to assess best practices at the local, state and federal level. Her previous work has focused on developing culturally competent and strengths-based solutions to community problems, the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, social equity in preparation for pandemics and disasters and the value of inter-professional teams of social workers and officers in police departments. Her dissertation focuses on the administrative burden of police complaint processes for racially, ethnically and gender-diverse populations. For her work with the Raleigh Police Department writing policies, building community relationships and developing the Addressing Crises through Outreach, Networking and Service (ACORNS) team, she received the 2020 National Association of Social Workers-NC President's Award and Chief's Citation from the Raleigh Police Department in 2021. Moore was named a 2021 ASPA Founders’ Fellow and serves as a board member for ASPA’s Research Triangle Chapter and Section on Professional and Organizational Development.

Candidate Statement

Hello fellow ASPA members! As an interdisciplinary researcher and practitioner, I am passionate about advancing social equity and promoting social justice. I believe that ASPA can play a crucial role in both areas by developing initiatives to appeal to racially, ethnically and gender-diverse professionals and researchers. By assessing where ASPA representation is lacking and reaching out to underrepresented communities and regions within districts, I believe that I can assist with closing the gap between research and practice by creating networking opportunities not only at the ASPA conference but throughout the year. If elected, I plan to collaborate with other regional representatives to develop professional webinars and virtual networking opportunities for young professionals and student members as they build their professional networks. I humbly and enthusiastically ask for your vote in support of my candidacy for ASPA District III representative!

Back to Top



District IV Candidates

Aline Alves da Costa

Biography

Aline Alves da Costa is a dynamic individual with a versatile professional background, having worked in the U.S. Senate and the private sector within the oil and gas industry. Later, she joined a think tank in Wyoming, engaging in advocacy and community programs. She is pursuing an MPA at the University of Wyoming while serving as national director of Vote Smart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to voter education. She is a dedicated mother and military spouse and contributes to her community by serving on the board of a local food pantry and as president of ASPA’s Iowa Chapter. Alves da Costa has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.

Candidate Statement

I'm enthusiastic about joining the National Council of ASPA, as it presents opportunities for personal growth and the chance to embrace new challenges while representing our district. With a diverse background in governance, advocacy and public service, I bring the skills and passion to contribute effectively to ASPA's mission of promoting effective governance and community development.

Alexander Trembley

Biography

Alex Trembley is data analytics and CQI strategy manager for the Hennepin County, Minnesota, government and a DPA student at Valdosta State University. Prior to his role in county government, he worked as a paramedic and paramedic captain at an ambulance service based in the Twin Cities for 13 years, where he fell in love with the idea of serving the public. His research interests include advancing the understanding of street-level bureaucracy in public safety workers, as well as understanding how time in a street-level role affects the perception of those workers on social programming. He strongly believes in creating research that is applicable to everyday providers in their service to the public. He has published research previously in Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Journal of the American Heart Association and Journal of Acute Care Surgery. He is seeking publication of his first public administration article. He believes there is no greater honor than being a public servant and the opportunity to serve should be offered to anyone who is willing to share their skills with their community. He is co-chair of the alumni board at the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research at the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh. He lives in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul suburbs with his wife, Lauren; daughter, Joёlle; and dog, Eleanor. Trembley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin—Stout and an MPA from the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh.

Candidate Statement

As a new public administrator, I have found a home with ASPA and the terrific practitioners and scholars who share their expertise with the community. I believe that we have an obligation to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders. My desire to serve on the national council is two-fold. First, I would like to learn from and grow with the terrific members of this organization. Next, I would like to ensure that ASPA maintains their commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. ASPA is successful not because of one committee or member, but because of the fabric of who we are drawn to serve. There is no ticker tape parade or endorsement deal for public administration. Our reward is the energy we bring to the people who have given us their trust, and I intend to hold your trust in the highest regard. District IV is made of countless rich communities, educational institutions and organizations committed to making a better public administration for tomorrow and beyond. If elected, I intend to listen to the concerns and ideas of each ASPA member and share them with the national council. I respectfully request your vote to represent District IV and it would be an honor to serve you.

