Sacha Ilona Tischler Urban, MPA’03
Saint Charles, Ill.
Director of individual giving at AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Amy Bader Weller, BS’92
Wauconda, Ill.
After graduation I did work in the environmental science field for seven years, but have spent the last 19 in healthcare with Medline. SPEA prepared me well for both.
Karen Marie Ames Waller, BSPA’87
Encinitas, Calif.
I loved my experience at IU. I am a vice president at ManTech International, where I run their Environmental, Range, and Sustainability Services Division.
David Kalishman, BSPA’14, MPA’15
Arlington, Va.
I’m at Ernst & Young as a senior in their People Advisory Services practice where I can continue my passion for corporate strategy and organizational change management consulting.
Jared Adams, BSPA’97
Avon, Ind.
I recently made a career change to director of commercial product management for Friedrich Air Conditioning, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. I was formerly a product manager at Ingersoll Rand Trane. I continue to reside in Indianapolis with my wife Jackie (BS Accounting 97) and our three children whom we are grooming to be future Hoosiers!
Kevin Mannie, MSES’95
Galveston, Texas
I’m currently a regulatory project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District. In this role I evaluate permit applications for work within waters of the U.S. Prior to this I worked as a regulatory specialist in the Compliance and Enforcement Branch, also with the Galveston District. I have over 10 years of federal service (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in the New Orleans and Galveston Districts). I also have six years of experience with state government (New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development), and two years with the Nature Conservancy.
Justin Allen Jarrett, MPA’13
Alexandria, Va.
I’m working as a survey statistician for the Quarterly Services Survey at the U.S. Census Bureau. #SPEAstrong
Lynelle Wood, MPA’80
Oakdale, Minn.
The concentration of my MPA was public sector labor relations. After graduation I moved to Minnesota to become a labor relations specialist for the State of Minnesota (about 95 percent of state employees are represented by a union). After over 14 years there, I moved to a large nonprofit healthcare company in the Twin Cities, which is also highly unionized, which I have been at for more than 23 years. Currently I am the senior director of labor relations and human resources compliance.
Jason Beal, MPA’94
Orlando, Fla.
Married to my wife Susan, with our six-year-old son Blake. I’m a Deloitte Public Sector principal and teach in Kelley School of Business MSIS program. Live in Orlando and Bloomington.
Christopher Michael Burkhart, MPA’09
Petersburg, Ind.
Employed at Kimball International as Director of Global Supply Chain.
Anne Weaver, MSES’16
Anchorage, Alaska
Environmental program specialist with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Wastewater Discharge Authorization Program.
Brittany DeHaven, BSPH’15
Salt Lake City, Utah
Currently working in Salt Lake City with a tech company as an implementation project manager.
Brendan Iglehart, BSPH’13
After working to implement cancer center software as a project manager at Epic Systems for four years I decided to quit my corporate job and turn my love of travel into a tour business to connect visitors from around the world to the coolest parts of the Midwest. I bought a 12-passenger van and altSTATES Travel was born! I currently provide local tour and transportation services in my metropolitan area of eastern Iowa/western Illinois and hope to host my first international tour group later in 2018.
John Koppelmann, BS’91
Monticello, Ind.
Broker/owner of a small real estate office in a resort town.
Katie English, BSPA’15
Indianapolis
I am excited about my new position as a litigation attorney at Indianapolis law firm Lewis Wagner LLP, which I will start after being admitted to the Indiana Bar in the fall.
Lauren Day, BSPA’10
Indianapolis
Since my time in beautiful Bloomington, I went on to obtain a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Ball State University and started the Indiana Pacers’ Bikeshare program in downtown Indy. I am now the director of public relations at IndyGo, where I manage a team dedicated to improving communications, government relations, public engagement, and our public transit’s presence in the community while we build out the 70 percent increase of service in the next five years.
Joshua Meier, BSPA’16
Fishers, Ind.
