Panel Sessions

by TSA — last modified Jun 15, 2009 01:53 PM

9:00-10:00am

Session I

Making Public Service Cool Again

This panel will examine concrete steps that the public and not-for-profit sectors are taking and need to take to make public service a desirable career goal for 20-something and 30-something U.S. citizens.

Moderator: Andrew Klaber (IL '03), JD/MBA Candidate, Harvard University
Panelists:

Chris Myers Asch, Founder of the United States Public Service Academy

Jason Bordoff, President Obama's Council for Environmental Quality

Carlos Monje, President Obama’s Office of Social Innovation

Marta Urquilla, President Obama's Transition Team for Social Innovation

Room: Holeman Lounge

Responses to Climate Change: Individual, Local, and National

This panel will discuss U.S. responses to climate change at three different levels; how individuals can change their behavior to reduce their own emissions, how urban areas can reduce their impact, and how the country can influence emissions through national policy. We hope to present a realistic perspective on how much can actually be accomplished by action at each level, relative to the emissions reductions needed in order to make a dent on the problem.

Moderator: Joy Hecht (MA '78), Consultant on Environmental Policy and Economics
Panelists:

Kyle Gracey (PA '05), Chair, SustainUS

Jenny Magill (GA '06), Public Relations, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Nashville

Room: First Amendment Lounge

Who Cares About the Journalism Crisis? How the Changing Media Landscape Affects Politics and Policy

This panel will look at the changes in the news industry's business and editorial practices and how those change affect political discourse in the U.S. We will consider both domestic and foreign affairs and coverage, and talk about the future of editorial innovations like "citizen journalism" and business innovations like the non-profit funding of news gathering (of which the Pulitzer Center is a model). The goal is to start a dialogue between Truman Scholars and senior reporters about the future of news, to better understand how the news is produced and used, and what possibilities might exist for collaboration and idea-sharing between them.

Moderator: Jina Moore (WV '01), Freelance Journalist, Christian Science Monitor
Panelists:

Nathalie Applewhite, Associate Director, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting

Dante Chinni, Director, Patchwork Nation Project
Amy Goldstein, Senior Policy Reporter, Washington Post

Ezra Klein, Associate Editor and Blogger, American Prospect

Kate Phillips, Online Political Editor, New York Times

Room: Murrow/White/Lisagore

10:20-11:20am

Session II

Beyond the Stimulus: Opportunities and Challenges in Reforming Our National Healthcare System

Panelists representing different sectors of medicine/public health, including health policy, direct service, community-based health organizations, and the private sector, will engage in a lively discussion with Truman Scholars. Collectively, panelists and scholars will examine the current status of the U.S. healthcare system, at a global, national, and local level. They will explore best practices of our global neighbors, particularly preventive measures that if implemented, can enhance our nation’s well-being.

Moderator: April Joy Damian (CA '05), Greenlining Institute Health Fellow, People for the American Way
Panelists:

Thomas Pack (OK ’05), Intergovernmental Affairs and Tribal Affairs Specialist, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

                     Bradley Herring, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University
                     Jesse James, Resident Physician, University of North Carolina Hospitals
                     Renatta Knox, PhD Candidate, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco

Edison Machado, Medical Director and Programs Manager, Bridges to Excellence

Room: First Amendment Lounge

Ending Hunger, Poverty and Homelessness: Trumans’ Transforming Communities Through Policy, Partnerships, and Innovation

From refugee camps to homeless shelters to one of the nation's largest supportive housing program to outlining our country's policy on hunger, Truman Scholars have dedicated their lives to advancing the needs of the most vulnerable populations and assuring they are provided their basic human needs. This panel will walk you through the threads of experiences and connections developed through the Truman network and how these opportunities and lessons have resulted in some of the most innovative programs and best-practices to reduce poverty, homelessness and hunger. The panel includes mid-career scholars presenting a wealth of knowledge and experience, one at the threshold of authoring and implementing national policy, and a recent graduate full of energy and excitement at starting a career in public service.

Moderator: Cindy Crain (TX '91), Executive Director, Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
Panelists:

Indivar Dutta-Gupta (GA ’04), Staff, U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support

Max Finberg (NY ’90), Director, Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Amber Herman (TN ’06), Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Lisa Williams (IL ’89), Executive Director of Supportive Housing, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Room: Murrow/White/Lisagore

Presidential Appointments

The responsibilities of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel (OPP) are complex and multi-faceted—to recruit leaders for the federal executive branch, to identify and serve the president’s priority personnel goals, and to guide nominees through the appointment process. In any administration, OPP is forced to navigate enormous external and internal pressures with extreme diplomacy in order to strike the right balance between satisfying political and party leadership at both the local and national level, along with various competing constituencies, and the prerogatives of each cabinet secretary seeking to attract the strongest management team possible. During this panel discussion, learn more about the presidential appointments process from experts who are currently involved in political appointments or who have been leaders in the process during prior administrations.

