2019-20 mpa annual Report • byu marriott school of business Contents Feature Story 4 Sounds of Hope Student Life 10 Faculty Spotlights 18 Alumni Updates 24 Romney Institute Support 34

All communication should be sent to: Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics byu Marriott School of Business 760 Tanner Building Provo, UT 84602 phone: (801) 422-4221 email: [email protected]

This report is published by byu Marriott’s George W. Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics with help from the byu Marriott External Relations Office and byu Publications & Graphics. ©2020 by Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.

C Near Moria, a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece, diners enjoy a Ramadan meal in 2019. byu Marriott mpa students volunteered with a local nonprofit to put the event together. Photo by Elisabeth Zenger.

byu marriott mpa 01 mpa 2019–20 Year at a Glance December Adventure Race

To take a break from the rigors October of final projects and exams, ten Helping Communities Thrive teams of MPA students and faculty set out on an adventure MPA students join alumni and friends at the race to learn little-known facts International City/County Management about and discover hidden Association’s annual conference in Nashville, gems across BYU campus. August where they learn about how to support one Finding Your Calling another, results-oriented assistance, and pro- fessional development, among other topics. eMPA alumni Dale Hull, Anthony Bates, and Kena Mathews partic- April ipate in a panel discussion during One-of-a-Kind Commencement the program’s third annual alumni fireside of the school year. Professor Although commencement is canceled, the MPA pro- Jeff Thompson moderates the panel gram hosts its own virtual ceremony, complete with discussion, titled “Finding Your gowns and diplomas. In total, 34 MPA and 39 EMPA Calling in Life.” graduates earn degrees.

august september october november dece mber january february march april

September January March So It Begins All About Food COVID-19 New MPA students officially start classes after a As part of their week- Changes week of orientation events that include invaluable long career trip, MPA Winter semester teamwork activities in Moab, Utah. students volunteer at classes go digital due St. Mary’s Food Bank to the COVID-19 pan- in Phoenix. demic. Students who February can are encouraged Public-Service to return home to finish the semester. November Tweet Dimensions of Humility An MPA Valentine’s Day post expresses appreciation Associate professor Brad Owens speaks for public servants and the at the EMPA Impact Night about the amazing work they do in developmental benefits of humility— strengthening government sharing research findings, telling stories, accountability, tackling and leading participants through homelessness, providing exercises aimed at developing more clean water, and creating self-awareness and teachability. safe communities.

02 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 03 souNds

Graduates of BYU Marriott’s MPA program are improving othe livesF of displaced H people allOP around the world.E

By Clarissa McIntire photos courtesy of yvonne baraketse, raymon burton, and elisabeth zenger

or Yvonne Nsabimana Baraketse, the disruption began with two noises: a peppering spray of bullets followed by her own thin voice whispering the words of the Lord’s f Prayer. Civil war had come to Rwanda. And Baraketse’s first response was one of faith. From that time, many defining moments of Baraketse’s life came first as sounds. Less than four years after war broke out, a resonant crash shook her whole city as a twenty- thousand-pound airplane collided with the earth. Aboard the plane was her father, then the chief of staff of the Rwandan army, and the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi. The shot that brought down the plane and assassinated Baraketse’s father led her family to flee Rwanda for Belgium and sparked the Rwandan genocide. For a time, a spiritual silence filled Baraketse’s life. Nearly overcome by trauma, she ceased to pray, feeling that God had abandoned her and her family. But she found healing as she danced to traditional African music with Inyange, a local Rwandan nonprofit orga- nization, and heard the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She joined the Church at age nineteen.

04 2019-20 annual report byu marriott mpa 05 Hoping to improve their English-language skills, USA in Washington, DC, 2007 BYU MPA graduate a transformative hour listening Baraketse and her husband, Jacques, moved to New Hani Almadhoun helps link Palestinians in need with to his new friends talk about Orleans with their family in 2004. But in 2005 they potential resources. Ethiopia and their experiences evacuated the city when Hurricane Katrina hit the Coming from a Palestinian family with a refugee in the United States so far. “As I Gulf Coast. Baraketse remembers listening to a background, Almadhoun understands both the chal- left, Fenan thanked me for coming cacophony of wind and rain as, miles away, the tropi- lenges of life as a refugee and various ways to solve into their home and told me that cal cyclone completely destroyed the family’s house. those problems. “Growing up as a refugee, having to when I visit them they feel seen,” “We were at the evacuation site for two weeks, and work for money was not just a nice skill to have—it Burton says. “That was a defining we had an almost-one-year-old baby,” she says. “We was about survival,” he says. “At BYU, I learned a great moment for me.” had a lot of organizations and churches helping deal about the importance of service to others. Making Now executive director of One us along the way, like the Red Cross. That’s one of oneself available to help those in need is a calling and Refugee, Burton organizes per- the experiences that made me decide to join BYU not just one of those nice things to do in life.” sonalized support for college stu- Marriott’s MPA program. I saw that people can work Almadhoun says that perhaps his greatest respon- dents from refugee backgrounds. together in communities like this, and that was sibility is to inspire people. He describes himself as a “Our students’ lives are strung so impressive to me. When I was a refugee in Rwanda, storyteller, acknowledging donors as the true heroes tight that any small change in we didn’t have as much support along the way.” in refugee relief. “What I have to do is help people their lives can cause everything Baraketse enrolled at BYU Marriott in 2014, joining overcome their cynicism and their sense of helpless- to crash,” Burton explains. “We a strong community of individuals making a resound- ness,” he explains. “That’s important because helpless try to apply a holistic approach to ing impact on the global refugee crisis. people do not feel like changing the world. Each one assisting the students in finding Equipped with outstanding skills in public and non- of us can have an impact and make a difference if we success.” profit service and a passion for improving the lives care enough.” One Refugee takes a holistic of those in need, BYU Marriott MPA alumni can be He recalls helping one donor find and fill the needs approach partly through providing found across the country serving refugees in a wide of one community with a shortage of dialysis machines. one-on-one career counseling, variety of services. Though their job descriptions may The donor honored a relative who died due to kidney organized by career manager differ, each alum helps fill critical needs for displaced failure by setting aside funds to help those with the Kirsi Jarvis. “I help students people around the world. same condition. “Often charities make themselves the from an early stage start building hero,” Almadhoun says. “But in reality, the donor is the networking skills,” says Jarvis, helping is a calling real hero.” who earned an MPA with an In 2019, more than seventy million people had been emphasis in nonprofit manage- forcibly displaced across the globe; of those, at least a holistic approach ment from BYU Marriott in 2019. five million were under the mandate of the United Aside from funds, another resource many refugees It can be difficult for students Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine seek upon resettlement is education. This truth is with refugee backgrounds to find Refugees (UNRWA), according to the UN Refugee what led Raymon Burton to join Salt Lake–based postgraduation work, Jarvis notes, Agency website. As director of philanthropy of UNRWA nonprofit One Refugee in 2017. Previously, he was but she works diligently to close that gap. “Our ultimate hope is working as a project coordinator for The Church that through career and professional development, “Our ultimate hope is that through career of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was students will become self-reliant professionally,” she asked to work alongside the International Rescue says. “For years to come, they’ll be able to continue and professional development, students will become Committee (IRC), a global NGO, for six months. As to use skills they developed and be rock stars in net- he worked with the IRC, he had an experience that working, engaging in professional careers, and helping helped change the course of his career. others do the same.” “I was assigned to take two Ethiopian men, Fenan Since its inception, One Refugee has aided more self-rELianT profESsionaLlY. and Feysel, to get their immunizations,” says Burton, than 570 students with refugee backgrounds from For years to come, they’ll be able to continue to use who earned an MPA at BYU Marriott in 2010. “I can nearly every continent. Both Burton and Jarvis greatly still see, ingrained in my head, the look on their faces enjoy working closely with these students. “A lot of skills they developed and be rock stars in networking, engaging in when they realized they had to get five shots at once. services are available for newly resettled refugees,” We ended up bonding after that because we all laughed Burton says. “But there’s not a lot for the highly moti- professional careers, and helping others do the same.” at how absolutely terrified they were to get these shots.” vated young-adult population that is now transition- –kirsi jarvis As Burton dropped them off at their home, the two ing into college and is ready to take the next steps in men invited him inside. Burton agreed and spent terms of integration and education.”

