����vlog����

Stay in touch with your classmates and peers

1968 / 1979 / 1981 / 1982 / 1983 / 1985 / 1987 / 1989 / 1990 / 1991 / 1992 / 1993 / 1994 / 1995 / 1997 / 1998 / 2000 / 2001 / 2002 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2013 / 2014 / 2016 / 2018 / 2021 / 2022

Note: Years bolded indicate reunion years.

1968
—

Michael Arnow MPA recently produced a program on preventive health titled “Más Vale Prevenir ... An Ounce of Prevention” with input from doctors and other specialists from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, and the United States. Michael is now working on a documentary about Americans of differing political views, religions, ethnicities, and national origins who treat each other with respect, all within one family: his own.

1979
—

Dean Pineles MC/MPA, after a lengthy legal and judicial career both at home and abroad, has written a memoir titled A Judge’s Odyssey: From Vermont to Russia.

1981
—

Donald O’Brien MC/MPA writes, “In retirement in New Hampshire’s Monadnock region, I served three years on the town planning board, ran for selectman, was defeated, ran again, and was elected. Subsequently as an ex officio member of the planning board and the Conservation Commission, I was able to get things done! I spent my career as a broadcast journalist, but as an elected official I had a good deal of empathy for the politicians I had covered somewhat cynically in my working life.”

1982
—

Jon Laramore MPP writes, “MPP 1982 classmates Linda Niessen, Polly Smith, Monica Friar, David Hoffman, and Jon Laramore had a mini-reunion in September in Indianapolis. Linda is dean of Kansas City University’s College of Dental Medicine in Joplin, Missouri; Polly is retired in North Carolina; Monica teaches math in Walpole, Massachusetts; David is consulting and semi-retired in Alaska; and Jon is executive director of a civil legal aid program in Indianapolis.”

1983 | 40th Reunion
—

Evan Katz MCRP, assistant baseball coach at Manchester Essex Regional High School, fulfilled an early season promise to the team that if they made it to the semifinals of the championship he would write a 5,000-word story about the 2022 season on his baseball social media website “Baseball by the Sea.” The Hornets won the Division 4 championship and “No Earbuds in the Outfield” tells the impossible championship tale.

Isabel Liu MPP invests equity in infrastructure globally. Over the course of her executive and non-executive career, she developed from start-up five infrastructure investment businesses, including three billion-dollar funds. She is currently a board director of three London Stock Exchange-listed companies: Schroder Oriental Income Fund, Utilico Emerging Markets, and Gresham House Energy Storage Fund. Isabel also champions infrastructure users, having served at the Heathrow Consumer Challenge Board and Transport Focus. She completed an MBA at Chicago Booth and worked in Chicago and Hong Kong before moving to London. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, she is married to Mak Lo (Manolo) Chiu.

Roy Watson MC/MPA writes, “Exciting times! Left working for USCIS. Now happily back as a private attorney doing select immigration cases. My work with the Immigration Service provided amazing insight! I am actively pursuing real estate investment focusing on targeted U.S. markets with large military populations. Best!! Recently left Boston Harvard Club after nearly 40 years in protest over ridiculous COVID rules that suspended all science. Would LOVE to hear from classmates. Hoping to start “landscaping” again (aka golf!). Daughter just graduated as a physician assistant in NYC, and my son may use his top-secret security clearance to apply to the U.S. Department of State. Hope you are all healthy and well.”

1985
—

Jim Gruber MC/MPA writes, “Little did I realize back in 1984–85, at ����vlog����, that my future would include working to counter attacks on the foundation of our democracy in the United States. I had an opportunity to lead democracy-building work in Eastern Europe in the 90s by applying Ron Heifetz’s leadership model. Today my wife, Patience, and I are committed to supporting and preserving our democratic norms and institutions through our work on our Democratic town and state committees. I am fortunate to have the inspiration of ����vlog���� in undertaking this calling.”

1987
—

Nadine Hack MC/MPA recently received the Catalyst for Change Award from the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute (SCCI). Nadine has delivered keynote speeches at FIFA Global Leaders, Business & Professional Women, and Barclay’s Bank. Her articles have appeared in many publications, including Acquisition International and New York magazine. She has also facilitated a leadership program for women at IMD.

