Faculty Archives

The UNC School of Government congratulates Master of Public Administration faculty member and James E. Holshouser Jr. Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Government Carl W. Stenberg on his recent receipt of the 2025 Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Public Service from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).

Stenberg was presented as this respective year’s winner at the ASPA Annual Conference. As stated by the nominating body’s requirements, candidates for the honor should demonstrate commanding public service careers with significant:

As a longtime scholar on the subject, Stenberg’s publishing career has seen him make several key academic contributions to the field of federalism; he is considered a leading national expert on local government management and structure. Many peers in the field consider his publications to be sources of record on the topic. His co-authored publication, Managing Local Government: An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers, is considered a foundational resource for top public office executives seeking a practical introduction to the changing structure, forms, and functions of local governments.

In accepting the honor from ASPA, Stenberg spoke of the meaning behind winning the award as a career-defining achievement in his decades-long commitment to public service.

“This recognition for lifetime contributions is the capstone of my public service career, which spans over 50 years,” he said. “I’ve worked at the federal, state, and local levels and served as chief executive officer of a national non-profit organization. I’ve also spent 35 years in 3 universities. I was really honored to receive this award and am thankful to my School of Government colleagues for nominating me.”

Stenberg’s career accomplishments in public administration are numerous, even separate from his tenure at the School. He served as dean of Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts, the University of Baltimore; director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia; executive director of the Council of State Governments; and assistant director of the United States Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. He has served in editorship capacities for The Regionalist, Public Administration Review, The Journal for Public Managers, and the University of Virginia News Letter.

Willow S. Jacobson, director of the School’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, expressed admiration for her colleague’s public service impact in her nomination for his candidacy.

“His work in intergovernmental relations leaves a lasting legacy to students, the field of public administration, and communities across North Carolina. He also is a true mentor to his students—both academics and public professionals—as they seek to expand their public service footprint. I count myself as extremely lucky to have him on my Master of Public Administration faculty.”

Stenberg spoke during his remarks about the honor behind carrying on the legacy of the award’s namesake, who was a founding member of ASPA and its national president from 1961-1962.

“I’m also honored to receive the lifetime public service award named for Elmer Staats, who was one of my heroes,” he remarked. “Elmer was a proud and passionate supporter of good governance as well as of national organizations that stood up for the public service – the American Society for Public Administration and National Academy of Public Administration.”

At the School, Stenberg embraces the objective of connecting public administration theory with practice and making a meaningful impact on the public management field. In 2004, he led the creation of the School’s top leadership program, the Public Executive Leadership Academy. For two decades, he served as its lead faculty member, working to educate the state’s senior executive leaders in local government. It is a legacy of combining public administration scholarship with tangible, positive outcomes that he spoke of in his acceptance remarks.

“As I reflect on the different platforms from which I’ve been able to engage in public service, I feel confident that my “pracademic” perspective has been of value to those who I’ve served – chief administrative officers, elected officials, colleagues, and students. I’ve found that bridging the worlds of theory and practice to apply knowledge that works to improve governance and service to the public has been truly rewarding.”

“With respect to what I hope to have accomplished during my public service career, my focus has been on helping governments better serve their people through teaching and training public officials. I also hope that I’ve encouraged students to pursue public service careers, shown them how government service can be both transactional and transformative, and enabled them to be effective boundary spanners and respected public servants.”

Stenberg has a long service history to the American Society for Public Administration. He was instrumental in the origins of its Section on Intergovernmental Administration and Management (SIAM), having joined in its founding and playing an instrumental role in advancing its mission to study, understand, and improve federal systems and other forms of intergovernmental relations. Like Elmer Staats, he has also served the ASPA organization as its president, at-large member, and president of a regional chapter. Last year, SIAM awarded him the Legacy Award for his advancement of the study and practice of federalism in government. In 2020, the Section recognized his service with the receipt of the Donald C. Stone Distinguished Scholar Award.

For the tenth year, UNC MPA students in PUBA 723: Human Resource Management stepped into the role of public sector leaders during the HR Fire Drills exercise, a high-intensity simulation designed to test their ability to navigate complex personnel challenges. This hands-on experience was judged by Katherine Cathey, Person County Manager; Bob Hornik, Hillsborough Town Attorney; Jen Della Valle, Hillsborough Administrative Services Director and UNC MPA alum; Duane Hampton, Hillsborough Police Chief and UNC MPA alum; and Matt Efird, Hillsborough Assistant Town Manager.