After SPEA sparked my interest for the public sector, I joined the Indiana Finance Authority issuing debt for the State of Indiana. This brought on many opportunities that affect the citizens of Indiana, including Bloomington. Highways, hospitals, stadiums and convention centers were just a small breadth of what I worked with on each day. Without being a part of SPEA, I would not have the satisfaction I do today contributing to the investment in my community.
Traci Shindell Jovanovic, MPA’87
Redmond, Wash.
IU taught me the golden lesson of "less is more." Writing a one-page paper on environmental protection rather than five to 10 pages is critical to understanding executive presentations, which are eventually a staple in life.
Robert Palmer, MPA’98
Oregon, Wisc.
I am vice president of government relations for WPS Health Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin. I continue to serve at the rank of colonel in the Air Force Reserve, where I’m assigned as an individual mobilization augmentee in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Susanna Foxworthy Scott, MPA’11
Indianapolis
I am a grant writer for the cancer precision genomics program at the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis. I am also working toward my Ph.D. in health communication at IUPUI with a minor in public health. I have one amazingly energetic toddler, an equally energetic puppy, and a sweet cat. I hope to become a professor one day!
Cole M. Dial, MPA’12
Jacksonville, Fla.
Completing a dual Juris Doctorate, master’s in Public Policy this semester. Together with my soon-to-be wife, Dr. A.E. Thompson, we have established an equine therapy practice in St. Augustine, Florida, We plan on moving to Nashville, Tennessee, to start a nonprofit and develop a Doctor of Equine Therapy (D.E.T.) curriculum.
Keri J. Dodd Hunter, BSPA’98
New Palestine, Ind.
I am vice president of training and outreach at EdChoice, a national nonprofit working to advance educational freedom and choice for all students.
Erin Nicole Boen Johnson, BPA’11
Indianapolis
I loved my time at SPEA so much that I decided to stay at IU Maurer School of Law to complete my law degree in Bloomington. I’ve recently opened my own law practice in Indianapolis focusing on family law, estate planning, and guardianships. My husband and I love Indianapolis and enjoy taking our daughter and small dog to enjoy the many parks and urban trails in the city. My husband and I got to know each other in a SPEA computer class and are thankful for what SPEA has provided for us both professionally and personally!
Natalia Maria Browar Schau, MAAA’10
Bloomington, Ind.
I have recently celebrated my 20th year as an academic advisor for University Division in IU Bloomington. Where has the time gone? I was promoted to academic advisor, assistant, in March 2018. I’ve put my Arts Administration master’s to good use by serving local nonprofit organization: most recently for GarlicFEST, vice president of Sassafras Audubon Society, and ad hoc member of the Indiana Limestone Symposium board. Life is good! :)
Katie Bailey, MPA’15
Indianapolis
I have the kind of job I dreamed of as a SPEA student: Conducting applied research and evaluation for government, nonprofit, and community partners with a talented group of researchers at the IU Public Policy Institute. I get to participate in all steps of a project from study design to data analysis to report writing. Multiple times a week I think about how grateful I am for such fulfilling work!
Sumit Chatterjee, BSPA’13
Chicago
After graduating from SPEA in 2013, I followed up with an additional master’s degree in Information Systems and began a career in public sector management consulting at KPMG in Chicago. Currently at KPMG, I am senior consultant working with state and local government clients across the East Coast and Midwest regions.
Melissa Sommer, BSAM’17
Chicago
I am corporate partnerships coordinator at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago!
Kristen Aston Miller Cruzata, BSPA’11
Congratulations to all the 2018 SPEA graduates!
Katie Wefler, BSPA’11
Indianapolis
I received my MSHRM in 2015 and have worked in tech, healthcare, and property management. I am currently a HR coordinator for ClusterTruck. Unlike other food delivery services out there, we make all of our own food in one central kitchen and never start cooking until there is a driver available to deliver the food to you. That’s how we’re able to deliver meals that are hot and fresh, every time. We are currently expanding in the United States.
