MPA Alumni

Major Andrew Stevens

UNF-MPA 2018 

BSc, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2007

Infantry Battalion Operations Officer, U.S. Army 

Lauren D'Amico

UNF-MPA 2018

BA, Communication Studies, West Chester University

BA, Woman's Studies, West Chester University

Lauren is the Director of Information Systems at Changing Homelessness

Ryan McDonagh

UNF-MPA 2018

UNF-BA in International Studies, 2010

After seven years in the United Nations World Food program (Ukraine, Libya, South Sudan), Ryan entered the UNF-MPA program in Fall 2016. He is now employed in Washington, DC by Booz Allen Hamilton.

CPT(P) Travis Hawkins

UNF-MPA 2018

BA Troy State University 2009

Travis currently serves as Military Deputy Inspector General, 1^st Special Forces Command (Airborne) of the US Army

Edgar Gutierrez

UNF-MPA 2017

BSc Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, 1983

Edgar is the Manager of Customer Solutions at Jacksonville Electric Authority.

Judith St. Louis

UNF-MPA 2017

UNF Bachelor of Health Administration 2009

Judith is a contract Negotiator with Centene Corporation. Previous positions held include a Bio-terrorism Planner/Trainer for the Florida Department of Health (DOH), a Sr. Human Services Program Specialist for the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) and a Contract Administrator for Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national FORTUNE 100 company.

If not for UNF's MPA Program, I would not be where I am today. The program pushed and equipped me with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in my career. The director of the program made it possible for me to complete my MPA, not only at my Alma Mater but from an Accredited Program, after a 3-year hiatus and moving almost 3 hours away. 

Major Federico II Martinez

UNF-MPA 2017

Major Martinez is the Plans Officer for the Army Cyber Command, Mission Assurance Branch.

Kenna Hardaway

UNF-MPA 2016, Health Administration Concentration

BA, Sociology from Baylor University 2010 

Following my undergraduate career, my husband's career brought us to the Jacksonville area where I had few connections and struggled to find a career that I felt provided true meaning.  The UNF Masters of Public Administration program opened doors and provided an engaging experience beyond my expectations. The MPA faculty are extremely supportive and are what make this program special. The program not only expanded my knowledge of Public Administration, but also helped me find a fulfilling career path in Healthcare Information Technology, ensuring the healthcare professionals are aware of, and adhere to new regulations in this rapidly changing arena.  The Masters of Public Administration program has provided the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed, and was an experience I would never give up, and will never forget. 

Corey Williams

UNF-MPA 2016

UNF-BA, Sociology with Minor in Philosophy 2006

I was never a strong student in my undergraduate degree, I had many interests and it was difficult to hone in on where I could thrive. I attempted another graduate program before the UNF MPA program and I was not successful. The program director gave me an opportunity to enter the MPA program at UNF and it was the best decision that I have ever made. All of the faculty in the program are so passionate about what they do and there was not one course that I didn't enjoy or was able to learn a lot taking. The content of the courses was difficult but I feel as if I learned so much and everything that I have learned has prepared me for my future in nonprofit management or local government. I would like to thank the program director and everyone involved in the UNF MPA program. If you want a challenge, and want to learn, the UNF MPA program will prepare you for anything.

Tony Davis

UNF-MPA 2016

Tony is a 20+ year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He currently serves as the Director of Police Services.

Julia Kalinski

UNF-MPA 2016

BS, Psychology & Social Welfare 2007

Between undergraduate and graduate school, I spent seven years growing my experience by working in foster care and independent living programs at Daniel Kids. I spent time in homes of people from all cultures and backgrounds. I testified and advocated on behalf of the vulnerable and made some very difficult decisions to sometimes choose safety over family. 