Students were evaluated on their ability to exchange information, operate under pressure, assess various approaches, guard against confirmation bias, and analyze the broader implications of HR decisions on an organization. Each team assumed the role of a management team, making strategic decisions for the scenarios presented.

UNC MPA alum and Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson first introduced the HR Fire Drills through UNC’s ICMA student chapter. Recognizing the value of this exercise, he collaborated with Dr. Leisha DeHart-Davis to formally integrate it into the PUBA 723 syllabus. Peterson developed the exercise based on real-world HR challenges he encountered throughout his career, aiming to prepare students for the complexities of public sector personnel management. Dr. Dehart-Davis described the Drills as giving “MPA students a sense of how challenging public sector HR can be.”

The HR Fire Drills challenged student teams to tackle real-world workplace scenarios, including addressing workplace violence, handling discrimination allegations, and determining the next steps for an employee on probation. Each team was required to assess the situation, weigh potential consequences, and present their decisions to a panel of experienced professionals. After presenting their recommendations, students received valuable insights and feedback from the judges, who shared how these situations had played out in real life. This allowed for a dynamic discussion on alternative approaches, best practices, and the complexities of HR decision-making in the public sector.

Current MPA student and HR Fire Drills group winner Rachel Wooster described the experience as “a great opportunity to understand how a manager would handle difficult (but common) HR situations. It was extremely helpful to hear different perspectives on addressing such challenges.” She also highlighted the strong sense of community and alumni connections within the UNC MPA program, which provides invaluable opportunities like this. Wooster, along with teammates Noah Champion, Javier Limon, and Josie Zakrzewski, proudly took home this year’s trophy.

By simulating the high-stakes decision-making process of HR professionals, the HR Fire Drills continue to equip UNC MPA students with critical thinking and leadership skills essential for managing real-world personnel issues in the public sector. The exercise not only reinforces the importance of sound judgment and ethical decision-making but also provides students with firsthand experience in handling complex, high-pressure situations. Through direct engagement with experienced public administrators, students gain deeper insights into the nuances of HR management, preparing them to navigate challenges they will face as future leaders in government and nonprofit organizations. This hands-on approach reflects UNC MPA’s commitment to blending academic rigor with practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead and serve in diverse public administration roles.

As the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill welcomes back faculty, staff, and students to campus, the School of Government’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is busy at work welcoming new and returning students. With summer entering the rearview mirror, the School decided to check in with Dean Aimee Wall and MPA faculty to find out what they listened to and read to keep learning and engaged during the summer—right as they kick into a new academic semester.

Ricardo S. Morse, Professor of Public Administration and Government

“I’ve been really enjoying Simon Sinek’s ‘A Bit of Optimism’ podcast. He is an innovative thinker and great communicator and the conversations on his podcast always leave me with much food for thought.

“A highlight from this summer was a two-episode conversation with Adam Grant and Brené Brown, two scholars who have influenced my own work and for whom I have a lot of respect.”

C. Tyler Mulligan, David M. Lawrence Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government

“I had some long drives to summer conferences and training programs, so I took the opportunity to discover some new podcasts. Bloomberg’s ‘Odd Lots’ podcast lured me in with an interview about a possible solution to the housing crisis—the recommendation turned out to be a federal guarantee of subordinated construction loans for housing, and I geeked out on details about the secondary debt market.

“Another podcast in the same vein is ‘Capitalisn’t’ with smart interviews conducted by a University of Chicago Business School professor and a business reporter. That podcast hooked me with an in-depth look at globalization.

“Finally, a little closer to home, I’ve enjoyed listening to interviews of North Carolina economic development professionals on the ‘The New Economic Developers on the Block.’”

Kimberly L. Nelson, Professor of Public Administration and Government

“I love to listen to the podcast ‘Stuff You Should Know’. It focuses on random topics that the hosts research and discuss. It could be history, science, or pop culture topics.

“Another listen was ‘American Scandal’. It is a history podcast that describes events such as government or corporate corruption cases.

“Trust is a Pulitzer Prize-winning fictional work that is difficult to describe. The story is told through four other fictional books about the life of a billionaire and his wife. The novel-within-a-novel concept is different from anything I’ve read before.”

Charles Szypszak, Albert Coates Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government

“I’m currently reading three books, alternating among them. I am studying David Crowley’s Warsaw. Crowley is a professor of visual culture. I just returned from a work visit to Warsaw and was amazed by how much has changed since I was last there several years ago, and especially by how well it is blending modern development with a preserved sense of history.