Dawn E. Higgins, BSPA’83
Indianapolis
I retired from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in July 2017 after 34 years of service. We recently purchased a camper and the plan is to travel, especially to watch my daughter as she plays softball. I participate in Highland Games throughout the Midwest and am enjoying the extra freedom which comes with retirement.
Christopher Jon Emge, BSPA’97, MPA’16
Bloomington, Ind.
Currently a part-time cashier at Kroger looking for full-time employment in the greater Bloomington area.
Michael Vincent Marzal, BSPA’04
Chicago
After graduating from IU, I attended Northern Illinois University to receive my master’s in public administration. I have been working in local government for the past 14 years. I am the director of finance and administration for the city of Blue Island. Professor Powell was my mentor. He told me that if I wanted to make a difference in my community (and a bit of money) I should run a city. I am doing that now and I can say every day I am making Blue Island a better place.
Nancy Obermeyer, MPA’79
Bloomington, Ind.
I went on to earn a second master’s degree in geography at the University of Cincinnati and a Ph.D. in geography at the University of Chicago. I am professor of geography at Indiana State University. My research focuses on the administrative and societal issues related to Geographic Information Systems. I am a co-founder of the GIS Certification Institute, and co-author with Jeff Pinto of Managing Geographic Information Systems.
Marci Anne Rautio MPA’07
Indianapolis
I have worked for the state of Indiana in various capacities since 2002, and have been director of human resources for the Family and Social Services Administration since 2014. I live in Indianapolis and enjoy live music, coffee, reading, and spending time with my children and dogs.
Samantha E. DeWester, BSCJ’02
Indianapolis
Chief legal counsel, Indiana Department of Natural Resources in Indianapolis.
Erica Abrams Yan, MPA’15
Lexington, Ky.
Since graduation, I’ve had a few different jobs in the nonprofit sector and I currently work as a policy and reporting analyst for a quasi-governmental organization called Kentucky Housing Corporation.
Endong Zhu, MPA’11
San Jose, Calif.
After receiving my MPA from SPEA I moved to New York City, where I found a job, started a career, met the love of my life, and got married. After seven years of working for Thomson Reuters and EY as an international tax/transfer pricing specialist I started my new journey to the west (coast), moved to the Bay Area and am working at Deloitte as a senior consultant.
Elizabeth Muller Hosch, MPA/MSES’06
St. Paul, Mn.
I moved to Minnesota about six months after graduation and have been working in the construction site inspection and erosion/sediment control field ever since. I’ve worked for two different watershed organizations, currently the Capitol Region Watershed District. I live in St. Paul with my spouse, one-year and four-year-old children, a dog, and cat. Life is good and far from boring.
Joshua L. Shuck, BA, MPA’16
Indianapolis
Currently working as director of sales with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and recently engaged to fellow Indiana University grad Katherine Fagan (‘07).
Timothy Lewis, BSPA’01
San Diego, Calif.
I wound up in San Diego where I met my wife (who is originally from San Diego) at my current employer back in 2006. I work as a business finance consultant for National Funding and have been working here for 12 years now. My wife Michelle and I have one boy (Elijah, age 2) and another baby girl on the way in August! We love everything the city of San Diego has to offer but I miss Bloomington every day! I can’t wait to bring my family back to visit someday so I can show them the most beautiful campus in America.
Shelby E. Neiss, BSPH’02
New York City
Coursework in health administration at IU prepared me to earn my health law concentration from Seton Hall Law. I now practice in the health law department of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP in New York City and we represent long term care facilities that need help with rectifying resident payment issues.
Savini Ranaweera, BSPA’15
Austin, Texas
After graduation I worked at Facebook’s Austin office as a contractor for a little over a year working on their ad policy team. I’m currently working at Tiger Pistol, a certified marketing partner of Facebook that specializes in social ad automation for multi-location brands. At this company I work with our SAAS clients to solution for various problems that occur while using our software and during the process of ad creation. I’ve learned that life after graduation is more about the opportunities you seize than the degree you earned.
