Policy, Planning, & Management
special Recognitions
special Recognitions
Outstanding Student
Outstanding Student
Outstanding Capstone
Outstanding Capstone
Julia Bergeron-Smith
Julia Bergeron-Smith
Julia’s academic record and 4.0 GPA reflects outstanding accomplishment across the MPPM curriculum. This level of excellent was achieved while Julia worked fulltime in the Cutler Institute.
Aside from her obvious academic prowess, Julia has been a strong student leader. The past few years have been a time of uncertainty and change for the MPPM program. As the faculty have worked to address concerns and improve the program, we found an ally in Julia, who came to the faculty and asked how she might help. One crucial area in which she has left her mark is the academic portfolio process. The portfolio option had listed in the catalog since 2015-16, yet no one knew what doing a portfolio entailed. The faculty approved a process this past year, but we needed some students to undertake an academic portfolio in order to better define the mechanics. Julia volunteered to do a portfolio and provided stage-by-stage feedback. Most importantly, she recognized that tracking work products and linking them with MPPM competencies was not as straightforward as it might seem. Julia worked with Professor Josie LaPlante to develop a spreadsheet for organizing work products and documenting achievement of MPPM competencies that now is being used by other students who are preparing portfolios. Her efforts to help the MPPM program refine its academic portfolio procedures will benefit many students in the future.
Aside from her obvious academic prowess, Julia has been a strong student leader. The past few years have been a time of uncertainty and change for the MPPM program. As the faculty have worked to address concerns and improve the program, we found an ally in Julia, who came to the faculty and asked how she might help. One crucial area in which she has left her mark is the academic portfolio process. The portfolio option had listed in the catalog since 2015-16, yet no one knew what doing a portfolio entailed. The faculty approved a process this past year, but we needed some students to undertake an academic portfolio in order to better define the mechanics. Julia volunteered to do a portfolio and provided stage-by-stage feedback. Most importantly, she recognized that tracking work products and linking them with MPPM competencies was not as straightforward as it might seem. Julia worked with Professor Josie LaPlante to develop a spreadsheet for organizing work products and documenting achievement of MPPM competencies that now is being used by other students who are preparing portfolios. Her efforts to help the MPPM program refine its academic portfolio procedures will benefit many students in the future.
courtney yeager
courtney yeager
Courtney Yeager is the Executive Director at United Way of Kennebec Valley, a nonprofit organization that funds direct-service community needs. She directs a $1.8 million annual campaign, building strong relationships with generous donors and local businesses to support health, education and financial stability. In the past, Courtney has worked as United Way of Kennebec Valley's director of resource development and marketing, and has spent time in public relations and fundraising for both Crisis & Counseling Centers and the Maine Department of Education. Courtney holds a bachelor's degree in English from Colby College.
Courtney’s MPPM capstone focuses on the role of Intermediary Organizations in the nonprofit sector with a particular emphasis on the United Way Worldwide (UWW) and the emergence of a new funding model being launched across the United Way network. This new funding framework is designed to enhance the stewardship of financial resources, and improve funding outcomes by focusing on emerging community issues and changing donor and community preferences. As Courtney’s capstone research highlights, national efforts regarding funding models have local implications for nonprofit chapters and affiliates. Utilizing an extensive case study approach, her capstone project considers this new and redirected giving model as it emerges across the United Way network and how United Way Affiliate organizations in the State of Maine are electing to pursue this new funding framework. Her work is an important contribution in helping to understand the challenges facing intermediary nonprofit organizations as they navigate the changing nature of funding and donor preferences and is an outstanding example of an applied capstone project addressing real world issues.
Courtney’s MPPM capstone focuses on the role of Intermediary Organizations in the nonprofit sector with a particular emphasis on the United Way Worldwide (UWW) and the emergence of a new funding model being launched across the United Way network. This new funding framework is designed to enhance the stewardship of financial resources, and improve funding outcomes by focusing on emerging community issues and changing donor and community preferences. As Courtney’s capstone research highlights, national efforts regarding funding models have local implications for nonprofit chapters and affiliates. Utilizing an extensive case study approach, her capstone project considers this new and redirected giving model as it emerges across the United Way network and how United Way Affiliate organizations in the State of Maine are electing to pursue this new funding framework. Her work is an important contribution in helping to understand the challenges facing intermediary nonprofit organizations as they navigate the changing nature of funding and donor preferences and is an outstanding example of an applied capstone project addressing real world issues.
graduates
graduates
MPPM in Policy, Planning, & Management
MPPM in Policy, Planning, & Management
Suheir Alaskari
Suheir Alaskari
The best experience to me was to get a Graduate Assistantship at the Career & Employment Hub, which led to a full-time job with the best team ever! The connection to some of my classmates was precious, and it is a friendship for life!