“I mostly switch back and forth between this book and Yaz: Baseball, the Wall, and Me, an autobiography by Boston Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski. When I was young, I was not a Red Sox fan, but growing up in a Polish-speaking household I heard of “Yaz” and he is often mentioned as a great player. Yaz grew up on a potato farm on Long Island and is known for the way he intensely practiced and mastered the fine points of fielding and hitting. I am mostly curious to hear how he described his challenges and successes.

“The third book is Richard Brzezinski’s Polish Winged Hussar, about calvary tactics of legendary warriors known for the “wings” worn on their backs, because I continue my interest in military history and tactics.

Aimee N. Wall, Dean

“I recently finished reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. The story’s focus on the friendships shared among women—in this instance, American women who served in Vietnam during the war—was incredibly moving and made me want to celebrate the many women in my life who have lifted me up and made me laugh.

“For podcasts, I really enjoyed ‘The Rest is History’, which offers bite-size history lessons and discussions, all with lovely British accents!”

Thursday, February 2, 2023
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tate’s Craft Cocktails
279 W. 4th Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

If you’re in town for the NCCCMA Winter Seminar, or if you are simply in town, join us for our first Happy Hour Hub of 2024! There is no charge but PLEASE let us know you’re coming by registering HERE. If you would like to help organize a Happy Hour Hub in your community, contact Brandon Foster at foster@sog.unc.edu or 919.962.0426.

UNC Master of Public Administration faculty members contribute their talents through a variety of public administration national leadership and service positions. Reflecting the breadth of expertise of its faculty, UNC MPA faculty provide service as committee members, board members, and editors of some of the nation and world’s leading scholarly public sector organizations.

“Our faculty have been extraordinarily successful connecting the School’s model of engaged scholarship with the broader national academic and professional communities,” said UNC School of Government Dean Aimee N. Wall. “As recognized experts in their fields of public administration, they are making practical and significant contributions that not only advance the field but directly benefit our students and North Carolina’s public officials every day.”

Read more about the variety of public service organizations and positions with which UNC MPA faculty engage.

Editorial board member| Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory; Public Budgeting & Finance

Finance committee member | Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration

Leisha DeHart-Davis, Professor of Public Administration and Government; Director, Local Government Workplaces Initiative

Board member | Center for Organizational Research and Design, Arizona State University

Editorial board member | The American Review of Public Administration; State and Local Government Review

Willow S. Jacobson, Director, UNC MPA Program; Robert W. Bradshaw Jr. Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Government

Board member | The Section on Personnel Administration and Labor Relations, American Society for Public Administration

Editorial board member | Public Personnel Management; Review of Public Personnel Administration; Korean Journal of Policy Studies

Board member |The Section on Intergovernmental Administration and Management, American Society for Public Administration

Co-chair | Local Government Education Committee, Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration; Graduate Education Committee, International City/County Management Association

Editorial board member| Public Administration Review; The American Review of Public Administration

Editorial board member | International Journal of Public Administration; Public Administration Quarterly; Public Administration Review

Leisha DeHart-Davis is a professor of public administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also the director of the Local Government Workplaces Initiative at the School of Government. LGWI is a research program that investigates workplace climate and employee engagement. This information aids local government agencies in creating great work environments. DeHart-Davis also researches organizational behavior within the public sector, organizational structure, and workplace incivility. She is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration which is a nonprofit organization that provides expertise on public policy and governance issues. DeHart-Davis is also a two-time published author of Creating Effective Rules in Public Sector Organizations and Understanding Gender Imbalance in Public Sector Leadership. Her research articles have also been published in Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Public Administration Review, International Public Management Journal, Administration and Society, and Review of Public Personnel Administration. The article is an interview with Leisha DeHart-Davis about her service through research to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It discusses her career path and her passion for local government. It also highlights her overall dedication to the School of Government and the Carolina community.

The School of Government is pleased to announce that Willow S. Jacobson has been selected by the National Academy of Public Administration for inclusion in its 2023 Class of Academy Fellows, in recognition of her years of public administration service and expertise.

Jacobson is a distinguished professor of public administration and government at the School, where she also serves as associate dean for graduate studies and director of the UNC Master of Public Administration program. She is an expert on human resource management, leadership development, and organizational theory and behavior. Jacobson’s research has appeared in publications including Public Administration Review and Public Personnel Management.

Previously, she directed the LGFCU Fellows program, which she helped create in 2011 to develop local government leaders in North Carolina. She earned a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and joined the School’s faculty in 2003.