Through experience and the application of learned skills my role grew from direct care case management to administration. The MPA faculty took stock in their students and challenged us to stretch our comfort zones and improve our writing and public speaking abilities. The faculty also showed great respect for our time and investment by providing online learning opportunities to help balance classes with ongoing careers. Currently I serve as the Director of Health Information Management for Daniel Kids. In this role I managed a full conversion of paper charts to Electronic Health Records (EHR) throughout agency clinical programs, streamlined the reporting of outcome measures and led the green initiative to begin recycling in agency offices. I recently accepted a new role at Daniel Kids as the Director of Resource Development for the foundation. In this role I will oversee volunteer management and special event fundraisers and cultivate relationships with key donors and stakeholders. I am excited to begin a new journey and feel confident and prepared for success thanks to my experience and solid educational foundation. I can honestly say that the MPA has helped me obtain the skills and confidence needed to enhance my career in nonprofit leadership and truly understand all of the important aspects of public service. 

Sarah Campbell

UNF-MPA 2016

BS, Architectural Studies from University of Nebraska, Lincoln

I found the program to be completely fulfilling. My experience was a bit backward in that I had a public sector job before I had the public sector education. This endeavor was to bolster my current career and to prepare me for future advancement. With many night meetings, I took one course at a time which took five years, but allowed me to focus on one subject at a time and meet a great number of classmates along the way. I was encouraged toward the UNF program by a mentor. The program stands out among others in the area. I was not disappointed. Town's website (www.townoforangepark.com)

Jessica Fields

UNF-MPA 2016 

BA, International Relations with a Minor in Economics, Florida International University 

After years of employment in the legal field while I slowly worked my way through my undergraduate degree, I decided to pivot my career away from Law and into Public Service. The UNF MPA program was a great springboard for my personal and career goals. From the moment I first expressed interest in the program, I found everyone I dealt with to be very supportive in helping me to achieve my goals. I found the courses in the program to be interesting and informative, and my professors to be experienced and knowledgeable. The UNF MPA program not only taught me how to be a competent and professional public servant, but it also taught me how to be a better citizen in my community. During my time in the program, I was able to build relationships with my professors and peers that have continued on after graduation.  The week before I graduated, I was hired to work with the City of Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund as a Records Coordinator. After about 2 years, I was able to transition into my current position. My UNF MPA made my candidacy for the Analyst position much more competitive, and the reputation of the program helped me establish a high level of rapport with the hiring managers. Having a UNF MPA has opened doors for me that I would have never expected. I truly enjoy my role as a public servant and I'm looking forward to a long career in Public Service!

Sarah Kurtz

UNF-MPA 2015

I decided to pursue a career in nonprofit work after many years of volunteer service at Volunteers in Medicine, a free medical clinic in downtown Jacksonville. The MPA program equipped me with the necessary knowledge to demonstrate responsible leadership and professional ethics. The program also provided an immersion into the incredibly robust nonprofit scene we are so lucky to have here in Jacksonville. I currently serve as the Manager of Healthcare Provider Engagement for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In this role, I am responsible for promoting research updates, continuing medical education opportunities, and resources for clinicians to help their patients with multiple sclerosis live their best lives. This includes neurologists, mental health practitioners, and rehabilitation providers, among others, across the state of Florida as well as Puerto Rico. 

Siddika Oztekin

BA, Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey

As I was an international student at UNF, first I felt that what I am doing here. Whenever I felt down, my advisor, teachers, tutors and all my friends made me feel comfortable like at home. During the UNF MPA program, I learned how analytic thinking is, how to participate the different views of people and to respect their decisions. After graduating from UNF, I came back Turkey and I will start working University of Mus as an assistant professor.  Now I feel that this program at UNF is chance to apply on my job. I will teach and show these aspects of UNF and MPA Program to my new students and I guess they are going to be lucky as I am.   