06 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 07 community partners or through involvement in unique experien- tial learning opportunities, such as Grantwell and Good Measures, or by participating in programs offered through the Ballard Center “The experience was amazing. for Social Impact.” Our students got on-the-ground, A donor liaison for the Philanthropies Department of the Church, Emily Martin dis- covered an opportunity to learn FACE-TO-fACE EXPERIeNCE about refugee-related issues in 2019 when she completed her working in refugee camps, which is capstone project with the London- based AMAR Foundation, which difficult to access. That was helps vulnerable communities in life changing for a lot of people.” the Middle East. While creating –david hart a grant-writing template for the organization, the 2019 emPA graduate learned not only about the Middle Eastern “I love the sound of drums—it reminds me, of course, refugees the grant would impact but, to her surprise, of back home in Rwanda,” Baraketse says. “In all the about another group as well. places I’ve called home, from Rwanda all the way here “I made friends with some Israeli-Jewish gentlemen to Utah, drums have reminded me of moments grow- whom I met on the street,” Martin says. “Through ing up and of joy.” them, I began to understand from a global perspec- Shortly before graduating with an MPA in 2016, Jarvis remembers one particularly motivated tive how Israelis were displaced after WWII and the Baraketse used her newly acquired skills to found the student who, as a freshman at Salt Lake Community impact that has. The Israelis walked around with an nonprofit Ngoma y’Africa Cultural Center, a music- College, sought out a summer internship in engineer- “I love sharing the feeling of home with other people,” open, gaping wound emotionally—you could feel it.” and-dance group composed of former refugees and ing despite being told he should wait to look for jobs in she says. “When I found the MPA program, I realized These MPA alumni are only the tip of the iceberg. friends in the Utah Valley area. The group promotes his field. The student worked with Jarvis on network- that I could actually do that as a career. But I would The list of inspiring MPA graduates is expansive and African culture and helps members connect with ing, résumé prep, and interview practice, and was soon say the turning point of my career was a study abroad includes individuals such as 2012 graduate Rachel their heritage. Baraketse was also a refugee response offered an internship with a resort in Park City, Utah. that I did with the MPA program.” Bennion, who assists with legal services for Catholic intern with the Church’s Humanitarian Services “He worked there through the summer, and he loved it,” In 2019, Zenger traveled around the globe on a Charities in Washington, DC; 2015 graduate Todd Department and now teaches French-immersion says Jarvis. “He was totally independent and responsi- refugee-themed study abroad program. Visiting Tapp, who joined US Citizenship and Immigration classes at a local elementary school. ble for his own tasks, and the whole team loved him.” countries such as Greece, the Czech Republic, and Services as an asylum officer; and current emPA Baraketse knows that the joyful sounds of African Sweden, students met with refugees and NGOs work- student Suzanne Whitehead, who serves as execu- music and community that once saved her from grief sharing the feeling of home ing on refugee issues. “The experience was amazing,” tive director of volunteer-placement program HELP can also heal other former refugees and even societies Another member of the One Refugee team, 2019 BYU says associate professor David Hart, one of the study International. through education. Everywhere she has lived, she has MPA graduate Elisabeth Zenger credits her entry into abroad program directors. “Our students got on-the- As surely as BYU Marriott MPA alumni are pos- encountered misunderstandings about her history a career aiding refugees to her time at BYU Marriott. ground, face-to-face experience working in refugee itively impacting the lives of refugees around the and culture. “There’s no progress of communities “I’m grateful for the MPA education that I received. It camps, which is difficult to access. That was life chang- world, they are also becoming increasingly recognized when people have stereotypes about each other,” she opened the world to me,” she says. “I feel so grateful ing for a lot of people.” in the field for their strong skills and solid character. says, pointing to the tensions that led to the Rwandan every day that I just get to help people.” “I almost never turn down interns or job applicants Civil War. “When no intercultural exchange is going Zenger meets one-on-one with more than one hun- a global perspective from BYU,” says Almadhoun. “BYU students are hum- on, that’s when biases increase, and that’s when rac- dred students as part of her responsibilities as an edu- In addition to studying abroad, MPA students enjoy ble, but they are also quietly brilliant.” ism increases.” cation case manager, providing personalized guidance myriad resources that provide the necessary experi- Ultimately, the message Baraketse shares with on everything from study skills to budget creation. She ence to hit the ground running in various refugee- the drumbeat of joy refugees and nonrefugees alike is one of hope. “When recalls being inspired to help migrating peoples when related careers. Associate professor and study abroad Twice a refugee, Baraketse has built a life centered on you’ve been in those dark moments, you can choose to her family hosted foreign-exchange students when she program codirector Chris Silvia says these skills service. The sounds she hears most often now are ones let those trials kill you,” she says, “or you can hang on was younger. are “learned in the classroom or while working with of hope and home, including the beating of drums. to the positive. You decide to be stronger through it.”

08 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 09 Student Life Recognizing that an education would allow her to support herself and help the people of her native Zimbabwe, Vimbai Tembo earned a marketing degree from the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She felt compelled, however, to push herself even further, so she applied—and was accepted— to byu Marriott’s mpa program. The epit- ome of a byu Marriott mpa student, Tembo is passionate about serving others, finding innovative solutions to community prob- lems, and enhancing her leadership abilities. Read more about Tembo on page 17.

11 Student Life Student Life Student Report A Journey of Self-Discovery

Academic Year 2019–20 to convict him, but Rash was not Counseling and Career Center convinced he was guilty. After prior to her current work on the number of 2019–20 mpa empa much discussion, the jury decided school board and her return to to acquit the man. “I felt like I had school in 2017. Students enrolled 91 102 done something good because Her time as a student in BYU I was able to be a voice for the Marriott’s program helped Female 57% 54% EMPA accused’s innocence when it would Rash expand her worldview. “My Married 59% 73% have been easy to send him to thoughts have been challenged, jail,” she says. “The experience lit a and I’ve gotten to know different International 21% 0% flame in me toward public service.” perspectives,” she says. When Minority 17% 11% Rash pursued her love for she shared a project in one of her public service by serving on a classes about a topic that affected Bilingual 40% 38% class of 2019–20 mpa committee assigned to select a her family, a fellow student Served mission 66% 42% Average salary $59,720 superintendent of the Provo City accused her of being divisive. Rash School District in 2011. “I had an was hurt by this criticism until Average age 28 42 Placed by 3 months after graduation 97% epiphany that the school district she spent time with this classmate. Average GPA 3.63 3.70 Internship converted to job 72% was a place where I could make a After getting to know this woman, difference for people who others Rash built a friendship with her weren’t aware of,” says Rash. She and learned to see things from her was soon elected to the school classmate’s viewpoint. byu mpa Job Placement—Graduation Year 2019 board, taking her seat in 2012. Experiences such as this one While her commitment to have taught Rash to bring indi- improving the community indi- viduals with diverse perspectives cates that pursuing an MPA was together to work toward a common the right path for her, Rash grew goal. “Sometimes I look around at up in a family with no college school board meetings and think, graduates and, consequently, ‘There’s not one other thing that never imagined that she would would put these seven people in a one day work toward a master’s room together,’” says Rash. “I’ve By Sector By Region degree. “In my family, college was seen the power of people coming a luxury reserved for people who together to do good things.” or most people, jury duty is didn’t need to go to work or who Beyond the knowledge that Rash F a chore. For Julie Rash, her had more money than we did,” gained, which has helped in her jury-duty service became a catalyst says Rash. work with the school board, the for years of involvement on the Even though there was no fam- EMPA program left an impact on Provo school board, an education ily expectation for Rash to attend her that will continue long after through BYU Marriott’s EMPA college, she followed friends to her June 2020 graduation. “I know program, and a life dedicated to Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho) myself better today than I did two % Federal Govt % Nonprofit % West % Mid-Atlantic 12 22 60 25 public service. and then to BYU to earn her and a half years ago,” says Rash. “I Private Public In 1995, Rash served on a jury undergraduate degree in 1993 in know how to use my strengths and % State Govt % % Southwest % South 16 16 Partnership 3 6 assigned to decide the verdict of a international relations and his- how to acknowledge my weak- man charged with a drug offense. tory. After graduation, she worked nesses. I give this program a lot of % Local Govt % Other % Midwest % International 22 12 3 3 The other eleven jurors wanted at WordPerfect and the BYU credit for that.”