“I am very pleased to welcome Willow Jacobson to the Academy’s 2023 class of Fellows,” said Terry Gerton, President and CEO of the Academy. “Our distinguished Academy Fellows are nationally recognized and respected for their expertise in the field of public administration and Willow is no exception. We proudly welcome this outstanding new class of Fellows that will help advance the Academy vision – a just, fair, and inclusive government that strengthens communities and protects democracy.”

Selection of the Academy’s new Fellows follows a rigorous review of the individual’s contributions to the field of public administration and policy. A Fellows Nominating Committee makes its recommendations to the full Fellowship, which then votes on those individuals to be elected. The 2023 class joins nearly 1,000 Academy Fellows—including former cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors and state legislators, as well as prominent scholars, business executives, and public administrators.

Induction of the new Fellows will occur during the annual Academy Fall Meeting, which will take place in-person November 1-3 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., with a focus on “The Grand Challenges in Public Administration.”

As the University prepares to welcome back faculty, staff, and students to campus, the School of Government recently checked in with many of its own faculty to find out how they continued reading, listening, and learning during the slower, warmer months of the year.

Hear below from our faculty about what books, publications, and podcasts caught their attention this summer.

Melanie Crenshaw, Teaching Assistant Professor

“This summer, I have been reading The Jurisprudence of Sport: Sports and Games as Legal Systems by Mitchell N. Berman and Richard D. Friedman. The book explores the intersection of sports and the law to learn about and teach legal systems. “Formalized sports systems at every level are institutions designed to facilitate and regulate complex behaviors, principally by means of formal rules promulgated in advance by rulemaking bodies and enforced by independent adjudicators.” (Berman, Friedman) I became interested in the idea of using sports to teach the law because I teach rules of civil procedure to magistrates who are primarily not lawyers. The rules of sports and games give them context to which they can anchor their new knowledge of legal rules of procedure.

“To improve my teaching, I often listen to the podcast ‘The Cult of Pedagogy‘ by Jennifer Gonzalez. The podcast was recommended to me by a friend who is himself an excellent instructor with the NC Department of Public Instruction. The episodes explore topics such as how to improve teaching with PowerPoint and how to keep students engaged. I have applied what I have learned from the podcast when designing my courses.”

Kirsten Leloudis, Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government

“This summer, I’ve been listening to episodes of ‘This Podcast Will Kill You’ when I go on my evening walks. It’s a woman-led podcast that delivers highly detailed and heavily researched episodes on disease ecology. The podcast team has also recently branched out to include episodes on the history and science of certain medications. As someone who would’ve loved to have been an epidemiologist in another life, I’m obsessed! My favorite episodes thus far are the ones on rabies (season 2) and on Tylenol (season 6).

“I’ve also recently been re-reading Infections and Inequalities: The Modern Plagues by Paul Farmer, which focuses on inequitable access to treatment for tuberculosis and HIV for those living in poverty around the world. I first read this book in high school and it’s what sparked my interest in public health. Although Farmer’s book is over two decades old, his analysis of the systems that inform who gets access to health care and who does not is still relevant and on point.”

Ricardo S. Morse, Professor of Public Administration and Government; Director, LGFCU Fellows Program

“I’ve been listening to a lot of episodes from the ‘Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders’ podcast, hosted by Scott Allen, a management professor at John Carroll University. It is easily my top-recommended leadership podcast and features interviews with the best leadership scholars from around the world. It’s great to hear conversations with the authors of the research I read and use in the classroom, and those conversations often spark ideas for how I can improve what I’m doing on the leadership development front here at the School.

“As far as my summer fun reading, I recently finished Bono’s memoir Surrender, and found it to be so much more than expected. Sure, I grew up with U2 and have been a fan since the early 80s, so I was bound to like it. But I didn’t expect the great writing with many laugh-out-loud moments, interspersed with some truly deep and poignant wisdom. It was a great read. One of the best books I’ve read in quite some time.”

Kristi A. Nickodem, Robert W. Bradshaw Jr. Distinguished Term Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government

“This summer I’ve been reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperhead. It is a coming-of-age story set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, where the young hero faces poverty, domestic violence, involvement with the foster care system, and addiction. Kingsolver paints a vivid portrait of a childhood profoundly shaped by the opioid crisis, which has disproportionately impacted the Appalachia region.

“As someone who grew up in the Appalachian mountains, I particularly appreciate how Kingsolver interrogates the economic exploitation of the region and challenges reductive stereotypes about the people who live there. Though the novel is punctuated by tragedy, it is also a compelling tale of resilience, humor, and imagination in the face of overwhelming adversity.”