Back to Top



District V Candidates

Kiersten Farmer

Biography

Kiersten Farmer is an accomplished leader known for her expertise in data-driven decisionmaking and organizational performance management. With nearly 20 years of experience in state and local government, she has demonstrated her ability consistently to leverage data insights to enhance public organization efficiency and transparency. As the City of Henderson, Nevada’s data scientist, she plays a vital role in coordinating the data stewardship community, overseeing open data initiatives and facilitating the interorganizational performance data consortium. She also is recognized for her thought leadership, having spoken at the ASPA Annual Conference, International City/County Manager Association (ICMA) Annual Conference, Data Governance and Information Quality Annual Conference and Enterprise Data World Annual Conference, in addition to county and municipal government outlets such as Route Fifty and the Alliance for Performance Excellence. Her written contributions in PA TIMES and ICON Outlook cover topics ranging from achieving equitable tech landscapes through servant leadership to active data culture participation. There also is a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in her approach. She advocates for underrepresented communities through Henderson’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Coalition and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. She is well-known for her ability to connect authentically with others, nurturing meaningful relationships and forming support networks with others. In addition to ASPA, NFBPA and ICMA, she also is a member of the Data Governance Professionals Organization, International Institute of Business Analysis, Project Management Institute and Engaging Local Government Leaders. Farmer holds a BS and an MPA from Florida A&M University. She also has earned a master’s degree in technology entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a public affairs PhD candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Candidate Statement

As an ardent advocate for the practice and profession of public administration, my passion is to make a lasting impact. With nearly two decades of dedicated service in state and local government, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role public servants play in our society. Now, more than ever, we must renew our commitment to strengthening our profession and re-engaging public servants in meaningful ways. My primary focus will be to leverage my experience to champion the needs of local Chapters, fostering stronger connections with universities and driving the establishment of new and reinvigorating diminished chapters. Beyond this, I am passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for public sector professionals to come together, share insights and learn from one another. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of my values, and I will tirelessly work to amplify underrepresented voices within our organization. Our profession thrives when we collaborate, discuss and innovate. Together, we can ensure that diverse perspectives shape our decisionmaking processes, fostering a more equitable and dynamic public administration landscape. I humbly ask for your vote for District V Representative. I’m dedicated to driving positive change within ASPA and the broader field of public administration. My commitment to strengthening our profession and re-engaging public servants is unwavering. By working together, we can make the public sector more inclusive and effective, empower public servants and advance our profession.

Edgar Ramirez de la Cruz

Biography

Edgar Ramirez is professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He served as director of the public administration division at the Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE) in Mexico City until 2002. Before working at CIDE, he was assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University. His primary research interest is urban governance. His research has been published in some of the most prestigious journals in the field and he has participated in and edited various notable journals. During his professional career, he has worked as a consultant for public, nonprofit and private universities in Mexico and the United States. In his service to ASPA, he organized and hosted the 4th and 6th International Young Scholars Workshop in Mexico City and Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. He has served on the executive committees for ASPA's Section on Intergovernmental Administration and Management and Section on International and Comparative Administration and participates in several ASPA committees; ASPA awarded him its 2019 International Public Administration Award. Ramirez earned his PhD in public administration and policy from the Askew School at Florida State University.

Candidate Statement

I am honored to be invited to run to represent District V in the National Council of ASPA. First as a student and later as a professor, I have always been excited by ASPA’s mission and its ability to integrate its members' various backgrounds, interests and motivations. Through ASPA, I have permanently benefited from interacting with practitioners and scholars deeply committed to advancing public service. Organizing and hosting two ASPA International Young Scholars Workshops was an opportunity for me to learn about the challenges faced by the organization. If elected to the National Council, I will advocate for the organization's highest ethical conduct and diversity standards. In my capacity, I will advance the following objectives: expanding the mechanisms to recruit practitioners and emerging scholars through collaboration, knowledge sharing and mentorship; facilitating and supporting the formation of new Chapters within the district and strengthening the existing ones; promoting new channels for interaction among students, scholars and practitioners, strengthening the connection between theory and practice, and bridging the gap between academia and practice.