Moderator: Margaret Hu (KS '93), Special Policy Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice
Panelists:

Jim Bayless, Jr., Shareholder, Winstead's Government Relations Practice Group and Winstead Consulting Group (OPP Associate Director, Reagan Administration)
David Clark, Vice President and Chief of Staff for Global Human Resources, American Express Company (OPP Deputy Director, G.W. Bush Administration)

Ginger Lew, SBA Counselor and Liaison, White House National Economic Council (OPP Manager, Clinton Administration)
Mark Perriello, Director of Priority Placement, White House Office of Presidential Personnel (OPP, Obama Administration)

Room: Holeman Lounge

1:00-2:00pm

Session III

Change and the Law Degree: Alternative Career Paths and Public Service

This panel will explore the diverse options for utilizing a law degree as Truman Scholars develop their careers over time. The goal of the discussion will be to demonstrate that a law degree can provide a wide range of alternatives and flexibility over the course of one’s career. In addition, the panel will emphasize the various ways that Truman Scholars have integrated their commitment to public service into their career plans and development in both public and private sector settings.

Moderator: Cheryl Burtzel (TX '80), Partner, McGinnis, Lochridge, & Kilgore, LLP
Panelists:

Preston Green (VA '87), Professor of Educational Law, Penn State University
Kimberly Jones (CT '99), Director of Congressional Affairs, Council for Opportunity in Education

Rory Verrett (LA '91), Consultant, Spencer Stuart

Room: First Amendment Lounge

How Emerging Trends in Technology Can Benefit Your Public Service Career

In this discussion we will delve into emerging trends in open government and technology, give concrete examples of how technology can benefit government and non-profits, and find ways that technology can enable your mission. Join a discussion of how trends like Data.gov, Twitter, Facebook, and iPhone apps can affect how government and public servants communicate with the public. Leave with a greater understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of technology for public service. Hear from pioneers and expect candid sharing of battle stories and data.

Moderator: Andrew Lee (CO '06), Co-Founder and CEO, JamLegend
Panelists:

                     Clay Johnson, Director of Sunlight Labs, Sunlight Foundation
                     Roz Lemieux, Founding Partner, Fission Strategy
                     Matthew Mahan, Director of Business Development and Nonprofit Relations, Causes
                     Robynn Sturm, Assistant Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Open Government at Office of Science and Technology Policy

Room: Murrow/White/Lisagore

Truman Scholars Association: Past, Present, and Future

In this panel, past Truman Scholars Association (TSA) Presidents and community leaders will discuss the history of the organization to include major advancements, memorable events and the principles on which the TSA was founded. Additionally, current President Jeff McLean will briefly speak about the current status of TSA projects and notable achievements from recent TSA history. The panel will lead an interactive discussion about the future of our organization and how we should continue to build and strengthen the community and serve Truman alumni from all years of Truman classes. In addition to enlightening younger alumni on the rich past of the TSA, this panel seeks to provide a forum through which all alumni can provide input as to how the TSA can best serve its members.

Moderator: Jeffrey McLean (WI '03), President, Truman Scholars Association, Naval Aviator
Panelists:

Mark Cannon (OH '84), Deputy Executive Director, APCO International

Vijoy Paul Chattergy (HI '88), Analyst, Fund of Funds

David Zipper (NC '99), Executive Director, NYC Business Solutions

Room: Holeman Lounge

2:20-3:20pm

Session IV

Crossing the Line: How to Partner Successfully with the Private Sector

This panel will focus on developing innovative partnerships that cut across sectors to achieve results by “doing” social good. In particular, the panel will discuss ways that non-profit and governmental organizations can harness the private sector’s own self-interest to fulfill a public mission. Successful and sustainable partnerships with the private sector require addressing real, tangible needs of businesses. For example, businesses might engage non-profit or government groups to resolve problems finding the right employees, managing health care costs, dealing with waste, increasing sales, or becoming energy-efficient. The panelists, each of whom works for an innovative non-profit organization or government agency, will discuss their own experiences working with the private sector to design and implement policy solutions and partnership programs that achieve societal goals, enhance corporate profitability and create public awareness

Moderator: Jessica Sotelo (ID '00), Executive Director, Partners for Prosperity
Panelists:

Jonathan Evans (PA '03), Vendor Relations Director, DonorsChoose.org

Salmah Rizvi (MD '07), Analyst, U.S. Department of Defense

David Zipper (NC '99), Executive Director, NYC Business Solutions

Room: Holeman Lounge

Preventing Human Trafficking: The Future of Anti-Trafficking Policy, Research and Activism

Human trafficking for both sex and labor present serious political, health, economic, and social insecurities in the United States and throughout the world. As the U.S. begins to reexamine current policy on human trafficking, reshaping the anti-trafficking strategy will require the coordinated effort of both policy makers and practitioners. This panel brings together experts in the field of anti-trafficking to share experiences, discuss the current state of trafficking globally, and consider the future of policies on human trafficking that are both effective and consistent with international human rights standards. The panel will examine a range of critical issues and the implications of various policies and strategies the U.S. may employ.