Denise Foster

Moving to Jacksonville as a military spouse transformed my career goals in ways I would have never guessed.  Starting my “career” in volunteering for nonprofits, I soon discovered the MPA program with a Nonprofit Concentration at UNF and knew it was a perfect fit.  The coursework opened my eyes to the world of nonprofits and how diverse it could be.  During this time, I was also hired as an Associate Director at a Florida nonprofit and my path was confirmed. After graduation, I relocated to Maryland and began working as part of the Strategic Leadership Support team for Vice Adm. Paul Grosklags at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).  I am now part of the daily activities and decisions that affect the future of Naval Aviation. Relocating to a small town after graduation presented me with a challenge.  With the lack of opportunities to work in the nonprofit sector, I needed to figure out a different way forward so I started my own consulting business to help nonprofits.  DKFoster Services, LLC. (www.DKFosterServices.com) is my company, and I am doing my best to make an impact on the community.  As my start-up grows, I plan to use the amazing resources within the military spouse community.  This will allow me to not only help local nonprofits, but talented spouses that are often looking for employment due to deployments or relocation.  All of my efforts would never have been possible without the inspiration of UNF, specifically the MPA program.  I am not exaggerating when I say it completely changed my life and I will always value the time I spent on campus, with my classmates and with my outstanding professors. 

Thomas Bozzuto

UNF-MPA 2015 

UNF-BA, Political Science with Minor in Business 2001

Currently the Development Associate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. I could not have dreamed of a better experience than my time in the M.P.A. program at UNF. The faculty were amazing in the knowledge and service they provided.  I could not have attained the dream job I have today without the help of the faculty in the MPA program at UNF. 

www.bbbsnefl.org

Callan Brown

UNF-MPA 2015

I am a Program Manager at the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. When I graduated with my undergrad in Art History, I landed a job working part time at the Museum of Science & History. When I discovered the UNF MPA program and saw the Nonprofit Management concentration, I knew that this was something I could really be passionate about. After even just my first few classes, my eyes were opened to what nonprofit management really meant and the impact the sector has on the economy just blew my mind! 

During my tenure in the program, I got my first full-time job at a small intellectual and developmental disabilities nonprofit in Clay County. After that experience and learning about the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida from my studies at UNF, I made a personal goal for myself that one day I would work at the Nonprofit Center because my passion lies in helping nonprofit organizations to build their capacities to fulfill their missions and have long-lasting, measurable impact in the community. Now, I am a Program Manager at the Center. I enjoy seeing so many of my UNF-MPA classmates, and those that came before my cohort, working and leading in nonprofits and government institutions all over town, because I now have a vast network of connections and I trust that they all received the same quality education that I did and are out there being change-makers for our community.

Kimberlee Logan

UNF-MPA 2014

BS, Psychology & Criminology from Eastern Michigan University 2009 

I worked as an Operations Manager for KIPP Jacksonville from July 2013-December 2015. Currently I work with The New Teacher Project, Inc. (TNTP) as a Program Associate for the Legal and Business Development Operations team where I provide strategic project management, manage the life cycle of all contracts, and conduct analytical analyses of our revenue pipeline. My UNF-MPA experience was absolutely amazing. The program director's dedication to making me a professional writer really pushed me to perform at my best. I know that my experiences in the program have aided me in being the professional I am now. TNTP's Website (www.tntp.org)

Kayla Champaigne

UNF-MPA 2014

UNF-BA Psychology

2019 will be my 10th year working in public administration. I currently work at a medical university in Portland Oregon as a regulatory specialist in human research protections. I work with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) which is a group of doctors, experts and community members who review research before it begins. My job is to uphold the regulations that protect people participating in research. The research can range from experimental new drug trials to simple survey studies so the work is diverse and always interesting. Although I'm in Portland now, my roots are in Florida and both my degrees are from the University of North Florida (UNF). I got my start working for the IRB at UNF which is where I built my regulatory foundation and the experience was invaluable. While I worked, I went to school at night which was made possible by the flexible class schedule offered by the MPA program. My experience in the MPA program was pivotal in shaping my principles and broadening my understanding of policy and public service. Through the program, I learned a great deal about how to be a responsible and capable administrator while also honing my writing and critical thinking skills. My master's degree also really set me apart as professional and is helping me to realize my potential. 