1989
—

Barbara Devries MC/MPA is working part time at her business, Life Management Associates. Barbara married her longtime partner, Stewart, five years ago and is doing lots of traveling—New Guinea, Sulawesi, Bali, a safari in Tanzania, Egypt, Hungary, Israel, Portugal, and the list goes on. Barbara reports that a recent highlight was rafting down the Colorado River in May, and she is enjoying spending time with grandchildren.

1990
—

Peter Holmes MC/MPA came out of retirement to join the New York State (NYS) Department of Financial Services in the Virtual Currency Unit (VCU) as director of financial services programs. The VCU licenses, supervises, and examines entities wishing to engage NYS residents in crypto- currency transactions. The team is expanding as befits commercial interest in this space. Peter is providing a broad view of how to structure responsible control and governance at licensees to reflect the inherent risks in their activities and applicable law/regulation. “Great colleagues, substantial challenges.”

Jonathan Duke-Evans MC/MPA has published his first book, An English Tradition? The History and Significance of Fair Play (Oxford University Press). The book examines the idea of fair play from the ancient world to the 21st century and, with comparisons from the USA and many other cultures, asks whether the boast that England is the land of fair play survives scrutiny.

John Rakis MC/MPA writes, “I am happy to announce my marriage to Sally Findley, which took place in Manhattan on October 15. Both of us lost our prior spouses to cancer and we were very fortunate to have found each other nearly four years ago. Sally is a professor emerita at Columbia University, where she taught at the School of Public Health for more than 30 years. Aside from her many academic achievements, she has sung in Carnegie Hall, is an expert cross-country skier and kayaker, and a very talented chef. We look forward to sharing many adventures in the years to come!”

1991
—

Julie Ames MC/MPA was named one of 50 top Leaders of Influence in life science in San Diego, California, by the San Diego Business Journal. Julie currently serves as vice president of Biocom California.

1992
—

Jim (Dimitri) Kales MPP is the recently named CEO of Braille Institute of America in Los Angeles, and is the seventh person to lead the 103-year-old organization. Braille Institute helps more than 20,000 children and adults annually, through a broad range of educational and social services. Programming is offered at seven Southern California centers and hundreds of community outreach locations, and via online services across the United States and beyond. For the past 15 years, Jim served as CEO of Aspire, one of the Midwest’s leading nonprofits serving people with disabilities. He is excited to return to his California roots and reunite with many ����vlog���� classmates there.

1993 | 30th Reunion
—

Xavier Briggs MPA went on public service leave from the MIT faculty to serve for six years as vice president of the Ford Foundation, overseeing its inclusive economies and markets work in the United States and globally. Last year, he moved back to Washington, D.C., and joined the Brookings Institution as a senior fellow.

Susan Hammel MPP writes, “Doing good and doing well: oxymoron or not? This is the question of my lifetime and I’m thrilled to share news of the do good well fund we designed and launched with RBC-GAM and the Minnesota Council on Foundations five years ago. The Minnesota Impact Investing Initiative now totals $112 million in capital invested in low-income communities across the state. Money that used to be invested in Wall Street is now home. Imagine if everyone invested with as much care as they eat/shop/vote?”

Sally Tyler MC/MPA writes, “My book, The Durian Chronicles: Reflections on the US and Southeast Asia in the Trump Era, was published in October. Check out the . Still in D.C., but happy to talk about the work with groups elsewhere via Zoom or otherwise. Looking forward to seeing classmates IRL in 2023!”

1994
—

Mary McNeil MC/MPA just published her first book, Century’s Witness: The Extraordinary Life of Journalist Wallace Carroll. Carroll, although largely unknown today, was among the greatest journalists of the 20th century. With a commitment to balanced and accurate reporting, his legacy is worth noting today by working journalists as well as an often skeptical news-reading public. Donald Graham wrote, “Only after reading this wonderful book did I know how great Carroll was. Anyone who cares about the values of daily journalism should read it.” Mary launched the book Sept. 1 at Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C. For info and to order the book, go to .

1995
—

Patsy Welsh MPA writes, “In June I will celebrate 25 years with the U.S. Small Business Administration, where I serve as a public affairs specialist. For many years I worked out of the SBA Cleveland, Ohio, district office, but during the pandemic my role was expanded with an additional detail to the SBA Columbus district office. I have recently relocated to Columbus, where I have family, and continue to do public affairs for all of SBA’s Ohio offices. I would welcome hearing from other KSG alumnae.”