Sarah Elizabeth Neese, BSPA’16
Nashville, Tenn.
I live in Nashville and work as an office manager in a regional accounting firm. I get to utilize both my degrees—management and event planning. This job wears a lot of hats, but my education and experience at IU prepared me. There are not many Hoosiers down here, but we have a small presence. Come on down and join the Southern Hoosiers!
Renee Lee Schofield Kast, BSPA’00
Evansville, Ind.
Upon graduation I started working at University of Southern Indiana. While working I also went back to school and graduated with an MBA from USI. I now work at Tropicana Evansville as an analyst.
Pamela Cohen, BSPA’96
New York City
Back in New York City and working at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York managing a project management office for a large technology initiative.
Nicholas Leon Dus, BSPH’05
Evansville, Ind.
In December 2017 I was promoted to general manager at Evolent Health, a population health organization that helps health care organizations transition to value-based care. In my new role I have responsibility for overseeing the delivery of population health services at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville through the ongoing management of the population health infrastructure. This is accomplished by helping Deaconess achieve business case performance with national healthcare payers, managing the executive relationship with our healthcare partners, and leading staff within the Population Health Services Organization on achieving success in value-based care. In my spare time, I volunteer on the board of directors of the Evansville Museum Contemporaries.
Thomas C. Koon, MPA’78
Edina, Minn.
Retired from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after 36 years of service. From 1974 to 1976 I was in the Peace Corps assigned to Botswana.
Michael C. Kos, MPA’10
Chatham, Ill.
I am currently a system director in managed care and payor relations with Memorial Health System in Springfield, Illinois. Happily married to Melinda (Brooks) Kos with two kids, Samuel and Violet.
Rebecca Mandell, MPA’14
New Haven, Conn.
Where am I now? Changing the world through food at Wholesome Wave! We build cross-sector partnerships to make produce more affordable across the country, because poverty should never be an obstacle to eating the fruits and vegetables healthy bodies crave.
Todd Michael Palmquist, MPA’76
Longmont, Colo.
Retired after over 40 years working in local government associations and nonprofits, and the private sector.
Steven L. Ellis, MPA’84
Mishawaka, Ind.
Earned my BA in 1979 from IU Kokomo and MPA in 1984 from IUPUI. Employed by Community Hospitals Indianapolis from 1978- 1986, and University of Notre Dame from 1986 to present, where I have been director of telecommunications (1986-2004), senior director, Office of Information Technology (2004-2013), and distributed antenna systems architect (Cellular Services) from 2013 to present.
Stephanie Jimenez, BSPA’15
Bloomington, Ind.
I graduated from IUB in 2015. Since then I’ve stayed in town working at a couple of nonprofits. Last fall I was hired at IU and now I am the associate operations coordinator at the IU Center of Excellence for Women in Technology.
Rosalie DeLarme Cronley, BSPA’12
Indianapolis
I’m a loan portfolio manager at King Park Development Corporation in Indianapolis. I’m thankful that SPEA introduced and prepared me for governmental and nonprofit work. I’ve been blessed with a career where I get the privilege to make a difference in my community every day, and it is so rewarding.
Phillip Lee Reiger, BSPA, MPA’00
Fort Mill, S.C.
Served the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, for the past 18 years. Currently the budget director. Truly a shining city on the hill.
Nicholas Kappas, BSPA’10, MPA’14
Bloomington, Ind.
Transitioning to a policy analysis major in SPEA, from my previous major within the Kelley School, was the best decision of my life. Sophomore year was a pivotal time in my development, and I was lucky enough to find my home within SPEA, where I could grow my skills, network, and use my passion of helping others and the environment. I hope future generations of IU students find similar success as I have found with a SPEA degree.