Christina Smith

UNF-MPA 2014

UNF-BA, History & Anthropology 2007 

The UNF Master of Public Administration program supported and fueled my desire to serve in the nonprofit industry. I found that flexible course schedules, small class sizes, and experienced and passionate professors combined to create the perfect learning environment. I was able to excel in my studies while working full-time for a local nonprofit museum, where I put the new nonprofit administration concepts I was learning into practice. A few months after graduation, I accepted a fundraising position at Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). I know that earning my degree from the UNF MPA program made me a stronger and more qualified candidate. Today, I am able to use the knowledge and experience imparted to me by my amazing MPA professors to raise money to fuel programs that save lives.

Paul Boysen

UNF-MPA 2014

BS, Political Science 2003

I am still teaching in Duval County (www.duvalschools.org); the same position I held prior to enrolling in the program. Other than that, I'm have remained in the same profession since graduation.   

Joshua Rose

UNF-MPA 2014

BS, Management from U.S. Coast Guard Academy 2002

LCDR Josh Rose assumed the duty of the Critical Infrastructure Branch Chief within the Office of Port & Facility Compliance at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, in the summer of 2014. His office oversees and directs policy formulation and field guidance for cyber risk management and critical infrastructure security activities. His office also oversees the Port Security Specialist Program within the Coast Guard, developing policy. CDR Rose graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and from University of North Florida in 2014 with a Master of Art in Public Administration. His time spent at the University of North Florida allowed him to understand the different dynamics that are involved in the policy discussions and follow-on actions, including understanding the diversity of equities involved and bringing groups together for a common purpose. His studies also enabled him to further understand the differences of military policy and public policy, which has served him well in his position of bringing private and public partners together to promote cyber risk awareness in the maritime transportation system.

Trey Gowdy

UNF-MPA 2013

UNF-BA, Political Science 2012

The MPA program at UNF has been instrumental in my career development. I am a Sustainability Project Coordinator with the Leading by Example Program at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. In this role within state government, our team works to advance clean energy efforts and sustainable practices across state agencies and public higher-education campuses in Massachusetts. I have also worked in higher-education sustainability, working directly at the campus-level on sustainability topics. In both of these public administration roles, the experience and skills developed from the UNF MPA program have been and continue to be important. 

Lee B. Anderson

UNF-MPA 2013

BA, Recreation and Leisure Services Administration from Florida State University 2007

Lee Anderson is currently the director of development of the College of Education and Human Services at the University of North Florida (UNF). She has been with the University since November 2012 and before joining UNF, Lee served as the director of the Bennie Furlong Senior Center with the City of Jacksonville. The MPA program afforded me the opportunity to expand my knowledge for the nonprofit sector and apply new leadership and management skills within my organization. The flexibility of the program while working full-time, coupled with the faculty, who cared about the personal and professional future of each student, made me truly appreciate the program. UNF's MPA program is a well-rounded program that I would highly recommend to anyone who has a career in the nonprofit or public sector and is passionate about advancing an organization's mission. 

Andrew Hopkins

UNF-MPA, Local Government Concentration 2013

UNF-BS, Sport Management and Business Administration

After receiving my bachelors in business and working in media relations throughout my undergrad, I entered the MPA program without a political science background.  With a mind geared to think in terms of the private sector and business administration, I quickly found value within the course load, learning about the expanding and changing roles that exist between the private, public and non-profit sectors. In addition to the challenging and relevant course topics, I instantly connected with my professors, as they mentored me through the vast range of career opportunities, landing me an internship with the Jacksonville Civic Council and my current full-time position as the assistant director of the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL).  https://www.unf.edu/coas/porl/

Brady Rigdon

UNF-MPA 2013

A former Division Chief in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, he became Fire Chief of Nassau County in 2017.

Kevin Lowery

UNF-MPA Graduate 2012

BA, Political Science & German from UNC-Charlotte

Kevin is an Army Reservist and corporate talent acquisition professional. He credits his education to acquiring a better understanding and problem-solving ability to tackle organizational issues for the federal and private sector. He also credits the MPA program to exposure to various methods to increase productivity. 