Alejandro Rodriguez

Biography

Alejandro Rodriguez has held a steadfast commitment to the advancement of public administration and has been an integral ASPA member for numerous years. His journey in public administration has been diverse and extensive, anchored by his role as a tenured associate professor of public administration. He has had the privilege of delving deep into academia and nurturing the next generation of public servants. He is most proud of his mentorship efforts as they have helped nurture several active city managers and faculty members throughout the United States. His leadership capabilities were honed further during his tenure as the department of public affairs interim chair at the University of Texas—Arlington. This combination of experience and dedication has fostered a holistic understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie within public administration.

Candidate Statement

ASPA stands as a beacon, leading the charge in shaping the future of public service. As a candidate for District V, I am driven by a singular mission: to elevate our community's standards, ambitions and impact. My prolonged engagement with ASPA has allowed me to comprehend our members' intrinsic values, aspirations and concerns. This understanding, coupled with my academic and leadership background, places me in a unique position to bridge the gap between theory and practice. If elected, I am committed to championing a collaborative approach that leverages the collective intellect of our community; implementing programs that ensure the continuous professional growth of our members; advocating for innovative, sustainable and equitable solutions to public administration's modern challenges; and fostering a synergistic relationship between academics and practitioners, bridging the gap to ensure that theory seamlessly informs real-world applications. In essence, my bid for this role isn't just about leadership; it's about partnership. It's a promise to listen, understand and act in the best interests of our academic and practicing community. I seek not just to represent District V but to elevate it. Voting for me is a step toward a more integrated, innovative and impactful future for ASPA and all its stakeholders. Together, we can redefine the contours of public administration in the 21st century.

Back to Top



Student Representative Candidates

Collin Cox

Biography

Collin Cox is a PhD candidate in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. His research spans from leadership to public management, ethics, organizational theory and higher education. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a manager in the provost office at the University of Kansas, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in public administration. In his most recent work, he explores the role of dissent and guerrilla government in the public sector, particularly highlighting their use as leadership and policy tools. For his dissertation, he seeks to understand how the ethical use of dissent and disobedience may help buffer the negative effects of poor policy and leadership from harming public institutions. This work was recently presented at the 2023 National Academy for Public Administration Social Equity Leadership Conference in Kansas City.

Candidate Statement

As a lifelong learner, I am committed to continual advancements and excellence in public administration. If elected, my goal for ASPA would be three-fold: (1) to diversify and increase student pipelines for success in public administration careers; (2) to encourage structural changes to ASPA’s journals, such as increasing the diversity of methodologies among accepted manuscripts and in promoting fundraising efforts for equitable pay among peer reviewers; and (3) to improve ASPA’s feedback channels to foster continual learning and development. As a student of public administration, I recognize that we are at a critical juncture in history. It is at this juncture that good leadership and a healthy, deliberative democracy is needed more than ever. If I am so lucky as to serve as your student representative, I will work hard to secure your confidence in the future of our democracy. More importantly, to ensure that you have a voice in it.

Jamie Bristow Lavoie

Biography

Jamie Lavoie is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated from Bennett College for Women in 1990 with a BA, where she was the political science and humanities scholar. After serving for 30 years in both the nonprofit and political sectors, she semi-retired in 2016 but maintains her leadership roles in various companies and communities throughout the United States. She has served on various boards throughout her career and was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, advising the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and matters on arts and culture in Florida. She also has been recognized as the key development consultant for Pensacola’s 450th Celebration, political campaigns for Joe Rogers for Congress, previous work with Congresswoman Alma Adams, Senator Penfield Tate, III for Mayor, George Scarborough for State Representative, Dee Dee Ritchie for Florida’s House of Representatives and Donna Clark for Mayor, to name a few. Since joining Old Dominion University’s graduate MPA program in 2021, she has maintained her membership in ASPA, was inducted recently into Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, and is the recipient of the Wolfgang Pindur endowed scholarship in applied research. Since joining the Monarch family in 2021, she continues to serve as the MPA program’s graduate research assistant, working on research areas of nonprofit development, building community and impact, and recent research on diversity, equity and inclusion in public procurement and university/college systems. She is a life-long member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., International City/County Manager Association and National Institute of Government Procurement.

