Lydian Altman 1984

Senior Manager of Leadership Curriculum DevelopmentCenter for Public Leadership and Governance, UNC School of GovernmentOver the years, the core set of competencies taught in the MPA program allowed me to pivot to a variety of professional leadership roles in local government, community college system, nonprofit, and university teaching and administration. When my personal path took me in a different direction, the degree’s flexibility enabled me to find the professional path forward.

  • State
  • General Leadership

Chris Long 2021

  • Federal
  • General Leadership

Esther Manheimer ’94

Mayor & AttorneyThe Van Winkle Law Firm, Asheville, North Carolina“In the MPA program I learned how to listen to and understand where others are coming from. These skills are required to be an effective leader—and are helping me to navigate my community into the future.”

  • Local
  • General Leadership

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Luis Martinez

Supervisory EconomistBureau of Economic Analysis“I wanted to gain additional skills and knowledge to become an administrator not just at a statistical agency, but anywhere in government.”

  • Federal
  • General Leadership

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Adam Moore

Deputy Director of ElectionsDavidson County Board of Elections The MPA program provided me with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to operate my department efficiently and effectively. Keeping public administration values in the forefront of my mind allows me to serve the public ethically and lead my team towards being the best we can be for our citizens.

  • Local
  • General Leadership

Tiffany Oliva ’22

CoordinatorAmerican Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)“I am so thankful that the UNC School of Government has an online option for the MPA. As a first-generation college student and someone who grew up in a low-income family, I was worried about not being able to work while I studied, to pay for my graduate studies.”

  • Local
  • General Leadership

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Zach Steffy 2021

Town ManagerTown of Cape CarteretThe education, experiences, and professional connections that I gained through the MPA at UNC program have played an integral role in shaping my career in public service. The MPA at UNC program provided the relevant skills, knowledge, and developmental opportunities to enable me to excel in my role as Town Manager.

  • Local
  • General Leadership