Amy Kennedy

UNF-MPA 2012

BA Political Science, University of Florida.

Amy Kennedy is the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Toni Boudreaux-Godwin

UNF-MPA 2011

UNF BSc in Communications 2008

Toni is the Director of the Ponte Vedra Division of the St. John's County Chamber of Commerce. Her career history includes overseeing the Chamber's renowned Annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show which is the fifth largest auto show in Florida and sustaining the arts and artists in St. Johns County. Boudreaux-Godwin has contributed her strong leadership skills for the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. She was named the Rotarian of the Year by the Club. She has also strongly supported the Beaches Rotaract Club.  Her volunteer work includes Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, K9's for Warriors, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Operation New Uniform, Wounded Paw Project, and Wounded Warrior Project. 

Scott Kornegay

UNF-MPA 2011

The MPA program at UNF not only taught me how to apply the base of knowledge I gained in an undergraduate program, it also set me apart from other candidates when I was pursuing my second career as a city manager. As an administrative officer at JFRD and as city manager of Keystone Heights I routinely draw upon my experience at UNF when conducting research, crafting policy or considering organizational changes. I can't imagine enjoying the level of success I've had here in Keystone Heights without having the formal training I received at UNF.

Albert Souto

UNF-MPA 2010

UNF-BA, Political Science with Minor in Public Administration 2008

My active involvement in Student Government and the support I received from the Faculty of the UNF Department of Political Science afforded me countless opportunities to pursue a fulfilling career in the field of Public Administration. The week I graduated from UNF, I was fortunate to have started working in the Budget Office for the City of Jacksonville.  In this role I had the privilege of working with City Administration officials in crafting the annual operating and capital budgets for the City. Since my time in the Budget Office I have worked directly for the CFO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).  At the JTA I had the incredibly unique experience of working with the Authority to help secure re-extension of the Local Option Gas Tax, a significant revenue source for the JTA, for 20 years. Currently I serve as the Public Works Budget Manager for the City of Jacksonville.  In this role I am responsible for analyzing and managing the expenditures and revenues of our operating and capital budgets.  Working for a department which significantly impacts the lives of our City's residents has provided me with a “front row seat” in witnessing government work positively affecting the lives of the Citizens we serve. The MPA classes, coupled with the personal attention from faculty, provided me with a solid foundation on which I have been able to build my career. 

Bradly Burbaugh

UNF-MPA 2010

County Extension Director, University of Florida. 

Alex Pellom

UNF-MPA 2009

BS, Communications from Western Carolina University 

Currently serves as the Director of Public Safety & Justice Services for Cuyahoga County, OH which oversees the Cuyahoga County Office Emergency Management (OEM), Cuyahoga County Emergency Communications System (CECOMS), Fiscal/Grants, Witness Victim Services & Family Justice Center, and serves as a key partner in the five-county Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center (NEORFC). Prior to this position, I served as Emergency Manager for the City of Cleveland (OH) and various positions with Jacksonville Fire & Rescue's Emergency Preparedness Division. My time at UNF was valuable in both the academic side as well as the introduction to many professionals working in the Government locally. To this day, skills learned in the realm of government finance, policy analysis and ethics play a key role in my career. 

Lara Diettrich

UNF-MPA 2007

BA-UNF 2001, Political science

Ms. Diettrich, Principal of Diettrich Planning, LLC, serves the northeast Florida region providing very diverse urban and regional planning services in the public, private, non-profit and military sectors. Ms. Diettrich is the Chair of the Jacksonville Public Service Grants Council; is an Urban Land Institute North Florida Council Board Member; is Past President and current Board Member of the Florida Planning and Zoning Association; and is a member of the American Planning Association.  

Lara was awarded the FPZA Focus Award for Outstanding Planner of NE FL (2015); the George W. Simon's, Jr. Award for Outstanding Planner in the State of Florida (2016); and the Jacksonville Business Journal 2015 Women of Influence. Lara started her planning career with the City of Jacksonville's Planning and Development Department and then transitioned to the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission serving as the Redevelopment Specialist and Brownfield Program Manager. Lara is very proud to be an Osprey and marvels at the stunning growth of the University's programs and campus development.