1997
—

Mami Terai MC/MPA writes, “I started to practice law in 2006. My main practice areas are immigration and general corporate law. I am an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where I have served on the Board of Publications for nine years and been a member of the Distance Learning Committee. Given how controversial immigration has become in the United States, it is fascinating to be involved in this policy area. Both my background working for the Japanese government and my time at ����vlog���� have shaped my approach to immigration law. I recently started my own  which discusses topics around immigration law.”

1998 | 25th Reunion
—

Dawn Doak MPP writes, “I recently celebrated 20 years with the FBI, specializing in behavioral analysis for the national security division (like the show “Criminal Minds,” but for spies, not serial killers!). Over the past two decades, I’ve been honored to consult on the FBI’s most complex (and sometimes most notorious) counterintelligence, counterespionage, and counterproliferation investigations. Also, this winter I’m launching The Psych Project, a thought collaborative exploring the intersection of national security and psychology.”

Jon Fernandez MPP, having recently completed 10 years as superintendent of the Guam Department of Education, became the longest-serving GDOE superintendent in department history and also the longest-tenured state superintendent in the nation at the time of his resignation on July 15 this past year. For family reasons, Jon and his family have relocated to Arizona, where they plan to be for at least the next five years. “I am enjoying a little time off and then will begin looking at the next career adventure in the Tucson/Phoenix area (or beyond if needed). I’m looking forward to meeting any alumni in the area!”

Jason Kaune MPP completed eight years serving on an elected public school board (grades K–8) and was recently appointed chair of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Election Law, a bipartisan entity committed to improving elections. Next spring he will teach as a visiting lecturer on political ethics and issues for organizations at Yale School of Management.

The Green Energy Transition
November 3, 2022

2000
—

Christine Casatelli MC/MPA is a lecturer in MIT’s Comparative Media Studies department, teaching in its Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication program. Prior to her role at MIT, she was editorial project director and chief editor for Explore GBH, which is the monthly member magazine for GBH public media in Boston.

Cynthia Giles MPA recently published Next Generation Compliance: Environmental Regulation for the Modern Era (Oxford University Press, 2022). The book dispels two myths: that compliance with environmental rules is good and that enforcement is responsible for making compliance happen. The book explains how to build better compliance into regulations—particularly rules to address climate change—and avoid the compliance calamities that plague many environmental rules today.

Jerome Holmes MC/MPA assumed the position of chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on October 1, 2022, for a seven-year term.

Karen Kalish MC/MPA has moved to Seattle! She writes, “I’m healthy (at 77!) and want to spend my next chapter in a blue state with water and mountains. I love being near nephews and favorite cousins and friends, including Adair Dammann MC/MPA! I have a condo near the Space Needle, Chihuly Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. I see Mount Rainier (when it’s out) as I open my eyes every morning and sunsets from my office. Glorious, and I have a guest room and bath overlooking Puget Sound. Come visit!”

Jeff Katz MC/MPA writes, “Greetings, Kennedy School friends. After 20 years of various consulting roles with nonprofit organizations, including serving 13 times as an interim executive director, I have shifted my consulting exclusively to doing executive searches. I recently led the search for the CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and am now leading the search for the head of the museum at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I live in Cambridge, within walking distance of the Kennedy School. If you are ever in the area, reach out and let me know. Happy to organize a get-together with our local colleagues.”

Tim Mathern MC/MPA, now the longest-serving state senator in North Dakota, is on the ballot again. First elected in 1986, Tim says he went to Harvard after his first 14 years in the Senate in order to do a better job for the remainder of his career. He recalls Frank Hartmann’s course, “Management of Self,” as the most consequential in his public service career. Tim notes he has experienced a worldwide move toward individualism in people’s philosophy coupled with autocracy in governments. His basic work is assuring the common good.

