Alumni Impact Honorees

Trachtenberg School Impact Alumni Honorees

Each year, the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration proudly celebrates our alumni who are driving meaningful change in their communities, professions, and the world. These individuals exemplify the values of public service, leadership, and innovation that define our school’s mission. Whether advancing equity through grassroots advocacy, shaping policy at the local level, or driving impact in socially responsible private sector roles, our Alumni Impact Honorees represent the diverse and powerful ways Trachtenberg graduates shape society.

Each year, approximately several outstanding graduates will be named Impact Alumni Honorees, joining a growing network of past award winners who exemplify leadership, service, and innovation. This is more than an honor—it's a celebration of the powerful legacy and future of Trachtenberg alumni. Know someone who embodies this spirit? Nominate them—or yourself—and help us spotlight the transformative impact of our alumni community.

• Nomination Period: November 1, 2025 - February 1, 2026
• Brief Nomination Form
• Impact Alumni Honorees  Announced: March 1, 2026
• Celebratory Toast: May 1, 2026 (prior to the Capstone Expo and Graduation Celebration), GW University Student Center

Eligibility:

• Candidates must have an MPA, MPP, ENRP/ESP or PhD degree (or their predecessor degrees) from the George Washington University.
• Embodies the spirit of service and innovation through work in government, nonprofit, advocacy, academia, or mission-driven private sector roles.
• Demonstrates a commitment to advancing the values of public service, equity, and ethical leadership central to the Trachtenberg School’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for current and future Trachtenberg students by demonstrating integrity, leadership, and a commitment to the public good.
• Is willing to submit a high-resolution, color headshot that, if selected, can be published by George Washington University and utilized for social media features.

Alumni Awardees Honored in Previous Twenty Years

All previous award recipients will be automatically integrated into the TSPPPA Impact Circle to celebrate the sustained influence of our entire network. This designation formally recognizes the enduring legacy of service and achievement.

 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award 

• Blessing Boma Douglas, MPA '20
• Traci Kraus, MPA '14 
• Rachel Breslin, PhD '19
• Lieutenant Commander Paul Miller, MPA '14
• Commander Zeita Merchant, MPA '10 
• Dominique Harris, MPA '11
• Kristen Easterday, MPA ‘07
• Emily St. Martin Lord, MPA '08
• Kara Ryan, MPP '07 
• Alex Lawson, MPP '08 

Distinguished Alumni Award and Service to the School Award

• Dr. Kyle Farmbry, BA '92, MPA '94, PhD '99
• Kelly Waldron, MPA '07
• Terry Hartle, DPA '82
• Dr. Charita Castro, PhD '07
• Ambassador Susan Schwab, PhD '93
• Vice Admiral Scott Buschman, MPA '96
• Amy B. Peeples, MPA '91
• Dr. Mark Esper, PhD '08
• Jeff Marootian, MPA ‘03
• Dr. David J. Bernstein, MPA '83 and PhD '00
• Dr. Cynthia Pierre, PhD '06
• Dr. Jeffrey Levi, PhD '99
• Commander Timothy Cronin, MPA ’08
• Dale Didion, MPA ’83
• Christa Fornarotto, MPP ’05
• Dr. Nancy Potok, PhD ’09
• Michael Stinziano, MPA '04
• Frank DiGiammarrino, MPA '95
• Edwin Verburg
• Dr. Demetra Nightingale, PhD '98
• Alfredo Campo, MPA '86
• Allison Gurnitz, MPA '91
• Claudia Oakes, MPA '83
• Dr. Kathryn Mohrman, PhD '93
• RAdm. John M. McConnell, MPA '86
• Robert Efrus, MPA '82
• Kenneth Yellis, MPA '87
• Mary Beth Morgan, MPA '97
• Susan Brita, MPA '83
• Winnie Stachelberg, MPA '90
• Michael Freimuth, MPA '79
• Mark Duffy, MPA '82
• Nancy Tate, MPA '80
• Adm. Thad Allen, MPA '86
• John Berry, MPA '78
• Matthew Crouch, MPA '90
• Dr. Jay White, PhD '82
• Michelle Mrdeza, MPA '83
• Dr. Anne DeBeer, PhD '80
• William Haden, MPA '65
• Dr. Harry West III, PhD '73
• Christopher Smith, MPA '86
• Sec. Henry Cisneros, PhD '76
• Elizabeth Craig, MPA '83
• Gen. John Vessry Jr.
• Natalie Flores Prim, MPA '03
• Rep. Gilbert Gude
• Cpt. Patrick Stillman, MPA '88