Chas Jordan

UNF-MPA 2007

Chas Jordan is currently serving as the Public Works and Marina Director for the City of Madeira Beach, Florida.  He has over a decade of experience in Public Administration, serving for over 11 years with the City of Largo and previous to that the City of Jacksonville.  In his role he manages the streets, stormwater, marina, solid waste, facilities, and parks operations of the City.  He is also a speaker and consultant on leadership and management for Public Works and other public sector agencies.  Chas has served as the president of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter, serves as the national APWA Leadership & Management technical committee chair and has won multiple awards in Public Works and Public Administration. He often states his Masters of Public Administration from UNF is the key that has opened the door to a great career in public service.

Wallace L. Harris

EdD Graduate 2014

MPA Graduate 2007 

BS Criminal Justice, Albany State University, 1990

Currently, I am employed as the Director of Physical Facilities Operations for the University of North Florida and have over 25 years of experience in the facilities management, construction and operations at six institutions of higher learning and private industry. The UNF MPA program fostered a desire to learn, contributed to my professional growth and provided me with a unique opportunity to merge practical knowledge with academic theory. Since earning my MPA, I have continued to expand my practical knowledge in the field of facilities management/operations and to further my understanding and appreciation for academic theory as it applies to my chosen profession. 

Marcus Haile

UNF-MPA 2006

UNF BA Communication 1994

Marcus is the Interim Executive Director of Learn to Read, Jacksonville. This follows a career of nonprofit sector work. Previous positions have been with the Cathedral Arts Project, PACE Center for Girls, Communities in Schools, United Way of Northeast Florida, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Keith Gaston

UNF-MPA 2006

UNF-EdD 2018

UNF-BA Educational Leadership Spring 2004

A Major in the Florida Highway Patrol, he joined the FHP in 1980. He currently serves as the statewide Communications Commander.

Martin Senterfitt

UNF-MPA 2005

Chief of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue from 2011-15, capping a 27-year career. He is currently the Monroe County, Florida Fire Deputy Chief, and Director of Emergency Management (Monroe County directory).

Robert Peek

UNF-MPA 2005

Robert is Director & General Manager, Sales and Marketing, of the Jacksonville Port Authority (jaxport.com).

Jim Overton

UNF-MPA 1998

Duval County Tax Collector (coj.net/departments/tax-collector)

Ray Holley

UNF-MPA 1997

JD, Stetson College of Law

BA, Stetson University 

Office of Judges of Compensation Claims, State of Florida.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/judicial-snapshot-ray-holley

Joy Owenby

UNF-MPA 1996

JD, Florida Coastal School of Law

BS, Florida State University 

https://www.owenbylaw.com/attorney-profiles/joy-owenby/

Jennifer Stockman

UNF-MPA 1995

BA, Political Science with Minor in History from University of Florida

I've been in social services and child welfare for over a decade, most of that time with the Department of Children and Families. I have had the pleasure of working on many programs to improve the lives of Jacksonville's citizens, and in 2009 was selected as one of Jacksonville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 for my work in the community. When I joined the program, I was the lead investigator for the child fatality and critical injury unit at DCF. After completing my Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, I joined Family Support Services, where I am now a trainer, specializing in the State's new child welfare practice model. I am also passionate about animal causes, and the skills learned in the MPA program allowed me to join the advisory board as the grant writer for the Friends of Jacksonville Animals, a nonprofit founded to support the City's animal shelter. The MPA program (and nonprofit track) allowed me to better understand the agencies I have worked for; it has also improved my knowledge base extensively. 

Dawn Emerick

UNF-MPA 1995

UNF-EdD 2008

Health Department Director, Benton County, Oregon.

Alan Johns

UNF-MPA 1993

James Ludwig

UNF-MPA 1992