12 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 13 Student Life Student Life To Protect and to Serve A Feeling of Family

or Uati Afele, a current BYU in their lives. As part of his duties t the age of three, Nick Porter created an imag- most to him is how Silvia teaches by the Spirit in F Marriott EMPA student, the as a school resource officer, Afele A inary city with its own made-up language. He every class and makes concepts simple to understand. day starts early and ends late. Amid loves to talk with high school stu- may not have realized it at the time, but this activity Most importantly, Porter appreciates how much Silvia working as a school resource police dents and lend a listening ear. “I would ultimately foreshadow his future career path. cares about the students. “You can tell by the way he officer at a high school, being a talk with the kids and act like a Now equipped with his newly earned MPA from BYU teaches that he wants his students to succeed in life loving husband and father, and pur- mentor,” he says. Marriott, he is following his passion and pursuing the before he cares about how they succeed in his class,” suing a master’s degree, he has his At the high school, he also dream of one day running a real city as city manager. says Porter. “He also emphasizes that if you succeed hands full. However, Afele, who was teaches a law enforcement class In addition to his early-childhood hobby, Porter in his class, you are more equipped to help make an born in the small village of Vaigaga, to help students understand their credits his high school business classes and an intern- impact and succeed in life after the MPA program.” Samoa, doesn’t see his busy sched- rights as citizens, interact with law ship with Matt Dixon, South Ogden city manager and For Porter, his motivation to succeed is a no- ule as a burden but as a way to help enforcement, and address both a 2004 EMPA graduate, with helping him discover brainer. “My kids are what keep me going,” he says. others and to lead by example. negative and positive perspectives his future career goal. This experience introduced “They help me remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.” Afele’s schedule starts at 5:30 students have of police officers. Porter to a profession in public administration, and As a father of three, he attributes his success in the a.m. every day. Waking in the “The kids have questions about Dixon encouraged him to pursue an MPA. Porter says, program to his wife, Merrilyn. Porter calls his wife a early morning gives him enough law enforcement, and I’m there to “During high school, I realized that a career as a city champion, noting that being a stay-at-home mom is time to check his police gear and help them,” says Afele. manager could tie together my passion for running an more than a full-time job and he couldn’t do the MPA mentally prepare to start his As part of his law enforcement organization with being able to help people and make program without her. “After a long day, my family is day. “I always tease my daughter duties outside the high school, an impact.” what I look forward to coming home to,” says Porter. because she takes so much time in Afele works as a SWAT hostage An April 2020 graduate from South Ogden, Utah, “Being a dad and husband is the best thing ever.” the morning to get ready, but I’m negotiator for the South Jordan once a week in which they learn Porter took his desire to make an impact to heart as worse,” he says. Afele and his wife, Police Department to facilitate leadership skills such as project he involved himself in the MPA program and served Naomi, have three children, and communication in high-stress management, budgeting and as president of the Master of Public Administration Afele wakes up everyone before situations. Because he knows finances, and decision-making. Association (MPAA). “I wanted to be involved, and I climbing into his patrol car and firsthand the difficult scenarios “The EMPA program has helped me wanted to be an advocate for the students,” explains heading over to Valley High School police officers can face, Afele also become a better leader and a bet- Porter. “I wanted to contribute to that feeling of in South Jordan, Utah. helps with a support group for law ter father,” he says. By completing camaraderie that I have felt throughout my time in “When I get to the school, I try enforcement. The support group his master’s degree, he hopes to the program.” to make sure everything is safe provides therapy, connects mem- take on a more administrative role In addition to his role as MPAA president, Porter and nothing is out of the ordinary,” bers with others experiencing in law enforcement to continue worked as a recruiter for the MPA program. Through says Afele. This often includes similar situations, and offers addi- supporting officers, youth, and his job, he helped spearhead many activities, including looking for cars left overnight tional resources to help officers community members. an adventure race in which ten teams made up of MPA at the school, checking on bad process difficult experiences they As someone balancing a profes- students completed different tasks across campus. The weather and road conditions, and have had on the job. sional career and academics, Afele purpose was to inform the students of BYU’s different scanning patrol calls for any assis- “The culture of the police force has set a great example for others services and to build unity within the program. tance needed. is changing. The support group is who are considering a similar path. This sense of unity is what Porter enjoyed most Afele has centered his life breaking an old stereotype of being He has also spoken to incoming about being in the MPA program. “I like the collabo- around helping others, especially perceived as weak if you go and EMPA students on how to thrive in rative feeling created within the cohort,” he says. “We youth. Before ever thinking about seek help,” explains Afele. the program. do a lot in teams and feel like we are in this together. the EMPA program, he graduated Afele applied to the BYU Afele attributes much of his suc- The cohort is not a competition but rather a feeling from BYU–Hawaii in 1999 with a Marriott EMPA program in order cess to his wife, support from his of family.” bachelor’s degree in social work. to explore more career opportuni- family, and his belief in God. “I’ve According to Porter, BYU Marriott MPA associ- He was drawn to the opportunity ties to benefit others. He attends only been able to make it this far ate professor Chris Silvia was the most impactful to help others overcome obstacles class with other EMPA students because of them,” he says. teacher he had within the program. What stands out

14 2019–20 annual report Student Life Student Life Buckwalter Award Honors Across the World and Back

Two mpa Students how to do things by ourselves posters with math formulas all because she knew we would be over the bedroom to master them.” alone,” says Tembo. “She taught After being accepted into the skills I learned in that class and directly applied them me to serve. Serving my brothers BYU Marriott MPA program, to my internship.” made me happy and taught me Tembo relied on faith to get Lancaster discovered his love for public admin- independence.” her family to the United States. istration after serving a mission for The Church of Recognizing that an educa- “Zimbabwe has major food short- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Billings, Montana. tion would allow her to support ages and constant power and While there, he saw sparsely populated cities that had herself, Tembo graduated with a water cuts. Plus, a challenging visa problems that he wanted to fix—such as crumbling marketing degree in 2010 from application process made coming infrastructures and unsafe water—which ultimately the National University of Science to America difficult,” she explains. sparked his interest in urban planning. This experi- and Technology in Bulawayo, “My husband and I fasted and ence led him to receive his bachelor’s degree in urban Zimbabwe. After graduating, she prayed several times for everything and regional planning from BYU and to pursue his served an eighteen-month mission to work out, and Heavenly Father MPA at BYU Marriott. Lancaster hopes to follow his for The Church of Jesus Christ of came through: we eventually Ryan Lancaster Theary Leng passion for public service by becoming a city manager Latter-day Saints in Zambia. arrived safely in the United States.” within the next five to ten years. After returning to Zimbabwe, Tembo, her husband, and their wo talented BYU Marriott MPA students received For her internship, Leng, from Kampong Cham, Tembo helped a nongovernmental two children moved to Utah, and T the 2019 Doyle W. Buckwalter Internship Award Cambodia, went back to her home country to work organization run a project in the Tembo began the MPA program for their accomplishments in their internships. The with the Cambodia Job Foundation. The purpose rural communities of Zimbabwe in fall 2019. After graduation, Buckwalter award is an annual award that recognizes of the nonprofit foundation is to help the people of that have a 90 percent poverty Tembo and her family will return second-year students for outstanding performance in Cambodia become more self-reliant through receiv- rate. “Going into the villages and to Zimbabwe, where she plans to internships. Ryan Lancaster and Theary Leng were ing grants to start their own businesses. Leng was seeing the difference the projects create self-reliance programs for recognized at the annual alumnus luncheon, where given the task of reviewing and approving grant appli- riven by a desire to help were making in the lives of the women to learn skills such as gar- they received their awards and cash prizes of $2,000. cations. Along with this task, she had the opportunity D the people of her country, people was satisfying,” she says. dening and craft making. Lancaster, from Huntington Beach, California, to lead business trainings for applicants and also to Vimbai Tembo began her journey “However, I felt I needed additional “What pains me is knowing received the Buckwalter award after finishing an mentor those who were given grants to help them find from Zimbabwe to Provo by tuck- skills to help me serve more effec- there are women and malnour- internship with the city of Kenmore, Washington, as further success with their businesses. ing her two children into bed each tively and be qualified for higher- ished children suffering,” says its management graduate intern. Through the intern- As a young girl growing up in a developing coun- night and then lighting a candle to management roles.” Tembo. “While it’s scary to go ship, he was able to work with city manager Robert try, Leng cultivated a desire to help her people, and study for the GRE. Tembo began researching places back, I know God wants me to take Karlinsey, a 1995 mpa graduate, on various projects. she knew she would need to pursue an education to “Quite honestly, I thought BYU to further her studies. “As I read what I have learned here at BYU One of the more meaningful experiences Lancaster achieve her goal. “I learned that making a difference was an impossible dream because about the BYU Marriott MPA pro- Marriott and give back.” had was contributing to research for a new tax levy starts with you, not somebody else,” she says. “If you of the challenges I faced,” says gram and the curriculum, I thought, BYU Marriott’s MPA program that would eventually help fund up to $10 million of want to change the world, start by changing your own Tembo, who is starting her sec- ‘This is the program that I need,’” has already helped Tembo capital repairs for a senior center in the area. world first.” ond year as a BYU Marriott MPA she recalls. improve her communication skills According to Lancaster, what helped him best pre- For Leng, the Buckwalter award couldn’t have come student. However, getting to BYU would and evaluate data to guide people pare for this internship was the financial education he at a better time. “As an international student, the These challenges began when prove to be challenging. “Studying to make better decisions. “In my received in the MPA program. “The program recently financial needs are always great,” she says. “Receiving Tembo was a young girl. By the was difficult because I had limited life, I’ve always wanted to link my hired David Matkin as an associate professor, and he the $2,000 when I did was a huge blessing. The award time she was ten years old, both access to internet and practically academic life with my spiritual can teach finance to anyone,” he says. “I was scared money helped me pay off the majority of my tuition, her parents had died. “My dad no resources,” says Tembo. “I life to help achieve God’s plan,” about finance when I came to the program, but he so I am grateful for that.” When it comes to her future died when I was two years old, began preparing by studying by says Tembo. “BYU has taught me made it easy to understand. Now I feel competent in career, Leng is interested in nonprofits, education, and when my mom got sick, she candlelight at night when my to help people draw closer to God finance and believe it is a strength of mine. I took the and international development. taught my six brothers and me kids were asleep. I would put up and come unto Christ.”