Candidate Statement

After nearly 30 years of serving on various local, state and national boards, it is my honor to run for ASPA’s Student Representative. As a member of ASPA in good standing, I serve as secretary of ASPA's Hampton Roads Chapter and its executive council and President of the School of Public Service Student Association at Old Dominion University. I intend to represent ASPA at the most professional level while instilling the importance of public administration efforts, ASPA’s mission and the national engagement that forwards our work. I plan to build upon the ASPA’s approach to inviting, creating and developing new ways to grow our membership, especially among the MPA and Public Service students. With a solid career history of success in entrepreneurship, community initiatives and fundraising, I am convinced that I would make an ideal and proactive candidate. I aim to represent and maintain ASPA’s thrusts of Advancing Excellence, Promoting the value of joining and elevating the public service profession. As Student Representative, I will assist ASPA’s mission of building bridges among all who pursue public purposes at home and internationally; providing networking and professional development opportunities to those committed to public service values; and achieving innovative solutions to the challenges of governance.

Kathleen Ann Vincent

Biography

Kathleen Ann Vincent is a doctoral candidate and philanthropy administrative manager for a nonprofit. As a philanthropy administrative manager, she organizes both small charity gatherings and large-scale fundraising events. She provides project management support to secure more than $9 million in diverse individual giving opportunities, benefiting child welfare, including foster care support and adoption, for her nonprofit. As a thought leader in philanthropy, she is determined to create opportunities where public administration and philanthropy intersect to help drive policy forward that helps vulnerable children and their families. She draws inspiration from her prior work experiences as a kindergarten teacher and social worker, bringing collaboration, public service and compassion to provide good governance, development and strategic planning to the field of public administration. Her qualitative research highlights how street-level bureaucrats shape policies that govern unaccompanied minors. Her research is in immigration, street-level bureaucracy theory, local governments and policies that help prevent adverse childhood experiences. She lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles, serves as a board member for Female Fundraising Professionals and is a lifetime member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Vincent holds a BS from Concordia University Irvine, an MPA from National University and a Master of Philosophy in public policy and administration from Walden University. She studies at Walden University as a PhD candidate in public policy and administration.

Candidate Statement

Fellow ASPA Members, my name is Kathleen Vincent and I am seeking your vote to be the student representative. I have served in multiple board roles in academia and philanthropy, often being the youngest in the room. The current ASPA governance should include a young, professional voice that advocates for diverse and innovative interests understood by both seasoned and early-career public administrators. In my professional capacity, I am a doctoral candidate in public policy and administration at Walden University and a philanthropy administrative manager for a child welfare nonprofit organization. But more importantly, I am a wife and working mom of two beautiful children under the age of two! I have experience as a Kindergarten teacher, a social worker, a child welfare eligibility worker and administrative support roles for various nonprofit organizations whose mission and values strive to provide opportunities for children and families. My current research explores how street level bureaucrats empower their clients through grassroots efforts and help transform the policies regarding unaccompanied minors and immigration in the United States. My experience in public service and development has provided creative ideas on how to increase membership and strategies within individual and institutional giving. My project management and event planning skills have helped me organize intimate and ample solicitation opportunities for nonprofit organizations that have generated $1 million philanthropic dollars of support. As a student professional, I can help ASPA focus on the most relevant issues in our field while allowing diverse values and thoughts. I am a worthy candidate for this role because of my professional experience in board governance, philanthropy, public service and my current research student. Always here to advocate on your behalf!

Back to Top