GSPM News

The George Washington University Names Former Congressman Mark Kennedy Director of the Graduate School of Political Management

January 17, 2012

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jill Sankey; 202-994-6466; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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The George Washington University Names Former Congressman Mark Kennedy Director of the Graduate School of Political Management

WASHINGTON – The George Washington University today announced the appointment of former Congressman Mark Kennedy (R-MN) as director of the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) and professor of political management in the university’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).  He brings to the position vital first-hand experience in electoral politics and public service as well as a background as a business leader who has taught at leading academic institutions on the intersection of business and politics.

"We had an incredibly strong applicant pool and Mark Kennedy stood out," said GW Provost Steven Lerman. “His unique combination of experience in public service, academia and business make him ideally suited to raise the profile of GSPM and position its programs for future growth and success.”

Mr. Kennedy will begin his service at GSPM on January 23.

“I am excited to help validate GSPM’s position as the premier school of applied politics in the United States and world,” said Mr. Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy was elected to three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Minnesota’s 2nd district from 2001-2003 and 6th district from 2003-2007.  He was noted for reaching across the aisle, leading 20 bipartisan bills.  During his service in Congress, Mr. Kennedy served on the Financial Services, Transportation and Agriculture Committees.

In addition, he was a presidential appointee to the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy under both President Bush and President Obama.

"Finding the right leader who would fit the mission of GSPM in professional and applied politics was key to the search process. Mark Kennedy's practical experience as a member of Congress, as well as his educational background and entrepreneurial spirit make him ideal for the role," said Ali Eskandarian, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “I look forward to working with him to build on the national reputation established by the GSPM founding leader, Professor Chris Arterton.”

Mr. Kennedy currently serves as chairman and CEO of Chartwell Strategic Advisors LLC.  He is also founder and chairman of the Economic Club of Minnesota and will continue to serve as chairman after he begins his new role at GW.

Former Congressman Tim Penny (D-MN, 1983-1995), Co-Chairman of the Economic Club, commented, “Mark’s track record of success developing the Economic Club as a premier nonpartisan forum is testimony to his ability to build organizations.”

Mr. Kennedy’s academic experience includes teaching at Johns Hopkins University and as a Faculty Advisor at The Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, he served as the global retail business development lead at Accenture and held executive positions in business, including with Federated Department Stores (now Macy’s) and The Pillsbury Company (now General Mills).

A graduate of St. John’s University (MN), Mr. Kennedy received an M.B.A. with distinction from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Mr. Kennedy and his wife Debbie have four children.

GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, the pioneer school in the nonpartisan study of political management and applied politics, offers graduate programs in political management, legislative affairs, strategic public relations and PAC management, as well as international programs in Latin America and Europe. The school educates students and professionals in the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy; preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national and local levels.  For more information on GSPM, please visit www.gspm.gwu.edu

The George Washington University to Offer “Elect Her–Campus Women Win” Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Jill Sankey; 202-994-6466; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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January 23, 2012

The George Washington University to Offer “Elect Her–Campus Women Win” Training

Program Aims to Increase the Number of Women Running for Student Office

WASHINGTON - The George Washington University has been selected by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Running Start as one of the 30 campuses across the United States and Jamaica that will host “Elect Her–Campus Women Win” in 2012. Elect Her, the only nation-wide program of its kind, teaches collegiate women how to run for and win student government elections. This event will be held at GW on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Cloyd Heck Marvin Center, located at 800 21st St. NW, Room 403.

“This program is a great opportunity for women interested in collegiate leadership roles, providing them with the tools needed to win!,” said Peter Konwerski, senior associate vice president and dean of students. “This training will supply students with the skill set to run for elected office now and in the future, and will give them valuable leadership skills that can be applied to a variety of professions and in their communities.”

GW’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is bringing this event to GW for the first time. “Elect Her—Campus Women Win” aligns with GSPM’s mission to educate and provide students and professionals with the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy, preparing them for careers as effective and ethical advocates and leaders.

“We’re training women to bridge the gender leadership gap by starting early,” said Linda D. Hallman, AAUW executive director and certified association executive. “By encouraging and supporting more women to be political leaders on their own campuses, we are helping to set them up for success in leadership roles later.”