16 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 17 Faculty Spotlights byu Marriott mpa professor Rob Christensen recently spent a semester at Bocconi University in Milan developing theories on government competitiveness and at University College London research- ing public-service motivation. Christensen pursued these topics because he is pas- sionate about public service and, like all byu Marriott mpa faculty, is deeply committed to mentoring individual students in ways that are uncommon for graduate programs. Because the size of the mpa program is small, faculty members develop close work- ing relationships with students and often collaborate with them on research projects and field studies. Read about Christensen’s semester abroad on page 23.

19 Faculty Spotlights Faculty Spotlights Faculty Involvement Sitting at the Table

Selected Faculty Publications While Wadsworth was in the the giants of the program—Gary program, several faculty members Cornia, Gloria Wheeler, Bob Brad Agle Brad Owens approached her and asked if she Parsons, Dale Wright, Doyle • “Fostering an Ethical Culture on Your Sales Team,” Harvard • “The Impact of Leader Moral Humility on Follower Moral Business Review Self-Efficacy and Behavior,”Journal of Applied Psychology had considered pursuing a PhD. “I Buckwalter, Lennis Knighton, • “Conveyed Leader PsyCap Predicting Leader Effectiveness hadn’t, but the more I thought Karl Snow, Neil Brady, Larry Rob Christensen Through Positive Energizing,” Journal of Management about it, the more I thought I Walters—were here,” says • “Giving at Work: Exploring Connections Between Workplace • “Leaders’ Humility and Team Performance: Exploring would like being at the front of Wadsworth. “Being among people Giving Campaigns and Patterns of Household Charitable the Mechanisms of Team PsyCap and Task Allocation the class as a professor instead of who were my heroes was a thrill to Giving in the USA,” Voluntas Effectiveness,” Journal of Management • “Student Performance in Turbulent Environments: The sitting in the back of the class as a me. They had been my professors, Contingent Role of Administrative Intensity in Hurricane Jeff Thompson student,” she says. and suddenly I was sitting next to Rita,” American Review of Public Administration • “Research on Work as a Calling . . . and How to Make It Wadsworth gave birth to their them at the table.” • “The Generosity of Politics: Are Red Counties More Matter,” Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and seventh and eighth children— In 2017, Wadsworth was given Generous than Blue Counties?” Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizational Behavior Sector Quarterly twins—four months before she the chance to have an even greater Lori Wadsworth started her PhD program. “That impact when the MPA program’s David Hart • “Ambivalence in the Early Years of Marriage: Impact on time period was crazy because faculty and staff selected her as • “The Impact of Leader Moral Humility on Follower Moral Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Relationship Processes,” there were ten of us in our family, the program director. In this role, Self-Efficacy and Behavior,”Journal of Applied Psychology Annals of Behavioral Medicine and we didn’t have any income Wadsworth teaches the MPA pro- David Matkin Eva Witesman other than the stipend that the gram’s leadership capstone class, • “The Governance of Public Pensions: An Institutional • “Sector Choice and Sector Regret,” Nonprofit and Voluntary University of Utah gave me,” she conducts research in work-life Framework.” Administration & Society Sector Quarterly ori Wadsworth, the director says. “Earning my PhD was a team integration, helps with alumni • “Direct Government Investment: Perverse Privatization or of BYU Marriott’s MPA pro- effort, with my husband taking relations, and much more. New Tool of Government?” Public Administration Review L • “Optimism and Bias When Evaluating a Prosocial Initiative,” gram, missed one night of classes care of everything at home so I Wadsworth is also the chair Social Science Quarterly during her time as a student in could concentrate on my PhD.” of BYU Marriott’s Inclusion the BYU Marriott executive MPA Nevertheless, pursuing a Committee. “As director, I’m part (EMPA) program: the night of her PhD opened up possibilities for of the MPA staff, so I have one foot son’s birth. Wadsworth. While she was com- there, and I’m a faculty member, Selected Faculty Citizenship Activities During Wadsworth’s time as a pleting her PhD, she returned to so I have another foot there, and I student in the EMPA program, she BYU Marriott’s MPA program as a don’t have another foot, but maybe Rex Facer Chris Silvia worked full-time at BYU Graduate visiting professor with the inten- like a Twister game, I’ve got my • Vice-chair, Utah County Good Governance Advisory Board • Chair, Romney Institute Diversity and Inclusion Committee Studies while she and her husband tion of staying for one year. That arm in the Inclusion Committee,” • Associate Managing Director, Social Venture Challenge were raising five children—six year turned into two years, and she says. David Matkin Program • Authored “Good News & Bad News: An Update of Florida • Bagpiper in Utah Pipe Band’s Grade 5 Band once the aforementioned son was twenty years later, Wadsworth is Though the role of director is a Pension Plans’ Grades” for the LeRoy Collins Institute, born. Though Wadsworth had now director of the MPA program. balancing act, Wadsworth enjoys Florida State University Jeff Thompson multiple responsibilities, earning “BYU is where I needed to make the challenge, especially when she • Visiting appointments at London School of Economics and her EMPA through the Romney my impact,” she says. “I’ve had gets the chance to interact with Aaron Miller Vrije University in Amsterdam; regularly teaches workshops Institute was worthwhile. the opportunity to make a differ- students and alumni. “My heart • Board member, University Impact and Boys & Girls Clubs at Brookings Institution and for UN agency in Senegal of Utah County • Board member, Pleasant Grove Players “The BYU Marriott EMPA pro- ence here.” is with the BYU Marriott MPA • Launched a podcast, Good at Work • Actor, Hale Center Theatre in Sandy gram changed my life in significant Becoming a professor in BYU program,” she says. “Something • Authored article, “The $100 Billion ‘Mormon Church’ Story: ways,” says Wadsworth. “During Marriott’s MPA program allowed special goes on here. Our students A Contextual Analysis” for Public Square magazine Eva Witesman those three years, I went from hav- Wadsworth to work alongside her want to make a difference in the • Associate managing director, Ballard Center for Social • Board of Trustees, Springville Museum of Art and Vision of Impact the Arts Fund ing little confidence in my abilities own role models from the program. world, and the alumni feel the way • Member, Utah State Division of Substance Abuse Evidence- to walking out feeling like I could “When I came to the MPA pro- I do—that the MPA program has Based Workgroup do hard things.” gram, the people who I think of as changed our lives.”