2001
—

Josiah Brown MPP writes, “It’s been three years since I launched Connecticut Court Appointed Special Advocates, a new affiliate of the national CASA movement for children. Working with those in foster care and at the prior, preventative stage of protective supervision, we are already serving the two largest child-protection courts in the state. Connecticut CASA is applying the proven CASA approach to improve outcomes for young people who have experienced abuse/neglect. Our aim: safe, permanent homes—with family members whenever possible—where youth are more likely to thrive. Our funding is a blend of public dollars, foundation grants, and individual donations.”

Jose Rosemberg MC/MPA writes, “I have for the past five years been the representative at the United Nations of the Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. My office is in New York at UN headquarters. Come visit. My wife, Maria Cristina, and I were married while I attended KSG. We are each day more in love. Our son, Juan, who was in the womb while we were there, just turned 21 and is a senior at IE University in Spain. Our daughter, Anabelle, 17, will soon head to college herself. The years have flown by. Fortunately, in a beautiful, gentle way. The KSG Harvard experience remains with me always. Saludos, Jose.”

Xenia Wickett MPP has launched an executive coaching and international advisory business, Wickett Advisory. Xenia supports senior executives to achieve their career and organizational goals faster with better informed, more confident, and less stressful decision making. See  for more information.

2002
—

Sumaira Chowdhury MPA/ID recently moved to Muscat, Oman, as the UNICEF representative and is keen to connect with alumni in the region.

Andrew Leigh MPA has been an Australian parliamentarian since 2010. Following the election of the Labor Government in May 2022, he was appointed assistant minister for competition, charities and treasury. Andrew’s latest books are What’s the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics and Fair Game: Lessons from Sport for a Fairer Society and a Stronger Economy. A keen runner, he recently completed all six World Marathon Majors in under three hours. Andrew lives in Canberra with his wife, Gweneth, and their three boys, Sebastian (15), Theodore (13), and Zachary (10).

Edie Rubinowitz MC/MPA was promoted to full professor at Northeastern Illinois University, a Hispanic Serving Institution in Chicago. She spent a recent sabbatical reporting solutions-journalism stories for Chicago Public Radio, WBEZ. She and her husband, Scott, have a 12-year-old son, Max.

Algorithmic Decision-making and Fairness

2006
—

Sean Carberry MC/MPA writes, “I recently returned from a 14-month hiatus from D.C. that I spent writing a memoir of my journey to become a war correspondent. Passport Stamps: Searching the World for a War to Call Home will be released by Madville Publishing in 2023. In the meantime, I am now managing editor of National Defense magazine and busy reconnecting with classmates and colleagues in the city while continuing to write about foreign policy and international affairs on Substack.”

2007
—

Paula Castillo MPP is a certified mindfulness coach focused on helping professionals increase work-life balance, manage work-related stress, change careers, and increase happiness at work. Paula offers a free 30-minute discovery call via her website, .

2008 | 15th Reunion
—

Moushumi Khan MC/MPA writes, “I am humbled and thrilled to share that I have just joined as the U.S. alternate executive director at the Asian Development Bank working with the inspiring fellow ����vlog���� alum, U.S. Executive Director Ambassador Chantale Wong MC/MPA 1988, and her team! It will be an amazing opportunity to support the Biden administration’s priorities in Asia as the ADB tackles some of Asia’s most pressing issues.”

Emilian Papadopoulos MPP and Natalie Colbert MPP moved back to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in summer 2021 when Natalie became executive director of the Belfer Center. Emilian continues to advise CEOs on how to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, and is taking a hiatus from teaching cybersecurity at Georgetown while in Boston. Most importantly, the couple welcomed their first baby boy, Rémynaux (Rémy) Apollo Papadopoulos, in August 2022. “See you at Reunion, and please let us know if you come through Boston in the meantime!”

Ben Renda MPA worked for 15 years at Google/YouTube building out the trust and safety teams at YouTube as well as the customer service organization, running operations for Google’s phone service as COO-Google Fi, and leading Google’s product policy teams. Ben then dove into the race to define the metaverse by joining Roblox in June to run its trust and safety operations teams.

2009
—

Bruce Haupt MPP writes, “I am in Houston with three little girls that are my world. Now consulting for Alvarez & Marsal in the public sector and education practice…first project is outcome-based procurement work with Houston Independent School District! Say hello if you’re ever in Texas!”