Eugene William Pride, MPA’14
Indianapolis
Pursing my MPA with SPEA was truly eye opening as it helped me transition from a mentality of “self,” to a mentality of serving and helping others. I currently serve as an associate director and adjunct faculty at SPEA Indianapolis. Working and studying in SPEA are experiences that I will forever be grateful for. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my puppy, Skittles, and playing basketball with friends.
Russell Saks, BSPA’12
New York City
I’m founder and CEO of Campus Protein, which started out of IU in 2010. Since graduation Campus Protein has grown to over 300 college campuses across the country and employs over 1,200 college students.
Justin Graue, BSPA’04
Westfield, Ind.
Senior tax consultant, married with children. Reflection: Your path isn’t always what you expect; appreciate the journey.
Heather Braun, BSCJ’11, MSCJPS’13
Indianapolis
I am currently the compliance and administration lieutenant for the Indiana University Police Department on the IUPUI campus. I collaborate with multiple internal and external departments and organizations managing compliance efforts under the Federal Uniform Crime Reporting program as well as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
Farid Gardashbayov, MPA’09
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
After graduation from SPEA, I worked as a public financial consultant in the public sector, as a cost and business analyst in a multinational company and finally I am in corporate supply chain in oil and gas. I am the regional supply chain lead for drilling services with Shell Americas, a job that seems to be very distinct from the degree I received at SPEA. Nevertheless, through all these changes, I used knowledge and skills gained at SPEA thanks to my great professors. My advice to all current and future students as well as applicants who consider SPEA is to embrace the challenge and look forward positively. Where ever your career takes you, you will have all you could have from one of the best graduate schools in the U.S.
Lara Ann Buchanan Boulton, BSPH’95
Brownsburg, Ind.
After staying home with our boys— Andrew and William— for about 10 years, I am back to employment in the healthcare industry. Since spring of 2016, I have been working for IU Health Physicians as operations analyst at IU Health Neurology. My office is located in the beautiful Neuroscience Center next to Methodist Hospital.
Sean Brady, BSCJ’96, MPA’18
Indianapolis
Thank you!
Brittany Danielle Friesner, MAAA’11
Bloomington, Ind.
I am associate director for the Indiana University Cinema, where I research and develop film programming, lead IU Cinema’s Creative Collaborations program, and manage the Cinema’s marketing and engagement efforts, including donor cultivation and stewardship initiatives. I previously served as assistant director of development for the Jacobs School of Music and as assistant editor and advertising manager for the Indiana University Alumni Magazine. Also worked in programming, marketing, and theater operations for several nonprofit film organizations, including the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival, and Indy Film Fest.
Michael Tanney, BSPA’04
New York City
I am managing partner and co-founder of Wanderlust Wealth, an independent investment advisory firm with offices in New York and Switzerland that maximizes an individual’s investment experience through sound investment advice, not the selling of investment products. Wanderlust’s approach is grounded in economic theory and backed by decades of empirical research.
Brynn Elcock, Area Certificate in Arts Administration’16
Milford, Conn.
After four years at IU I received my master’s at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Now, I’m working as an analyst at a management consulting firm for arts and culture. I love working with clients across the country to solve problems and answer key questions through data-driven insights. My IU education is as relevant as ever!
Brian Paul Hardy, BSPA’93
Columbus, Ind.
Working at Cummins in Columbus, Ind., and adjunct instructing at IUPUC.
Trevor A. Forrest, BSHMP’15
South Bend, Ind.
I began my career in healthcare administration at Beacon Health System shortly after graduation. I am living and working in downtown South Bend at our administration office near the hospital campus. My role is manager of revenue cycle where I oversee the patient accounting functions, customer service, bad debt/charity care, financial policies/system processes, AR management, and our conversion to Cerner applications across the system. I am currently pursuing my MBA part-time at IU South Bend and will graduate this summer. Thank you to all of my professors and fellow classmates. I reflect on my learning and experiences at SPEA very often in my role today. Go Hoosiers!