Aimee N. Wall, Dean

“I have a stack of leadership and team-building books on my bedside table these days and they all have helpful insights. My favorite so far is Radical Candor by Kim Scott.

“I was drawn to it initially because of the focus on honesty, communication, and trust. But the core message is also deeply connected to our humanity: how we show up for ourselves and how we show up for others. While this book is included on many leadership book lists for women, the messages are truly universal.”

UNC School of Government faculty member Margaret Henderson retired from her full-time position in September 2023 after more than 20 years of service to the University and the State of North Carolina.

“Margaret is a symbol of what the School of Government can and should be,” said Aimee Wall, dean of the School. “The caring, depth, honesty, and integrity she possesses are what we all strive to embody in our work. She is a true public servant, and it is difficult to imagine the School without her.”

Henderson’s career embodies the public service mission of the School and the University. Before she arrived at Carolina, she spent 20 years in human services, including work in state and local government and the nonprofit sector. These experiences included service as the executive director of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center.

An expert in facilitation and human services, Henderson leveraged her scholarship to work as a leading actor in the fight to protect vulnerable North Carolinians. In recent years, her workfocused onassisting local governments in their efforts toaddress and stem human trafficking and elder abuse. She lent herexpertise to countless organizations dedicated to this work, including the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission, NC Stop Human Trafficking, the University’s Project No Rest, and the School of Government’s Adult Protection Network.

“I have spent 24 years collaborating with Margaret on projects and with clients,” said Lydian Altman, teaching assistant professor at the School. “In her quiet manner, she drops pearls of wisdom into almost every conversation. She offers the opportunity to see things differently and more holistically—how to appreciate and seek out the differences that enrich our work and add meaning to our lives.”

Henderson possesses a unique depth of knowledge on the practical challenges and opportunities of cross-organizational collaborations. She directed the Public Intersection Project, researching and communicating strategies to strengthen these relationships. Her scholarship, teaching, and facilitation helped governments, community programs, and nonprofit organizations bridge divides and generate more effective solutions to public problems.

A UNC MPA graduate, Henderson later taught in the program for more than 20 years. She has co-authored articles that appeared in Popular Government, ICMA’s IQ Report and PM Magazine, American Review of Public Administration, PA Times, and the FBI Law Enforcement Journal. Beyond published scholarly works, Henderson provided foundational resources for local governments. Most recently, these include sheets with basic facts about sex and labor trafficking, blog posts about recognizing trafficking indicators, and discussion guides for trafficking prevention strategies.

Henderson’s influence can be seen across the state and in the halls of the Knapp-Sanders Building. A devoted colleague and friend, her collaboration and leadership fostered new connections and made the School a better place to work. Most recently, she served as a co-chair of the School’s Committee for an Inclusive Workplace.

The School of Government thanks Henderson for her dedicated service to clients, students, and the State of North Carolina and wishes her the best in retirement.

What do you teach in the MPA program, and how long have you been affiliated with the program?

I have the pleasure of teaching Nonprofit Management (PUBA 756) to UNC-Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration (MPA) students and many other master’s students who join the course from other disciplines, including business, public policy, and law; as well as some exceptional undergraduate students who want to challenge themselves with a masters-level course. I taught this course in the fall semester of 2021 and will do so again this Fall 2023.

I’m a 2002 graduate of the UNC MPA program and have enjoyed staying in touch with several MPA classmates and UNC School of Government (SOG) faculty members and administrators over the last twenty years. Also, I previously served on the MPA Alumni Association Board of Directors and now serve on the SOG Foundation Board of Directors. As you can imagine, I feel a kindred spirit with those in the MPA program and so appreciate and respect everyone at the SOG for continuing to hold dear the values of being non-partisan, policy-neutral, and responsive.

I earned a BA in communication studies with honors in 1999 and an MPA in 2002 from UNC-Chapel Hill, and am currently earning an EdD from NC State in Community College Leadership. I expect to complete my doctorate in 2024. At the same time, I earned a 100-hour graduate level teaching certificate from NC State, which has helped inform my teaching philosophy and practice in the classroom at UNC.

I love been looking at careers like yours – ones that take a lot of pivots. You’ve been in government, business, non-profit. You’ve focused in workforce development and now education. You’ve gone from nationally focused work to more locally focused work and now state focused work. What is the common thread in your career?

I am really grateful to have had such an interesting and meaningful career journey that has allowed me the opportunities to serve in the public (White House), private (GSK), and nonprofit (Achieving the Dream) sectors, as well as with the US Chamber and a local chamber of commerce.