After Dobbs: The Future of Women’s Health
December 13, 2022

2013 | 10th Reunion
—

Jeanne Dietsch MC/MPA was named one of 50 Women in Robotics You Need to Know 2022, by Women in Robotics. Jeanne’s company, MobileRobots, opened up the field of mobile robotics and AI to many more people. MobileRobots made the first sturdy, affordable, programmable platform. Instead of being locked away in grad students’ offices in elite universities, the company’s Pioneer robot drove the hallways and RoboCup soccer fields in colleges and labs worldwide. Eventually, its descendants worked in an Intel Mask Fab plant, tire factories, and more. The company was purchased by Adept Technologies, which is now owned by Omron.

Mike McMahon MPP and Megan Parilla were married on Oct. 1, 2022. The happy couple comfortably resides in Evanston, Illinois.

2014
—

Michael Koehler MPA returned to Harvard as an adjunct lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, where he teaches the Adaptive Leadership component in the Doctor of Education Leadership Program with Candice Crawford-Zakian and Lisa Lahey. He also launched a podcast called “On The Balcony,” where he discusses ����vlog���� Professor Ron Heifetz’s seminal book Leadership Without Easy Answers with practitioners like Rosi Greenberg MPP 2018, Mitzi Johnson MC/MPA 2014, Jevan Soo Lenox MPP 2011, Radha Ruparell MPA, Ian Palmquist MC/MPA 2012, Lauren Lyons MPP 2013, Professor Kimberlyn Leary MPA 2009, Prime Minister George Papandreou (IOP Fellow 2012)—and the author himself.

2016
—

Ellen Gallagher MC/MPA started a new role as chief program officer at Tech Goes Home (TGH) in May 2022. TGH is a Boston-based nonprofit that empowers communities to access and use digital tools to overcome barriers and advance lives. Ellen is enjoying being back in the nonprofit sector and working on digital equity. Prior to this, she spent five years on staff at ����vlog���� in the Taubman Center and the Center for Public Leadership. Ellen continues to live in Cambridge with her family.

2018 | 5th Reunion
—

Nicholas Butts MPA and Jenina Soto MPA were married at the Boston Public Library in June 2022, with their rehearsal dinner hosted at the Harvard Faculty Club. Their close friend and classmate Alex Choi MPA officiated at the wedding. Jenina and Nicholas met at ����vlog���� and remain closely involved with the School, both serving on the ����vlog���� Fund’s Executive Council and on boards of various SIGs and alumni groups. Jenina is the general manager of Northern California for DoorDash, and Nicholas leads partnerships and business development at the artificial intelligence start-up Faculty. 

2021
—

Joana Ortiz MC/MPA writes, “In May 2015, I moved to Boston from Austin, Texas, for an opportunity at a nonprofit. Within a few months of moving there, I met my now-fiancé, Chris, who had also moved to Cambridge in May from Calgary to begin his PhD at GSAS/SEAS. Over six years in Boston and an MC/MPA and PhD later, we returned to my hometown of Austin. I have since accepted the position of president and CEO of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce—a 501(c)6 dedicated to developing young professionals and the Central Texas economy. Chris and I will marry on February 19, 2023. We’re proud Harvard alumni! Please come visit us and we’ll give you all the breakfast tacos!”

Rika Tsunoda MPA writes, “I finally came back to campus for the first time in a year to attend in-person Commencement. I was so grateful to have a reunion with my friends from the Class of 2021. After graduating from ����vlog����, I moved back to Japan, where I’m a deputy-director at the Japanese government’s Digital Agency. I’m currently working on government regulatory reform to promote digital government. On top of that, I started serving as the Japan chapter lead of the ����vlog���� Women’s Network and Harvard W3D. I hope to reconnect with those who have shared interests around the world! Japan has fully reopened its borders to independent international travelers. If you have a chance to come visit Japan, let me know!”

2022
—

Majd Steitieh MPP writes, “Hi everyone, I’ve moved to LA since leaving ����vlog���� and although I moved to pursue a career in consulting, I’m spending a lot of my time writing songs and a script! I guess the Hollywood bug got me! No idea if I’ll ever want to publish any of this stuff, but if I do, you were the first to know :)”

—

Banner image caption: ����vlog���� on the Road is a series of events in select cities around the world through 2024. The series features Dean Doug Elmendorf and ����vlog���� faculty who discuss current events with alumni and friends.