20 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 21 Faculty Spotlights Faculty Spotlights A Continued Legacy People First, Place Second

lmost twenty years since prepare people to be more effec- hen BYU Marriott MPA professor Rob government competitiveness. “We often think of busi- A his retirement, former BYU tive leaders in the various city, W Christensen hit a crossroad in his career, he ness organizations as being competitive, but we don’t Marriott professor Doyle W. county, state, federal, and inter- took the path that led to a semester-long sabbatical realize how government organizations can be equally Buckwalter has left a legacy in national positions available,” says in Europe. After spending three months in Milan as competitive,” he says. “We are missing an opportu- the Romney Institute that con- Buckwalter. and a month and a half in London during fall 2019, nity to borrow some of that competitive thinking to tinues to resonate and positively One highlight in Buckwalter’s Christensen says he is grateful for the research and suggest better ways that we can provide, envision, and influence the MPA program—and career was when he led efforts to networking experiences he had. consume government.” BYU as a whole. help refurbish Santaquin, Utah, in After teaching and researching at other universi- On the second leg of his trip, Christensen worked “My experience at BYU rep- 1970. “We bussed twelve hundred ties for more than a decade, Christensen joined BYU at University College London, where his research resents one of the highlights of my BYU students to Santaquin and Marriott in 2016. As a new BYU employee, he enrolled focused on public-service motivation. In his own life because I worked with the best helped install, fix up, and paint in the BYU Faculty Center’s Faculty Development words, public-service motivation is what orients some faculty and the finest of students, dozens of homes and public facili- Series, in which he learned about and was encouraged students to take a job in government or nonprofit and then I watched them go out ties. We built everything from ten- to explore his college’s sabbatical possibilities. organizations after graduation versus at for-profit and make a difference in America nis courts to the first street signs That opportunity came a few years later when companies. and throughout the world,” says they had,” he says. Christensen decided to see how a sabbatical in Europe Christensen enjoyed researching this topic because Buckwalter. “BYU was established In addition to serving as the would enrich his BYU experience. The research abroad he is passionate about public service. Though his time to train spiritually and academi- Romney Institute internship was made possible with encouragement and generous in London has ended, Christensen continues to work cally, which teaches individuals to coordinator, Buckwalter served for The Church of Jesus Christ financial support from BYU Marriott, including from with his colleagues at University College London to serve each other. That philosophy as the first director of BYU’s of Latter-day Saints for eighteen the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics complete and publish their research. permeated everything I taught.” Washington Seminar in 1973, a months in the Kirtland Visitors’ and from the Whitmore Global Management Center. What stood out the most to Christensen about his Buckwalter completed a bach- widely successful program that Center and have held numerous Christensen also received assistance from the BYU sabbatical experience was the networking. Using elor’s and a master’s degree in continues to send BYU students church leadership callings. Kennedy Center. Milan and London as his home bases, he traveled to political science at BYU in 1963 to intern in Washington, DC, for a Buckwalter also continues to Christensen’s first sabbatical stop was Bocconi other universities to share his research. “The thing and 1964. Then he earned a PhD semester or term. expand his knowledge through University in Milan. While there, Christensen I took away the most was gratitude for the ability to in public administration with an “Establishing the Washington his love of reading. “I’ve kept up researched and developed theories about local connect with so many people in such a relatively short emphasis in public policy, foreign Seminar was a challenge because the habits that I’ve had for the last amount of time,” he says. “Connecting with others policy, and public administration a number of universities were sixty years with regard to reading,” exposed me to new ways of thinking and solving prob- from the University of Michigan already competing for internships,” he says. “I keep up with all the lems.” In each city he traveled to, Christensen learned before returning to BYU to teach. explains Buckwalter. “However, current federal, state, and local to focus more on the people first and the place second, During his time at BYU Marriott, we successfully established con- activities, policies, and programs.” making his experience richer as he learned about his Buckwalter made it his mission nections with federal agencies and In honor of Buckwalter’s colleagues’ personal lives. to establish an MPA program and those in the private sector back in contributions to the MPA pro- Christensen is particularly grateful he got to share help students find internships the seventies. Today our students gram, the Doyle W. Buckwalter this adventure with his wife and two of his daughters. worldwide. He served as the continue to serve internships at Scholarship was established. The As a family, they enjoyed traveling; experiencing new assistant director of the Romney the same institutions.” award is given to second-year places, cultures, and food; and especially meeting new Institute of Public Service and Since retiring in 2001, MPA students who make signifi- people. Ethics, taught local government Buckwalter has enjoyed spend- cant contributions to the public Now that Christensen is back at BYU Marriott, he classes, and served as the insti- ing time with his family. He and or nonprofit sector through their looks forward to implementing what he learned from tute’s internship coordinator for Sondra, his wife of fifty-eight summer internship experiences; it his sabbatical to better teach his students, both in twenty-nine years. years, have four children, twenty- also provides funding for students the classroom and online. He loves teaching and is “I wanted to help students find seven grandchildren, and twelve with unpaid internships. (See page inspired by his students. “BYU students want to make meaningful internships because great-grandchildren. The 16 for a story about this year’s an impact in the world and help their communities,” I saw the university as a way to Buckwalters served a mission Buckwalter award recipients.) he says. “Having students like ours is energizing.”

22 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 23 Alumni Updates The transition from playing for the byu men’s basketball team to working as a category leader and contract manager for Intermountain Healthcare was smooth for mpa alum Anson Winder, thanks in part to the education he received at byu Marriott. After an internship between his first and second year in the mpa program turned into a full-time position at Utah Valley Hospital, Winder switched to the execu- tive mpa program, learning skills in eve- ning and weekend classes that transferred almost immediately to the workplace. Read more about his passions for basketball and healthcare on page 32.

25 Alumni Updates Alumni Updates Alumni Report A Love for Learning Where byu Marriott mpa Alumni Reside Leads to China 10% 4% Pacific 5% 3% Mid-Atlantic YU Marriott EMPA alumna Janine Wood Green West Midwest B loves learning so much that sometimes she reads four or five books a week. In her own words, she is “over-the-top crazy about learning,” and she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. With a love for learn- ing and a passion for continued education, Green joined BYU’s China Teachers Program to become a pro- fessor of English at China’s Nanjing Tech University—a decision that has changed her life for the better. Green, a single mother of nine from Provo, consid- 1% ers herself a nontraditional student in the sense that Northeast she went to school in her later years to receive her BS in psychology and then her MPA from BYU Marriott. She was drawn to the EMPA program because she felt it best suited her background in psychology and allowed her to work more directly with people. “I chose to get an MPA because I don’t know how to quit,” says Green. “I have a passion for learning more, 2% and I realized that as a single person, I needed to be International 61% looking out for my future and my career.” Utah Green heard about the BYU China Teachers Program 3% 8% 3% in 2015 while visiting her youngest daughter and Unknown Southwest South son-in-law, who were living in Shanghai. While there she attended the local branch of The Church of Jesus Getting to know the Chinese people has been a high- Christ of Latter-day Saints and met one of the teachers light for Green as well. She has been humbled by their from the program. “China appealed to me,” says Green. kindness, and many people she has met have invited her byu Marriott mpa Alumni at a Glance Alumni by Degree “The program was something that I could do affordably into their homes and shared meals with her. Though and make a difference somewhere else in the world.” most teachers stay for one year with the program, At the time, Green was in the process of applying Green returned for a second year. She plans to continue to the EMPA program, and the idea of teaching in working in higher education when her time with the total alumni (as of January 2020) 3,890 2,502 China kept her motivated. After finishing her MPA BYU China Teachers Program comes to an end. MPA in 2018, she followed her dream and now is one of Green credits the BYU Marriott EMPA program for First class graduated in 1965 with 13 students seventy-eight teachers from the BYU China Teachers preparing her to seize this opportunity in China. The 70 Program who are teaching throughout China. program helped build her confidence in her abilities The original name of the Romney Institute, which resided in the MHA For Green, the best part of her experience teach- to make a difference wherever she is and with what- Political Science Department, was the Institute of Government ing abroad has been her students. She describes the ever she is doing. “In almost everything I do and think, 1,318 students as sweet, innocent, and adoring. They love I am revisiting not just what I learned in the program EMPA  10 MPA directors (no. 1 was Stewart Grow, who adopted the her, and that love is reciprocated. “I immediately fell but who taught it and how they taught it,” says Green. phrase “Enter to learn; go forth to serve”; no. 10 is Lori Wadsworth) in love with these students,” she says. “They are my “As a teacher now, what I learned in each class from main reason for being here, as it should be.” those professors impacts everything I do.”

26 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 27 Alumni Updates Alumni Updates Doral Vance Named Compassion in the Alumnus of the Year Criminal Justice System