Public service has been a common thread throughout my career. Looking back, I’ve been drawn to the place where the sectors intersect for the good of communities and individuals. I have found that big, thorny issues like closing achievement gaps, increasing access to medicines, or improving the talent pipeline requires leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit sectors to work together. No one sector can do it alone! I really enjoy being at that point of intersection where the sectors come together with shared vision, programming, and accountability, and, together, make a measurable and lasting impact in the lives of others.

Most recently, I’ve had the honor of being a part of a collective impact initiative, called the Summer Careers Academy, which was selected into the UNC SOG’s ncIMPACT “Carolina Across 100,” “Our State, Our Work” initiative. The SOG is a true think tank/do tank when it comes to sector intersection and accelerating positive results for our state. Anita Brown-Graham and her team at the SOG deserve a lot of credit, recognition, and support for their groundbreaking work in partnering for the public good!

Talk about something specific you try to teach your students that you have found as necessary and an important part of all your roles (can be a skill, attribute, concept, etc.)

There is a wonderful Chinese proverb that says, “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”

I have found many UNC students to be intelligent, dutiful, high achievers. While these are virtuous attributes, they can be limiting factors when students are trying to make sense of the best career pathway for them, especially if they want their career to be an extension of their life purpose. The path of public service, especially with local non-profit organizations, while tremendously meaningful, requires a great deal from its executive directors. I try to give my students a realistic perspective of the many responsibilities of a non-profit executive (as well as the joys!) and also give them the opportunity to reflect on their own personal and professional skills and aspirations.

My hope is that, whether they choose to become a paid non-profit professional or a volunteer serving on a non-profit board of directors, they will be well-equipped to add a lot of value and make a positive and lasting difference. (Here is a transcript of a keynote speech I delivered to the Chapel Hill Magazine Women of Achievement 2019 event, which brings this theme of purpose and leadership together.)

In thinking about the course of your career, where do you give credit to its success? In every role that you’ve considered or passed up or taken, what has helped you in navigating the course?

I have benefited in my career from the help of so many people along the way, especially those who coached me through UNC Athletics, taught me at UNC and now at NC State, and those colleagues who gave me great career advice and championed me behind closed doors when employment decisions were made.

One great piece of advice I received from a former White House colleague was: “say yes.” I took this to heart and despite having demanding jobs, I said yes to opportunities to meet with many people I would not have met otherwise. Through these new connections and acquaintences, I also experienced exciting doors open for me, so I encourage all of my students to ‘say yes’.

My default mode of operating is to be very focused on getting things done. There is not much I love more than checking things off a to-do list. However, being an educator is helping me shift my focus more to other people and their long-term success. Students have really stirred in me a deep sense of compassion for where they are and the challenges they are navigating. As an educator, I see myself as a facilitator of my students’ learning journey. Facilitation is more than simply lecturing, it is helping students connect their personal and professional interests and goals to the course objectives and outcomes, and then encouraging them to explore new ideas and concepts, guiding them through the learning process, and motivating them to apply new knowledge and skills.

Leadership is an important part of the MPA program, and leadership is an important aspect of your new role as Executive Director. This isn’t an interview, but what do you want to say to us about leadership?

Leadership is one of my favorite topics to study. In fact, through my dissertation, I have found that leadership and management are two distinct concepts that are often muddled together. My favorite way to distinguish the two is what Bennis and Nanus (2007) said: “Managers are people who do things right and leaders are people who do the right thing.” This purposeful distinction is so important. Public servants must be good at both. Sometimes these two things can be diametrically opposed – managers can be working to maintain the very systems leaders are trying to change – and therein lies the tension. The School of Government does an extraordinary job at helping public servants understand these leadership/management pain points, make sense of their options, and equip them for the path ahead.

What advice do you have for those considering a public service career or a career change to the public sector or to those who want to impact in some area but are feeling frustrated.

No matter what career pathway you choose, the reality is that we are living in rapidly changing times. I’ve enjoyed following futurist Heather McGowan who talks about how “the future of work is learning.” She says workers today are likely to have 17 different jobs across 5 different industries and, going forward, 25% to nearly 50% of the work we currently do will be replaced with technology in the next ten years (McGowan, 2019). While nearly all careers are changing, the field of public service has dynamic and important job opportunities in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. I encourage students to keep an open mind and heart about the different sectors of service, and to remember that as Picasso said, “Your call is to find your gift, and your purpose is to give it away”.

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