Moderator: Christina Arnold (MD '03), Founder/Executive Director, Prevent Human Trafficking
Panelists:

Martina Vandenberg (CA ’88), Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

Denise Brennan, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Georgetown University

Ben Skinner, Fellow, Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, Kennedy School of Government
Noy Thrupkaew, Senior Correspondent, The American Prospect

Room: Murrow/White/Lisagore

Public Charter Schools and Urban School Reform: Friends or Foes?

This panel will focus on the on-going debate about the role of charter schools in the reform of urban public school districts. President Obama has publicly stated his support for the expansion of charter programs throughout the United States and has appointed strong charter supporters to various key positions within the U.S. Department of Education. Proponents of charter schools see great opportunities, while opponents worry that too much emphasis may be placed on charters as a panacea to problems in urban districts. Join us for a lively debate on the appropriate role of charter schools in the next chapter of urban school reform efforts.

Moderator: Ulcca Joshi Hansen (NJ '97), JD Candidate, Harvard University
Panelists:

Seth Andrew (RI '99), Founder and Head of School, Democracy Prep Charter School

Ron Brady (MA '87), Co-Founder, Foundation Academy Charter School

Jennifer Jennings (NJ '99), PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology, Columbia University

Room: First Amendment Lounge

3:40-4:40pm

Session V

Background and Discussion of the Truman Scholar Exchanges to the United Arab Emirates

This panel will provide background as to why and how the Emirati-American Young Leaders Cultural Exchange Program was founded, what participants have taken away from the experience, and whether this program will continue into the future. Panelists will also discuss their perspective on the complicated issues of what it means to accept financial support from a foreign government and how their perceptions/misconceptions of the United Arab Emirates were confirmed or challenged, specifically with regard to economic development, governance, environment, and human rights.

Moderator: Anthony Shop (MO '04), Principal, Liftoff Solutions
Panelists:

                     Daniel Armanios (GA '05), MSc Candidate, University of Oxford
                     Te-Ping Chen (CA '06), Staff Reporter, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
                     Paul Moinester (TN '07), Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Transportation

Abdulla Al Sabousi, Chief Political Officer, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America

Room: First Amendment Lounge

Bridging Academia and Policy: Translating Your Ideas and Strategies for Maximum Impact

This panel will address practical issues related to moving between academia, policy and programming. What are the most effective ways of translating one's work between worlds? What are the typical roadblocks and gaps in translation? How does one develop and maintain skills in varied arenas? What career paths and strategies are most effective from a public service perspective?

Moderator: Cindy Huang (IL'98), MPA, Princeton University; PhD Candidate, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley

Brendan Kelly (MN '98), Senior Research Analyst, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, Columbia University

Megan Reif (WY '95), Advisor, Pakistan's Free and Fair Election Network; PhD Candidate, Department of Political Science, University of Michigan

Jake Sullivan (MN '97), Co-Deputy Chief of Staff, Secretary Hillary Clinton; JD, Yale University

Mark Greenberg, Director, Georgetown University Center on Poverty, Inequality and Public Policy; JD, Harvard University

Room: Murrow/White/Lisagore

The Juggle: Strategies and Sympathies for the Struggle to Achieve Work/Life Balance

Almost by definition, Truman Scholars are overachievers who somehow manage to excel in multiple areas – from academia to athletics to activism. Being the overachievers that we are, we often find ourselves over-scheduled and overwhelmed. As busy employees, parents, friends, etc., we rarely have time to catch our breath, let alone consider the questions central to the purpose of the Truman Scholarship, such as: How do we make time for public service? Why do we make time for public service? This session seeks to explore work/life balance issues and allow participants to share coping strategies. Whether a recently selected or seasoned public servant, participants are bound to find something of value in this interactive workshop, which will include small group discussions and group activities. If nothing else, each participant will leave with the sense that they are not alone in the struggle and equipped with better mechanisms to deal with the day-to-day juggle of achieving work/life balance.

Moderator: Kimberly Jones (CT '99), Director of Congressional Affairs, Council for Opportunity in Education
Panelists:

Erica Gum Burson (OH '89), Mom and Community Volunteer

Jessica Sotelo (ID '00), Executive Director, Partners for Prosperity

Room: Holeman Lounge

Personal tools

Sections