James bellissimo
James bellissimo
I enjoyed my time with classmates from such different backgrounds, professional aspirations and experiences!
julia Bergeron-smith
julia Bergeron-smith
The PPM coursework and opportunities to engage my classmates and professors over the past few years has benefitted my work as an employee of the Cutler Institute at the Muskie School of Public Service. I am grateful to have been able to be a full-time analyst and part-time PPM student and to use my learning in each realm to inform the other.
More about Suheir
Plans for after graduation:I will continue work to train more students, especially those who are underrepresented.
Favorite professor or course:Favorite course: Applied Policy Analysis. Favorite Professor: Erika C Ziller
More about James
Plans for after graduation: I will be the Director of Planning for the Town of Berwick starting July 1!
Favorite course or professor:It's a cop out answer but I truly enjoyed them all.
Favorite course or professor:It's a cop out answer but I truly enjoyed them all.
More about Julia
Eric Day
Eric Day
My internships and work experiences in the Food Studies Program proved to be highly rewarding and educational
Autumn Duguay
Autumn Duguay
My time at the Muskie School has allowed me to meet and connect with many different people involved in so many important projects. The passion they have for their interests is very inspiring!
erik eisele
erik eisele
I was part of a dedicated team of students working on the USM Intercultural and Diversity Advisory Council. The group formed following a series of institutional failures on racial equity, which went ignored until we brought them forward. The group pressed USM for institutional accountability, and then took leading roles in the reform effort. This amazing, thoughtful, dedicated group took its commitment to equity and justice seriously. I was lucky to be part of it.
More about Eric
Favorite professor:Jamie Picardy
More about Autumn
More about Erik
Diana Grandoni
Diana Grandoni
I've met so many inspiring and passionate people while at the Muskie School. It's been an honor to be part of this wonderful community.
Sarah Lentz
Sarah Lentz
The most valuable times I had a USM were outside the classroom. Working along side professors, staff and other students to push for equity in all aspects of the University gave me great insight into what it takes to truly create anti-racist policies and practices. This work gave me the opportunity to train others on facilitating anti-racism conversations and eventually become a co-chair of the Intercultural and Diversity Advisory Council.
amy paine
amy paine
Working with others from varying programs under the lens of policy.
More about Diana
More about Sarah
Plans for after graduation:I plan on continuing to create more equitable and inclusive spaces for young people.
Favorite professor:Dr. Dorthea Ivey in the Social Work program.
Favorite professor:Dr. Dorthea Ivey in the Social Work program.
More about Amy
tess parks
tess parks
During my time as a Muskie School of Public Service student, I always treasured the many opportunities to learn from the experiences of my professors and classmates. It was more often than not that I would leave class feeling inspired to pursue a career in public service that would make a positive difference in the lives of others.
sulemana Asigri samare
sulemana Asigri samare
Muskies school of policy service is a unique place to learn and connect with people of all walk of life. I entered graduate school with little experience and learned a lot. My sincere thanks to my professors and colleagues who helped make this long journey a reality.
eric sanderson
eric sanderson
Interviewing and meeting municipal leaders in order to improve community planning in Maine
More about Tess
Plans for after graduation:While taking the summer 2019 course offering of Managing Towns, Cities, and Counties, I had the opportunity to intern with the City of South Portland's Economic Development department and stay on as a public service intern through the fall. Following my graduation from USM's MPPM program, I accepted a position working in South Portland's Economic Development and Code Enforcement departments.
Favorite course:Dispute Management with Jack Kartez
Favorite course:Dispute Management with Jack Kartez
More about Sulemana
Plans for after graduation:My ultimate goal is to share with people what I learned in the graduate school by working in the field of my profession.