Alyssa Johnson, Graduate Certificate Nonprofit Management’14
Austin, Texas
After graduating from IU I went to law school and thereafter moved to D.C. where I spent nine years practicing law and working in corporate America. I left D.C. in 2013 and spent a year-and-a-half traveling around the country, as well as Costa Rica. I moved to Austin in 2015 and created a spiritually based business. I am now a spirituality teacher, priestess, and speaker who channels Archangel Ariel. Together Ariel and I help people who want to experience a more soul-embodied life. I also work extensively with Mother Earth’s consciousness to assist Mother Earth in helping humanity move into the higher dimensions of existence. As a former attorney and businesswoman, I now use my business experience and spiritual gifts to work with Ariel, Mother Earth, and other light beings to help the Priestesshood re-emerge on the planet. I am grateful for my time at IU as it developed leadership traits and critical thinking skills that I utilize every day.
Noelle Gipson, BSPA’15
Indianapolis
I am living out my wildest dreams because not only did SPEA equip me with knowledge, it gave me confidence!
Austin Garlow Feather, BSPA’15
Bloomington, Ind.
After graduating I quickly began searching for work within Bloomington and was hired on as an assembler at Cook Medical in June 2016. I was quickly promoted to chemical coordinator a few months later. Cook Medical later took interest in my skills and professionalism and offered to assist me financially with my MBA studies at Western Governors University. In November 2017 I was promoted again, now working in the Document Control offices. With the recent completion of my MBA I plan to stay with Cook Medical long-term and begin climbing the management ranks. My current goal is to reach an administrative/executive level position within the Cook Medical Global HQ located here in Bloomington.
Michael Roubitchek, BSPA’98
Chatham, Ill.
Currently an assistant counsel for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Jacob P. Weis, MPA’12
Evansville, Ind.
As of January 2017, I am in-house counsel, real estate, at Shoe Carnival, Inc., a publicly traded footwear retailer headquartered in Evansville. I am licensed to practice law in Indiana and Florida.
Felix Rippy, Graduate Certificate in Public Management’15
Gaston, Ind.
Teaching at Ivy Tech; looking for SPEA-related jobs.
James “Jim” Edward Brinson, MPA’80
Midland, Ga.
I retired in 2017 after 45 years career with U.S. Army. For the last 25 years I was director, mil human resources at Fort Benning. Great opportunity to serve with our nation’s best. SPEA was critical to my education and skills development as leader, human resources functional, and operations research specialist. Thanks IU and SPEA!
Terri Rainbolt Kett, BSPA’85
Springfield, Va.
Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2009. Currently employed by the Office of Airports at the Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C. Very excited to have my son, Sean, join me as a Hoosier! He’s an entering freshman at IU this fall (2018).
Rachel Harrison Arden, BSPH’00
Gilbertsville, Penn.
I have lived in five states since graduating, worked with three different companies, married the man of my dreams after graduating from IU, and have two wonderful daughters. I would not be where I am professionally without my college education. I am a proud SPEA graduate from IU!
Victor Roos, BSPA’88
New Albany, Ind.
I am the senior director, sourced finished goods, for GE Appliances in Louisville. My wife Rhonda and I enjoy spending time with our five children, outdoor activities, and IU sports!
Jenna L. Cluver Baker, MPA’10
Chicago
I recently celebrated five years as an employee of Save the Children where I am currently director of corporate partnerships. Previously, I worked for United Way of Greater New Haven in Connecticut after starting my post-graduate career at United Way of Monroe County.
Chris Lowery, BSPA’84
Batesville, Ind.
I currently serve as senior vice president of Ivy Tech Community College, the nation’s largest singly accredited community college. While serving on several boards, councils, and commissions, I was recently elected chair of the board of trustees of the Sagamore Institute, a think tank focused on putting ideas into action and supplying innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The Sagamore portfolio ranges from education reform and social justice to national defense and economic growth in Rwanda and Liberia.
