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Stay in touch with your classmates and peers

1971 / 1978 / 1980 / 1981 / 1983 / 1984 / 1985 / 1986 / 1987 / 1990 / 1992 / 1993 / 1994 / 1995 / 1996 / 1998 / 1999 / 2000 / 2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2006 / 2007 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021 / 2022 / 2023

Note: Years bolded indicate reunion years.

1971
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Martin Gold MPA is still teaching and still taking pictures: arch.columbia.edu/faculty/266-martin-gold.

1978
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Jean Van den Eynde MPA writes, “In active (two words indeed!) retirement, with some small consulting assignments (in the arts and NFP sphere), coffee and lunches with former clients who look for a sounding board, theater and concerts we can enjoy without having to rush after work, and time for helping children and grandchildren ... I walk two grandsons to school and pre-school every morning. And a building project—when most friends our age move from a house to an apartment, we have decided to build a new house (in the city of Brussels) with a smaller house next to it ... so as to be able, in a few years, to welcome one or two persons who can help us stay out of a retirement home for a few more years.”

1980 | 45th Reunion
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Grace Flores-Hughes MPA writes, “My book The Opaque Conspiracy was published last summer by Leaders Press. It is fiction based on true events about modern-day corruption and greed. My first book, A Tale of Survival, is an award-winning memoir. Governor Youngkin of Virginia appointed me to the Virginia Humanities Board and The Board for Professional & Occupational Regulation, of which I serve as chair. A hearty shoutout to my remaining 1980 MPA/MPP classmates!”

1981
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Ed Edelson MPA recently became a candidate for Connecticut General Assembly. After almost 10 years out of electoral politics, he decided to take up a challenge to be the first Democrat elected to his district in over 70 years. Ed was former first selectman of Southbury, CT, and the first Democrat ever to get reelected in the town. Time to make history again. Ed wanted to add his voice to call out those who spread lies and promote political violence (physical or verbal). Read more at his website: edelson4ct.com.

Deborah McFarlane MPA and Wendy L. Hansen are the authors of Regulating Abortion: The Politics of US Abortion Policy, published this year by Johns Hopkins University Press. Nearly one in four American women will have an abortion. This book explores the historical development of state abortion regulations since Roe v. Wade and provides important insights on the Dobbs decision, including how it amplifies disparities among states. It also offers a comparative exploration of abortion regulation in Western Europe. Learn more at press.jhu.edu/books/title/12876/regulating-abortion#book__authors.

1983
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Ned Daly MCRP writes, “I am pleased to announce that my seventh short film ‘The Albacore Club’ (2024) has had its world premiere at the Orlando (Florida) International Film Festival. This short narrative was developed from a short story I wrote in 2019 for the A.J. Liebling Invitational Short Fiction Conference and was shot on location in Massachusetts. Location sound was recorded and mixed by Tim Carey (husband of Ruth Carey MCRP 1983). The boom operator was their son, Will Carey. Italian subtitles were created by Gastone Ave MCRP 1983.”

1984
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Juan Humberto Young MPA writes, “Embarking on a new journey—so many years after my graduation! My new book, Mindfulness-based Strategic Awareness Training – MBSAT (Wiley Blackwell, 2023), presents a radically new approach to decision making based on computational neuroscience and the Free Energy Principle. The momentum has inspired me to build the MBSAT Retreat Center for active people in Boquete, the beautiful, mountainous place in Panama known for its pleasant climate and world-famous coffee. I’m also developing an app for online training. Join us! MBSAT has an active international community with a hub at Singapore Management University’s School of Business where I’m affiliated faculty: mbsat.com.”

Brett Doney MPP was recognized with the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council and made an honorary life member. The CDFI that Brett has led since 2006, the Great Falls Montana Development Alliance, was named the Distinguished Development Finance Local Agency of 2023 by the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

1985 | 40th Reunion
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Ken Davies MC/MPA and Margrethe live on their vanilla and vegetable farm along the Nile River in Jinja, Uganda, where they settled nine years ago when Ken retired from the U.N. WFP. Ken would love to hear from classmates and can also happily offer a bed for the night in Jinja to any ����vlog���� alumni who may be passing through Uganda.

Jim Shultz MC/MPA writes, “A good deal of my work these days involves the Democracy Center’s advocacy training and support projects around the world—just back from work with nine UNICEF country teams in South Asia and East Asia. I am also putting the final touches on my next book, Lessons from a Small Town (SUNY Press), an expansion of my recent articles in the New York Review about a liberal living and writing in Trump Land. But my best job is being ‘Gapa’ to our lovely granddaughters who live just across the street from us here in Lockport, New York.”

1986
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Dale Stanway MC/MPA is active in a group called “Leadership for Climate Action,” a small, diverse, and global team of professionals dedicated to empowering climate actors to exercise more skillful and effective leadership. Grounded in Harvard Kennedy School’s adaptive leadership framework and re-thinking the art and practice of leadership in light of climate disruption, the group assists individuals in assessing key leverage points within systems to drive more significant change. There is no charge for the consultative services. Visit leadershipforclimate.org.

1987
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Nadine Hack MC/MPA, CEO beCause Global Consulting and first female Executive in Residence at IMD Business School, was featured in Sustainable Food for the Globe magazine. She was also featured in the “Creating an Impact” podcast and Take the Lead’s Power to Change Stories blog. She led the Advancing Women’s Rights’ online global forum, was chief speaker at the Social Justice and Sustainability Summit, and hosted a Global Citizens Circle with New York Times bestselling author and former child soldier Ishmael Beah and peace-builder Libby Hoffman in a discussion on the transformative journey of finding peace. She is a regular Forbes Councils contributor whose latest article is titled, “Working Together Can be Powerful.”