As the manager of the Criminal Investigation Unit, s the deputy director for English at BYU, Richey discovered supervision, and clemency of con- Vance has a mission to help assure the public that A the Utah Department of the MPA program on campus. “I victed individuals. Richey says her funds are properly collected and that those who delib- Corrections, BYU Marriott MPA realized that getting an MPA meant time on the board was powerful, erately violate the state tax statutes are held account- alum Chyleen Richey helps sup- I would be dedicating my life to especially when she listened to peo- able. Since Vance’s appointment in 2012, the Criminal port and direct a group of people making a difference,” she recalls. ple’s stories at pardon and parole Investigation Unit has conducted more than one hun- who are forgotten by society. “The program is full of students hearings. “At the end of pardon dred criminal investigations and collected almost $1.3 Richey’s work focuses on help- with smart brains and big hearts.” hearings, the board members would million in court-ordered restitution and back taxes. ing convicted individuals reenter In the program, Richey devel- often turn to each other and say, ‘I “I am grateful to be an employee of the State of Utah, their communities. She feels oped an interest in the criminal don’t know if I could have made it and more specifically the Tax Commission, which is strongly that this group of people justice system. After her first out of the circumstance they were a wonderful place to work,” says Vance. “Believe it or should not be overlooked. “Most year of graduate school, she born into,’” she says. “To see people not, taxes can be fun.” people think criminals are not interned with the Utah Juvenile overcome such incredible obstacles During Vance’s speech at the luncheon, he spoke connected to us in any way, but we Administrative Office of the Courts. is humbling and inspiring.” about the people who make his job easier. “The are all human beings,” she explains. “I got to see a lot of things that most Eventually, Richey became department heads and legislature deserve every credit “In order to be successful in this job, people don’t get to,” Richey says. “I chair of the board, and in January they get,” acknowledges Vance. “But I would also you have to have compassion for fell in love with the idea of turning 2019 she was appointed deputy like to pay tribute to those people who are the mov- the people you work with. We are lives around and helping people director of the Utah Department ers and shakers and work day in and day out to deal not just warehousing people; we overcome difficult circumstances.” of Corrections. In that capacity, with angry tax payers. Nobody comes into the Tax are trying to change lives.” After graduating from BYU she continues to be a leader in Commission happy, but we work to have a great staff Richey’s journey to the Depart- Marriott in 1996, Richey took the criminal justice system as she he Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics that treats them well.” ment of Corrections started during a job as a policy analyst for the shares the powerful message of T honored 1980 BYU Marriott MPA graduate John Valentine, chair of the Utah State Tax her time at BYU Marriott. While Utah State Legislature, specif- hope and change. Doral Vance, manager and chief investigator of the Commission, says Vance excels in his position because working on her undergraduate in ically working on the Juvenile “I view our role at the Utah State Tax Commission’s Criminal Investigation he “is not only a capable employee but also always Justice Task Force and the Law Department of Corrections as Unit, with the 2019 N. Dale Wright Alumnus of the concerned about everyone else around him. He recog- Enforcement and Criminal Justice stewards,” she says. “We are help- Year Award. The award was presented to Vance at nizes the contributions of everyone,” he says. Interim Committee. ing people heal from their trauma the annual alumni luncheon held at the Harman Vance is grateful to the BYU Marriott MPA program Richey went on to earn a PhD at and gain essential life skills they Continuing Education Building on 15 November 2019. for helping him gain invaluable skills and experi- the University of Utah in political may have missed out on during “Thank you for this wonderful honor,” says Vance. ences, and start his career in public service. “The MPA science with an emphasis in public critical developmental periods.” “When I was told I was being awarded, I was speech- program launched my career. To get this award from management and American gov- As someone who has dedicated less.” He spoke to the other alumni and others in this institution is gratifying,” he says. “I am and will ernment, which combined to make her life to public service, Richey attendance and thanked them for their examples and always be proud to be an alumnus of this outstanding a criminal justice policy emphasis. recognizes the weight of her job. recognized the examples of his family, friends, and organization.” Upon graduating with her PhD in “Working in public service can be a colleagues who came to support him. Vance currently lives in Riverton, Utah, with 2004, Richey worked as a full-time challenging career,” she says. “But The Alumnus of the Year Award was given to Vance his wife, Kerry. They have three children and four professor for the BYU Marriott at the same time, public service is because he demonstrates extraordinary service and grandchildren. He loves his job at the Utah State Tax MPA program. rewarding to the degree it is chal- leadership in the public sector and in his community. Commission and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. “I In 2012, Richey became a mem- lenging. The hope is to help make Recipients of the award also exhibit high standards have learned many lessons on how to be a good public ber of the Utah Board of Pardons a difference in the quality of peo- of excellence and gain the respect and loyalty of col- servant,” he says. “But I am still learning, so I can’t and Parole, which provides fair ple’s lives through improvement to leagues, peers, and family. retire yet.” decisions regarding release, the criminal justice system.”

28 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 29 Alumni Updates Alumni Updates

1981 1991 2001 2015 Jan R. Paulson received an Renea Chandler worked as a Becky Nesbit has a love for aca- Alec Zuber has taken skills MPA from BYU Marriott in 1981. dispatcher for the Jacksonville demia. After receiving her MPA gained from earning a BA in polit- Following graduation, a friend Sheriff’s Office (JSO) in from BYU Marriott in 2001, Nesbit ical science in 2006 and an emPA suggested he apply to work for Jacksonville, Florida, prior to went on to pursue a PhD in public in 2015—both from BYU—to the Federal Deposit Insurance coming to BYU. She left her job to affairs from Indiana University pursue a career as an associate Corporation (FDIC). He credits his MPA from BYU further her education and in 1991 received her emPA Bloomington. She shares the knowledge and expe- clinical consultant for Mercer Government Human Marriott for setting him apart from other appli- from BYU Marriott. After graduating, she spent two rience she has gained through her academic journey Services Consulting. Mercer offers state Medicaid cants; he received a job offer and worked at the years working for the Decatur Police Department with students at the University of Georgia, where agencies a full spectrum of consulting experience. FDIC for more than a decade. He then switched in Illinois before returning to the JSO, where she’s she teaches MPA courses in nonprofit management Some of Zuber’s responsibilities include project careers and began working in project management been ever since. Chandler’s current position is the as an associate professor in the Department of managing multidisciplinary teams; participating in for Electronic Data Systems. After the recession continuous improvement manager and civilian Public Administration and Policy. She also conducts the comprehensive review and analysis of partici- hit in 2008, Paulson returned to the FDIC, where training coordinator. Her proudest accomplish- research on volunteering and managing volun- pating health-plan-submitted financial statements; he currently works in the Division of Resolutions ment was when the Continuous Improvement Unit teers. Previously Nesbit worked for the University and leading the development, monitoring, and pro- and Receiverships as a contract oversight specialist achieved national recognition for being one of the of Kansas and the University of North Carolina at jection of Medicaid member enrollment. Though he working with the organization’s largest contractor. first law enforcement agencies to adopt the Lean Charlotte. In her spare time, Nesbit enjoys reading, is passionate about his work, Zuber is most proud He is looking forward to his next “promotion”—into Philosophy and utilize the concept of continuous singing karaoke, attending plays and musicals, doing of the family he has raised with his wife, Melissa. retirement. Throughout his time with the FDIC, improvement throughout the JSO. In her spare time, puzzles, and traveling the world; in fact, she’s visited The couple lives in Phoenix and has three daugh- Paulson has had the opportunity to field assignments Chandler enjoys shopping, doing church work, and forty-nine of the fifty states. She plans on complet- ters. Along with raising his daughters, Zuber enjoys located in twenty-five countries. In addition to his spending time with her family. ing the list soon with a visit to Alaska. camping, hiking, reading, and gaming. successful career, Paulson notes that his greatest accomplishment has been marrying well and having four wonderful children with his wife, Susan. The 1993 2001 2018 Paulsons reside in Flower Mound, Texas. Jenifer L. Gilliland works as a Krescent (Hancock) Telleen Marc Ellison received a BA in senior code development analyst keeps busy as a mom of seven earth and space science educa- for the City of Seattle. She is children between the ages of two tion from BYU in 1996 and an 1988 responsible for helping develop and sixteen, but that doesn’t stop emPA from BYU Marriott in Richard Meyers uses the skills and advance building codes at her from pursuing a career she 2018. Prior to receiving his emPA, he learned while receiving his the local, state, and national levels, as well as for loves. After graduating from BYU Marriott in 2001 Ellison worked for the National Park Service as a 1988 MPA from BYU Marriott writing ordinances and proposed code languages for with her MPA, Telleen was selected as a Presidential seasonal park ranger at Timpanogos Cave National in his work as city manager for various stakeholders. After receiving her MPA from Management Fellow and accepted a job with the Monument; one of his proudest accomplishments Cottage Grove, Oregon. Meyers BYU Marriott in 1993, Gilliland initially got a job as US Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and as a park ranger was rescuing a three-year-old girl manages the daily operations of the full-service city an analyst for the building department for the city Research, Office of Technical Collection Affairs. She from going over a cliff. Ellison currently works as under the general policy guidance of the city coun- of Boise, Idaho; she eventually moved up to become works as an intelligence operations specialist. In the event services supervisor for floral services for cil. Meyers is also responsible for risk management, building division manager. While working in Boise, that role, she is responsible for coordinating pro- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He intergovernmental relations, public information, good mentors helped her along her career path to posals and actions concerning collection programs supervises the decoration of the Conference Center and creating the annual budget. He became inter- her current position in Seattle. One of her many and activities, reviewing and coordinating intelli- stage for general conference, Music and the Spoken ested in a career in local government after observ- proud moments includes heading up the implemen- gence resource allocation programs, and engaging Word, and Church funerals, and oversees all interior ing his father work on the planning commission tation of Boise’s first electronic plan review—part of with Department of State policymakers about the Christmas décor on Temple Square. He has volun- in Sweet Home, Oregon. “Local government was an effort to make it possible for customers to obtain needs of the department. “Work is often interesting teered tirelessly for numerous community organi- attractive to me because you could see the needs of building approval or permits without having to and has provided opportunities for travel and learn- zations, including twenty years with the Boy Scouts the community and make a direct impact in meeting travel to city hall. Some of Gilliland’s favorite activ- ing,” says Telleen. “However, my proudest accom- of America and fourteen years with the United Way those needs,” says Meyers. In his spare time, Meyers ities include singing in community choirs, painting plishments all come from raising my children and Day of Caring; he also volunteered during the 2002 enjoys camping, kayaking, and visiting his grand- with watercolors, traveling to semi-exotic locations, watching them grow and develop.” Telleen and her Winter Olympics held in Utah. Ellison and his wife, children. He and his wife, Wanda, have four children hiking to waterfalls, and fabricating large ginger- husband, Erik, along with their seven children, live Yvonne, reside in American Fork, Utah, and have and seven grandchildren. bread houses with her sister and mother. in Centreville, Virginia. six children and four grandchildren.

