Sasha conducts quantitative and qualitative research to support the Center for Presidential Transition. She maintains the Partnership’s political appointee tracker and analyzes data to inform the Center’s recommendations for improving the transition process. Sasha’s experience studying decision-making in U.S. foreign policy inspired her to work on issues of national security. Her favorite public servant is...

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Austin Laufersweiler leads media strategy and engagement for the Partnership. Austin is also the Partnership’s primary contact for press and media requests. Austin’s professional experience in U.S. House and Senate offices, plus his background in campaigns and issue advocacy nonprofits, drives his commitment to make the federal government a more effective force for public good....

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Betsy Super oversees operational activities and the integration of the Center’s work across the Partnership. Previously, Betsy worked in nonprofits and at universities, including on programs connecting public servants and the public with relevant social science research. She has been interested in how public service can improve people’s lives since learning about how her grandfather,...

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Valerie Smith Boyd leads the Partnership’s efforts to support successful transition planning for current and future Presidential administrations. She has had a long public service career, having served in the past three administrations in both career and political roles. Valerie was part of the small team that stood up Department of Homeland Security headquarters in...

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Carlos Galina conducts research for the Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition, including projects focused on nominations and appointments. His passion for public service is inspired by his academic background in American Politics and the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States. Carlos’ favorite public servant is Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay cabinet secretary.

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Nola Tolsma leads the delivery of Ready to Govern, an onboarding program for new political appointees who join the presidential administration. The Ready to Govern courses ensure that appointees are prepared to govern from the start of a term and strengthen overall leadership capability within the federal government. Nola is inspired by Frances Perkins, the...

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Umair Kapadia manages programs that work closely with executives in the federal government to help improve cross-agency communication and collaboration. During his time at The George Washington University, he worked with university administration, executives, and student leaders to create and implement unique experiences for the student body at large. This opportunity ignited his passion for...

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Emma Jones provides communications and media relations support for the Center for Presidential Transition. Her appreciation for public service began in college when she interned for the Department of Education. Emma’s interest in nonprofit communications grew from internships at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. Her favorite...

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James-Christian Blockwood helps with overall strategy and management of the organization, and directly oversees its programs dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal government. He is passionate about serving others and his country. He is a former career member of the Senior Executive Service in the US Government, and has broad experience...

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Carter Hirschhorn provides research for key presidential transition audiences, supports the Center’s Agency Transition Roundtables and Transition Lab podcast series and develops the Center’s weekly newsletter. Carter grew passionate about nonprofit work and criminal justice reform while interning at the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES). He later worked for Senator Schumer in...

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