Since 2008, AAUW and Running Start have worked together to encourage college women to run for student government. Building on their initial successes, the organizations launched the “Elect Her–Campus Women Win” training program in 2010. GSPM worked closely with Running Start to bring the Next Step program, which teaches young professional women about political and professional leadership, to GW in June 2011 and plans to host the event again at the university in 2012.

“Running Start is proud to partner with AAUW in offering college women a leg up in running for student government,” said Susannah Wellford Shakow, Running Start president and founder. “Programs like ‘Elect Her–Campus Women Win’ are a vital first step in making women feel comfortable with political power. We give college women the confidence, know-how and practical skills they need to run and win in their schools. We hope their experience will encourage them to consider running for public offices when they graduate.”

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW’s founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic and political. AAUW’s commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships and international connections. AAUW also co-sponsors the annual National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, which is preparing for its 27th year. The conference, which typically hosts approximately 500 attendees, will be held May 31–June 2, 2012, at the University of Maryland, College Park, and will once again feature the “Elect Her–Campus Women Win” training.

Running Start

Running Start is a nonprofit organization that brings young women to politics so that they are knowledgeable about the process, invested in the outcome and interested in participating as elected leaders. Our programs educate young women and girls about the importance of politics and imbue them with the skills they need to be leaders so that they can get the “running start” they need to achieve greater political power. With an earlier start in politics, women will climb higher on the leadership ladder, allowing more women to share in the decision-making power of this country.

GW’s Graduate School of Political Management

GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, the pioneer school in the nonpartisan study of political management and applied politics, offers graduate programs in political management, legislative affairs, public relations and PAC management, as well as international programs in Latin America and Europe. The school seeks to educate students and professionals in the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy; preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national and local levels.

For more information about GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, visit: www.gspm.gwu.edu

-GW-

George Washington University Students and Former Members of Congress Association to Host Mock Budget Debate, Dec. 3

Budget Exercise with Former Members of Congress to Teach Students About Nation’s Fiscal Challenges

November 22, 2011

EVENT:

Graduate students from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management and undergraduate students from GW’s Political Science department will work with 10 former members of Congress to discuss the nation’s fiscal challenges in a "Principles and Priorities" simulation facilitated by the Concord Coalition. This interactive exercise will provide an opportunity for students to work through challenging situations in order to develop plans to put the nation on a sustainable fiscal path. This event is sponsored by the United States Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC), the Concord Coalition and the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

WHEN:

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Registration begins at 9 a.m.

WHERE:

George Washington University
City View Room, 7th floor
1957 E. St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Orange and Blue Lines)

RSVP:

Attendees should RSVP here. Media should RSVP to Jill Sankey at 202-994-6466 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Interviews with Former Members of Congress Association participants are available.

WHO:

Former Members of Congress who will participate include:

• Former Rep. Bob Carr (D-MI)
• Former Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA)
• Former Rep. Vic Fazio (D-CA)
• Former Rep. Bill Frenzel (R-MN)
• Former Rep. Martin Frost (D-TX)
• Former Rep. Dan Glickman (D-KS)
• Former Rep. Orval Hansen (R-ID)
• Former Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ)
• Former Rep. John Porter (R-IL)

BACKGROUND:

The Former Members of Congress Association participants will guide teams of ten through a review of spending priorities, suggesting principles and priorities for the future. A group discussion will take place after the simulation in order to get a realistic insight into how policy proposals could change the operation of the federal government.

The Concord Coalition is a non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to fiscal responsibility. Former U.S. Senators Warren B. Rudman (R-NH) and Bob Kerrey (D-NE) serve as Concord's co-chairs.

The mission of FMC is to promote public service and strengthen democracy via domestic and international programs. FMC seeks to improve the public’s understanding of the role of Congress as a unique institution, as well as the crucial importance of representative democracy as a system of government. Former members of Congress participate in many diverse pro-bono in projects such as election monitoring abroad, outreach to high school and university students to teach the importance of public service, and supporting programs that provide services to severely wounded veterans upon their return from Iraq and Afghanistan.

GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, the pioneer school in the nonpartisan study of political management and applied politics, offers graduate programs in political management, legislative affairs, public relations and PAC management, as well as international programs in Latin America and Europe. The school educates students and professionals in the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy; preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national and local levels.