30 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 31 Alumni Updates Alumni Updates Passing the Ball, The Power of a Poster

Improving Healthcare with the Board of Regents. We have eight regents who are appointed by the governor,” he explains. “I’m usu- ally on the phone with one or more regents every day, oining the healthcare field work during the day and take night contract,” Winder explains. “At and they are some of the most brilliant, accomplished J after traveling the world and classes in Provo or at the BYU Salt Intermountain Healthcare, we’re people on the planet. We all genuinely believe in what shooting free throws in front of Lake Center a few times a week. most proud of projects like this we do: striving to change higher education.” thousands is quite the change Though the change meant that one, where we can positively Indeed, the goal Arnold is most passionate about is of pace. However, 2016 BYU Winder took two and a half years impact expenses and charges that increasing the percentage of Arizona residents who Marriott MPA graduate Anson to graduate instead of two, the patients will be liable for.” receive a four-year degree. “Arizona trails national Winder, who was a member of EMPA program allowed him to In addition to helping reduce averages quite significantly in higher-education the BYU men’s basketball team apply what he learned in real time. costs for Intermountain patients, attainment,” he says. “Nationally, somewhere around from 2010 to 2015, is now finding “I wasn’t expecting to see the skills Winder also shares the fulfill- 31 to 32 percent of Americans end up with a four-year success working as a category I learned in my graduate school ment he gained from his time as a degree; in Arizona, it’s around 17 to 18 percent. So leader and contract manager for classes immediately translate to BYU basketball player by helping we’re almost half of the national average in terms of Intermountain Healthcare. the workplace, but they truly did,” coach the boys’ basketball team four-year degree attainment, particularly in some of Following his first year in the he says. “I was in statistics, eco- at Wasatch High School in Heber our at-risk populations.” MPA program, Winder interned nomics, organizational behavior, City, Utah. s a student in his final year of BYU Marriott’s In recognition of his dedicated efforts to combat at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, and human resource classes that “Coaching isn’t just about A MAcc program, John Arnold frequently passed this issue, Arnold received the Arizona Capitol Times which is part of the Intermountain were super beneficial because I passing down basketball knowl- by a poster in the Tanner Building advertising the 2019 Leader of the Year in Education award, which system. After his internship, he would learn more about a topic edge,” says Winder, who currently MPA program. Although he enjoyed accounting, he celebrates “men, women, and organizations that have accepted a full-time position at and, like clockwork, within a week resides in Pleasant Grove, Utah. “I wasn’t sure it was the right fit for him, and the idea of contributed greatly to Arizona’s growth.” the hospital as a business manager there would be an opportunity to try to relay life skills to the players a career in public administration was intriguing. One Arnold appreciates that others recognize the impor- for surgical services. To accommo- apply what I had learned in the so they have an understanding of day Arnold made a decision that forever altered his tance of his work for higher-education attainment. date a full-time work schedule, he workplace.” life outside of basketball as well. career path: he entered the seventh-floor MPA office “In the last few years, I’ve tried to focus on this clear switched to BYU Marriott’s emPA At Intermountain, Winder aims Sharing some of what I know to and inquired about earning an MPA. problem that we’ve identified in our state, and now program, which allowed him to to benefit others. “What makes the Wasatch team members and Although Arnold enjoyed the accounting program, we’re trying to build these coalitions and pathways to me most passionate about my job seeing them incorporate that after completing a tax internship with Ernst & Young, address it. I’m pleased to see that other people see it as is that I gain a sense of fulfillment knowledge both on and off the he realized that he needed to change career paths. “I an important issue,” he says. knowing that what I do on a daily court has been awesome.” liked accounting—don’t get me wrong,” he says. “I did Arnold thanks BYU Marriott for preparing him basis impacts my friends, family, For Winder, BYU Marriott’s a tax internship and enjoyed aspects of it but realized for success in his career. “My education in the MPA people I know, and even people I MPA program offers a game plan that, in the long term, it wasn’t for me.” Looking back, program gave me a systematic way of thinking and don’t know within my community,” that he can support. “The MPA he is grateful he made the change. “I’m glad that I have problem solving. No matter what issues came in front he says. program has been such a blessing my MPA, because I have loved my career in govern- of me, I had the toolset to approach and attack those Intermountain patients recently for me in my life and has truly ment,” he says. issues,” he says. “I also learned to process complicated saw Winder’s impact when he guided me to where I am today, After graduating with a MAcc in 1996 and then an data and communicate that data in terms that people negotiated with suppliers to both personally and profession- emPA in 1997, he began his journey in public admin- can understand. In my career, that has been a critical lower the cost of care for individ- ally,” he says. “I definitely encour- istration. Now the executive director of the Arizona component of what I do.” uals with total knee, joint, or hip age people who are interested in Board of Regents, Arnold uses the skills and strategies Outside of work, Arnold enjoys hiking and spend- replacement. “Essentially, the getting a graduate degree to con- he learned in the MPA program to facilitate change in ing time with his wife, Marla, and their five children. project entailed reducing the cost sider the MPA program because it Arizona’s higher education-system. He also serves in several community organizations, of medical devices and implants offers such a wide range of imme- One of Arnold’s favorite aspects of working in pub- including Greater Phoenix Leadership, Southern for our patients while keeping diately applicable skills that can lic administration is the opportunity to work with a Arizona Leadership Council, and the Arizona Chamber all of our current suppliers on translate to any industry.” variety of people. “I love the people and being involved of Commerce and Industry.

byu marriott mpa 33 Romney Institute Support Romney Institute faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike share a common goal: a commitment to a service-based career. That commitment translates into mpa graduates who work in the public and nonprofit sec- tors in forty-nine states and in more than forty countries, where they are involved in everything from federal, state, and local gov- ernment to facilitating philanthropic giving and improving the impact of nonprofit orga- nizations. mpa alumni remain connected to each other and the program throughout their careers, and many donate generously in myriad ways to support the program.

35 Romney Institute Support Romney Institute Support

Institute Support How Much Alumni and Friends Volunteer*

Current Fundraising Priorities # of volunteers # of hours • MPA Class Scholarship: funds a scholarship for • LDS City Managers Endowed Scholarship: 552

students in the MPA program funds scholarships for students pursuing local 1652 government

• Romney Endowed Scholarship: funds scholarships 1434 442

for students pursuing nonprofit management • Doyle W. Buckwalter Internship Scholarship: 1325 funds students on unpaid internships and honors 1248 The types of activities MPA • Gail Halvorsen Endowed Scholarship: outstanding student interns * MPA alumni and friends volunteer for funds scholarships for mpa or empa students 306 include participation as class 278 who are first responders or from a first-responder • William Hansen EMPA Scholarship: speakers and advisory board household funds scholarships for students in the EMPA members as well as participation in new student orientation, confer- program ence and info sessions, mock inter- views, career trips, graduate fairs, recruiting, and day of service. 2016 2017 2018 2019 Romney Endowment Growth