Favorite course:I enjoyed all my economics courses even though they were more like a mountain to climb but I made it away.
Favorite course:I enjoyed all my economics courses even though they were more like a mountain to climb but I made it away.
More about Eric
charles tetelman
charles tetelman
The faculty have been incredibly helpful in many different aspects including guidance with assignments, post-class discussions, and future career assistance.
michelle webb-robicheau
michelle webb-robicheau
A well-rounded and practical perspective on public policy and non-profit leadership.
More about Charles
More about Michelle
Plans for after graduation:Director of Resource Development, Kennebec Valley Community College
Favorite course:Sustainable Communities
kiley wilkens
kiley wilkens
An incredibly valuable take-away from my learning experience is that my professional network has grown to include people outside my career circle. I worked one-on-one with Adam Burk, TedxDirigo Producer and Master Storyteller while preparing to give the keynote “Lightning Talk” at the 2019 Student Research Symposium. I had the opportunity to meet and befriend Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. I also had the chance to interview Deputy Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Sara Gagne-Holmes.
Courtney Yeager
Courtney Yeager
I appreciated learning from a nonprofit expert, Professor Dahlia Handman, who encouraged me to challenge myself in every course.
Raegan Young
Raegan Young
I am so grateful for my time at the Muskie School of Public Service. There are so many intelligent and innovative individuals in this program that will change the world, and I am so proud to be among them!
More about Kiley
Plans for after graduation:As co-founder of Captain.Code, a creative computer programming company, I hope to develop and design technology that will transform social service delivery and directly impact the lives of recipients and front-line staff.
Favorite professor:Dr. Brenda Zollitsch’s detailed instructions and considerate feedback helped me hone my technical writing skills and lead me to produce pieces of professional writing that I have already used to advance my career. My policy analysis was used as research in support of LD 239. Beyond that, she provided me with a guide to produce high-quality work in the future.
More about Courtney
Plans for after graduation:Continue in my role as Executive Director of United Way of Kennebec Valley.
Favorite course:PPM 535 - Managing in the Nonprofits
More about Raegan
Additional MPPM Graduates
Additional MPPM Graduates
Derek Abbot
Kyle Bailey
Haley Campbell
Robert Descoteaux Jr.
Scott Dresser
Diana Jadge
Michael Palmieri
Brendan Schauffler
Nathan Soule
Sean Seary
Amy Taranko
Alexander Wheeler
Jared Woolston
Paul Young
Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Public & Nonprofit Management
Certificate of Graduate Study in Public & Nonprofit Management
joe sanderson
joe sanderson
The most valuable experience during my time thus far at USM has been my interaction with fellow students in the program. The selflessness and dedication to cause has been inspiring, and gives me hope for the future. I am an older student than the norm, and did not expect to make friends as part of this experience, that has been a nice surprise.
katie yeaton-hromada
katie yeaton-hromada
Connecting with local municipality leaders for Professor Carolyn Ball's summer class.
Michael Young
Michael Young
Performance Measurement was my first fully-online class and it familiarized me with many online tools that have become more relevant in today’s work-from-home environment.
More about Joe
Plans for after graduation:I have earned the graduate certificate in nonprofit management, and plan to continue my studies part time to receive the Master's degree one year from now. I will continue working full time at my job at PTC, a Boston based software company with an office in Portland. Following graduation I intend to change careers to work in the nonprofit space on extending STEM opportunities to Maine residents.
Favorite course:I enjoyed all my professors and classes, but particularly enjoyed Organization Leadership with Professor McDonnell.
More about Katie
More about Michael
Plans for after graduation:I plan to dedicate my professional career to building, maintaining, and improving partnerships between private corporations and non-profits to improve the quality of life for all community members.
Favorite course:My favorite course was Grant Writing taught by Professor Zollitch.
Favorite course:My favorite course was Grant Writing taught by Professor Zollitch.
Additional NPM-CGS Graduates
Additional NPM-CGS Graduates
Veronika Grechana
Alexis Grillo
Zachary Maher
Mary Tee
Nickole Wesley
Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Sustainable Developement
Certificate of Graduate Study in Sustainable Developement
William Brewer
Rebecca Sither
Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Policy Analysis
Certificate of Graduate Study in Policy Analysis
Robert Descoteaux Jr.
Olin Jenner
Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.