Christina Jean Mendoza, BSPA’00
Chicago
Living in Chicago with my son, Christian. We look forward to visits to Bloomington every year! We have learned how to meet the players and get down on the court after games! This year we were so excited to meet Robert Johnson. My son knows about the love of IU basketball! I’m an executive assistant at U.S. Cellular. I love that IU has an office here in Chicago and enjoy attending events there! Go Hoosiers!
Megan Miller, MPA’06
Carmel, Ind.
Indulging a passion for travel, IU, and access to healthcare as the associate director for the Indiana University Center for Global Health, working mainly on the AMPATH program in Kenya.
Chevroen S. Washington, BSPH’13
Chicago
I’m a data analyst for a nonprofit. During my time at SPEA I was a health administration major and my path to becoming to a data analyst started in my K300 statistics class, however I wasn’t aware. I was focused on becoming an administrator and didn’t realize at the time how important the merger of statistics and administration would be to my future. SPEA prepared me to face and conquer new challenges in the public sector.
Christina M. McDougall, MPA’11
Indianapolis
I’m founder and executive director of the Hoosier Farmers Market Association, Indiana’s statewide direct-marketing education membership nonprofit. I lead their “Growing Indiana Markets Initiative” via $500,000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. I reside in Indianapolis with my life partner James R. Sweeney II.
Robert Michael Schwartz, BSPA’98
New York City
I am currently the vice president of licensing and new business development at CAA-GBG. We are the world’s largest licensing and brand management company. I head corporate brands for the New York office and my clients include Anheuser-Busch, The Hershey Company, Jelly Belly Candy Company, Eastman Kodak, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
Tyler Kerr, MPA/MSES’16
Powell, Wyo.
I have started a seasonal wildlife-research job with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Still sending out applications, in the hope of finding something long-term that will get me above the poverty line.
Shane Hatchett, BSPA'11
Indianapolis
I’m at the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration helping vulnerable Hoosiers get vital healthcare so they can focus on other areas of their life and I wouldn’t be here if not for SPEA. The wonderful faculty and thoughtful curriculum helped me hone my desire to help others and strive for a better future all while setting up programs that are measurable. Because of SPEA, I get to give back every day through my job and I love doing it.
Victor Serveiss, MPA’84
Vienna, Va.
In 1981 I enrolled in the Indiana University MBA program, but after going through MBA orientation realized that was not for me. Lucky for me, I learned about SPEA and switched programs. I was fortunate that SPEA helped me get a one semester paid internship with a U.S. Army facility in St. Louis. I graduated a semester late to do the internship, but upon graduating got hired back as a permanent federal government employee. My passion was to work for the environment, so a few years later I found a job as a management analyst with the EPA. I worked on the EPA budget for several years and then went back for more schooling and earned an MS in environmental science. I completed course work for a doctorate but in the process got a temporary promotion to a management job at EPA. Several years ago I left EPA to join the U.S. State Department where I now work with Canada on environmental policy and science issues to provide advice and recommendations to help protect and restore the Great Lakes.
Robert Fischer, MPA’66
La Crosse, Wisc.
I enrolled in the IU MPA program in 1962 while on active duty as a Navy officer at what was then known as Naval Ammunition Depot-Crane. I went on to work as a land appraiser for the state of Michigan and as a forester at Crane. Then in 1970, I moved to La Crosse and became a planner with the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. Post-retirement, I’ve worked as a consulting arborist. And that is my IU story. Gloriana, Frangipana.
Tom Bredeson, MPA’74
Eden Prairie, Minn.
After 40 years of experience, I retired as managing director, investments, for Piper Jaffray in Minneapolis. My son, Andrew (now working for Standard and Poors), earned his SPEA MPA in 2015, making us among the very first legacy graduates.