The George W. Romney family provided the initial endowment in 1998 of $1 million, which was to be matched with money raised by the insti- tute and the Romney family. That same year, the institute was renamed Executive Board of Advisors the George W. Romney Institute of Public Management. From 1998 to 2001, the initial endowment was increased to approximately $3 million. Amy Antonelli Tanise Chung-Hoon Francine Giani Kelly Pfost CEO Managing Director Luczak Management and By the end of 2019, this endowment had reached almost $6.5 million. In Humanitarian Philanthropies, Retired: Executive Budget Director 2005, Gary Cornia, then director of the program and the Romney MPA Experience for Youth Department of Director Town of Gilbert, AZ Institute, began an aggressive fundraising campaign to fund student The Church of Jesus Christ Utah Department scholarship endowments. Mike Bennett of Latter-day Saints of Commerce Chaud M. Richards City Manager Senior Counsel City of Fruita, Colorado Rick Collins Ronna Romney Netzel Grigsby Director of Business McDaniel Associates Inc. Total Endowment Funds Growth Earnie Broughton Development Chairwoman Senior Advisor OnCore Consulting Republican National Joshua J. Romney $7 Ethics and Committee President and Founder 6.43

6.36 Compliance Initiative The Romney Group

6.30 J. Scott Darrington 6.25

5.97 City Administrator Derek Miller (chair) $6

5.59 Kent Burton City of Pleasant Grove, UT President and CEO Nick Starn 5.34 5.33 VP and Partner Partner/VP of Operations

5.15 Salt Lake Chamber

$5 4.84 National Environmental William D. Hansen Y2 Analytics 4.63 4.55 Strategies, Inc. President and CEO Martha Perego Koreen van

millions Strada Education Network Director of Member $4 Services and Ethics Ravenhorst Laura Kaloi ICMA Principal Program Partner Budget Analyst Stride Policy Solutions State of California 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Department of Finance

36 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 37 Romney Institute Support Romney Institute Support Jodi Sandfort Receives Elevating Public Service

Cornia Award t the end of the Romney Institute’s first-ever trajectories but especially to challenge and elevate A Elevating Public Service Motivation conference, the next generation of public service motivation Romney Institute professor Robert Christensen research and applications. With that in mind, the con- Sandfort is a professor of public affairs at the received an email from James Perry, distinguished ference agenda featured presentations from diverse University of Minnesota, where she is the founder and professor emeritus from Indiana University’s School scholars and prominent practitioners and offered rel- academic director of the Future Services Institute. of Public and Environmental Affairs and arguably one evant working sessions. “We achieved our objective The institute focuses on implementing value- and of the country’s most prominent public service moti- on many levels,” says Christensen, who noted that an empathy-centric approaches to institutional redesign vation scholars. often-overlooked but incredibly valuable part of the in Minnesota’s public programs. Sandfort has focused “The conference will be remembered by many conference were the informal “hallway” conversations her career on working with families and thinking attendees for a long time,” Perry wrote. “I know con- between academics and high-level practitioners. about how public services can support them. “Parents ferences are a lot of work, but your efforts will magnify In addition, some conference activities took advan- and children should be treated and helped together, the visibility and appreciation for BYU and the Romney tage of the stunning setting: Aspen Grove’s location as part of their families and communities,” she says. Institute well into the future.” on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Provo Canyon. “The work the Future Services Institute does is about That’s exactly the feedback that Christensen and Conference attendees hiked to Stewart Falls and par- making changes to help organizations and institu- Romney Institute associate professor Eva Witesman ticipated in the camp’s ropes course. “A conference tions work better for the world. We need to look at were looking for as organizers of the event. Held highlight for many participants was the chance to social programs and make sure they are taking their 25–28 September 2019 at BYU Aspen Grove, the wear ‘mountain casual’ to an academic conference experiences and crafting interventions that matter.” conference brought together approximately sixty par- and have every afternoon dedicated to spending time A key part of Sandfort’s work focuses on using data ticipants from five continents, reports Christensen. in nature,” Christensen says. In addition, an upcom- to redesign social policy. “Everything—phones, tele- “We had senior scholars and new students. We had ing special issue of the International Journal of Public visions, even ketchup bottles—has been redesigned in practitioners as well as editors from four esteemed Management will highlight many of the papers pre- the last thirty years,” she says. “But we haven’t done journals,” he says. sented at the conference. enough redesign work in public institutions, and the The purpose of this conference, say the two pro- Witesman notes that, as a result of the conference, citizenry wants something more from us.” fessors, was not only to enhance and extend current she has already started two new collaborations. “We She hopes her work will encourage public institu- are also planning a few white papers and a possible tions to use empathy in policy creation and imple- academic submission on the conference methodology odi Sandfort, professor at the University of mentation and to harness prototyping and structured itself,” she says. J Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, experiments to make policy changes more successful. While this was the first time BYU Marriott’s exemplified gratitude and humility as she accepted the Sandfort even cowrote a book about this process, Romney Institute held the conference, it likely won’t Gary C. Cornia Lecture Series Award on 5 December Effective Implementation in Practice, with Stephanie be the last. “I anticipate doing this again, perhaps 2019 for her innovative leadership in the field of social Moulton of The Ohio State University, and Sandfort is even regularly,” says Christensen. “It’s hard to pre- policy implementation and public administration. currently working on another book about redesigning dict right now due to pandemic conditions, but I can The award is given yearly by BYU Marriott’s Romney public organizations and services. certainly see this in the future as a great way to share Institute of Public Service and Ethics to someone who In addition to being this year’s Cornia Lecture Series BYU with our field.” exemplifies the legacy of former BYU Marriott dean Award recipient, Sandfort holds the honor of being an And sharing BYU and all that the Romney Institute Gary C. Cornia by being active not only in research elected member of the National Academy of Public offers can be invaluable. Another conference partici- and teaching but in citizenship as well. “We are look- Administration and will represent the United States as pant wrote, “The time at Aspen Grove and especially ing for people who are change-makers,” says Lori a Fulbright fellow in Denmark starting in 2020. the trip through beautiful Utah was a life-changing Wadsworth, director of the Romney Institute, who Currently residing in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her experience for me. I had the chance to talk to so presented the award. “We are looking for people who husband and their two sons, Sandfort loves gardening, many people, especially the ones who are part of your are making a significant impact through their research rollerblading, and pottery. She also enjoys working church, and it enriched my life and gave me the oppor- and across the public service field, and Jodi is doing with BYU Marriott’s Romney Institute on a variety of tunity to reflect a lot about myself as well. Just wanted just that.” projects. to say thank you.”

38 2019–20 annual report byu marriott mpa 39 Romney Institute Support “I Could Keep Dreaming”

s a child, Eveline Miranda people who were my classmates,” A attended public school he says. “I felt like the diversity primarily for the free lunch she of people and opinions changed received every day. Growing up the way I see the world, which is a poor in Brazil, Miranda sometimes great thing. The same thing goes had no other food to eat. “One day, for the professors: high-caliber however, I realized that school people who thoughtfully address could nourish me in a different questions and are on the fore- way,” she says. “Education could front of government, nonprofit, give me knowledge and freedom and global issues. from deprivation. At a young age, I “The scholarship helped me pay decided that I would get the high- for necessary expenditures so I Eveline Miranda est possible education to get out could focus on school and land an of poverty and help people around amazing job,” he concludes. “I am me to do the same.” blown away by the generosity of Miranda graduated from high the city managers who contribute.” school—the first person in her This year the Romney Institute family to do so—and then went on has created a new scholarship to earn her undergraduate degree fund that will specifically assist in education. “I had a good job first responders—medical, mil- in Brazil, but it would never be itary, etc.—and their children possible to pursue a master’s in who attend the BYU Marriott the United States without sup- MPA program. The scholarship is port. When I received an email named for retired Air Force pilot Jonathan Perkins from BYU Marriott’s Romney Gail Halvorsen, who many might Institute saying I would receive a recognize as the Candy Bomber. scholarship, I was so happy,” says Following the end of World War II, Miranda, who finished her MPA in Halvorsen dropped more than April 2020 and has begun a PhD a quarter of a million pieces of program at BYU. “Earning a mas- candy over East Germany, bring- ter’s degree in the United States is ing joy to children in a country a great dream—and I could keep devastated by war. dreaming. I am so grateful to the “This first-responder scholar- amazing people who donated.” ship fund honoring Gail Halvorsen Miranda isn’t the only MPA is our primary fundraising focus student to benefit from gener- this year, and we’d be overjoyed ous donations to BYU Marriott’s to have it funded by Gail’s one- Gail Halvorsen Romney Institute. mpa gradu- hundredth birthday this fall,” says ate Jonathan Perkins, a recip- Lori Wadsworth, director of BYU public service by donating to this STAY CONNECTED GIVE BACK ient of the LDS City Managers Marriott’s MPA program. “We or one of our other scholarships.” Endowed Scholarship, calls BYU invite anyone who is interested Donations can be made by vis- Marriott’s MPA program a “hid- to help future BYU MPA students iting give.byu.edu/mpareport or den gem”: “I am amazed by the fulfill their dreams of working in through the QR code at the right.

40 2019–20 annual report George W. Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics BYU Marriott School of Business