David Wohl MC/MPA writes, “My development company, Newport SW, recently opened its second affordable apartment project in Tucson, Newport at the Rodeo. With 77 units for low-income families, it was fully leased within three months of opening. We start construction on a 72-unit affordable senior project this summer. Everything we do uses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which was enacted during our time at ����vlog���� and was the subject of the case study for my real estate development class. The lessons of that course certainly sank in!”

Barbara Zadina MPP writes, “I’ve gone back to the tech world handling PR for Electra.aero, a startup that has developed the first electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. It’s clean, quiet, and needs just 150 feet to take off and land, meaning it has the flexibility of a helicopter but with the greater safety and costs of a fixed-wing aircraft. We’re in early test flights now, with expected commercial operations of a 9-pax plane in 2028. Electra is a solution for decarbonizing aviation (the dirtiest mode of transport) while bringing air travel to underserved markets around the globe. I’m in D.C., and enjoy spending time with my ����vlog���� classmates in our large alumni community. Say hello if you’re in town!”

1990 | 35th Reunion
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Victor Caabral MC/MPA writes, “I returned to California after a 30-year career in Washington, D.C. In D.C. I served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, chief counsel to a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board, vice president of public policy and government affairs for Verizon Communications, and senior counsel for NBCUniversal-Telemundo. I currently serve as mayor of San Clemente, California, a beautiful beach town located in Orange County.”

Linda Killian MC/MPA earned her doctorate in American history in May 2024 at American University in Washington, D.C. Her PhD dissertation is titled “Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine: Their Lost Democratic Vision” and explores the important ideological and personal connections between these two essential founders along with their political ideas. She plans to turn it into a book in time for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026 and believes it will put Franklin and Paine and their shared ideas about a more democratic government for this country into the national discussion about the nation’s founding principles.

1992
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Dan Murrey MPP writes, “After six years at SCA Health, most recently serving as chief physician executive, I was recently named chief medical officer of Optum Health. In my new role I will be responsible for all aspects of clinical quality, enhancement of our care delivery environment, and advancement of value-based care across our enterprise.”

1993
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Reuven Carlyle MPA writes, “After 14 years as a state legislator and chair of the state Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I’m proud that Washington is the only state in the U.S. with binding, enforceable commitments to the Paris Agreement. I passed cap & invest carbon pricing, 100% clean energy, and much more. I left the legislature to start Earth Finance, a new climate strategy and finance firm. My passion has been to live at the intersection between the public and private sector for climate action. My wife, Wendy, and I have fabulous and joyous children (17-26). Onward!”

Marnie Rosenberg MPP writes, “I am excited to share that I recently took on a new role at JP Morgan Chase (where I have been for 20 years) within the Climate, Nature and Social Risk Management team! I would love to hear from ����vlog���� fellow alums working in this space!”

1994
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Clifford Garstang MC/MPA has published a sixth book of fiction. The Last Bird of Paradise is a blended historical and contemporary story about art, terrorism, and corruption, with a generous splash of romance. The novel is set in Singapore, where Clifford worked for a U.S. law firm for many years.

Gary Stahl MPA writes, “I have retired from the U.N. and am living in the Washington, D.C., area with my family. I am still consulting on public-private partnerships and developing a jewelry business as a side gig.”

1995 | 30th Reunion
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Mike Walker MPA lives in Hingham, MA, and is currently vice president of product management at REsurety, which provides data and analytics software and services to solar and wind energy buyers and sellers. He is nervous about November.

Patricia Welsh MPA writes, “After 25 years of federal service with the U.S. Small Business Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation, I retired from my work as a public affairs officer on December 30, 2023. I’ve finally found time to connect with the Harvard Club of Central Ohio and am doing enjoyable activities like ceramics and knitting, and am planning some upcoming travels. I don’t miss the deadlines at work at all, although I do miss my colleagues at IRS Criminal Investigation. For all you far from retirement—don’t worry, it will arrive, and when it does, it will be worth it!”

1996
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Diego von Vacano MPP writes, “I received a fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., to complete a book on the geopolitics and ethics of lithium and green energy in Latin America, with a focus on Bolivia, for Oxford University Press. I have also been attending many of the events of the new Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at ����vlog����. Would love to connect with alumni working on lithium or green energy.”

1998
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Fatimah Gilliam MPP is excited about her new book, Race Rules - What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You. Fatimah writes, “It’s an innovative, practical manual of the unwritten ‘rules’ relating to race helping readers navigate in today’s racially-polarized world. There’s no other antiracism book like it. It provides critically missing how-to advice. It’s a creative approach to explaining racism in an eye-catching format, distilling complex material into an easily digestible, accessible reference guide for a broad audience. It received positive reviews in Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and from activist Angela Davis, Darren Walker (Ford Foundation), Rep. Jamaal Bowman, and Naheed Nenshi MPP 1998.”

Jay Kleiman MC/MPA has published a new book titled Art of the Heart: The Doctor-Patient Relationship. In it, Jay, who is a cardiologist, focuses on the continuing need to preserve humanity in patient care even as technology and corporatization rapidly advance.

Jenny Korn MPP has been elected vice president of the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance (H4A). As part of her leadership, she leads online Harvard Diversity Discussions at which alumni discuss topics related to race, racism, and racial justice. Please contact her to attend these discussions.

Jay Olson MPA writes, “In June, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander named me to be deputy comptroller for public finance. It’s been quite an adjustment leaving the only job I’ve had since graduating ����vlog���� in 1998 but I’m pleased to be able to continue working in public service for NYC. Read more at comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/new-york-city-comptroller-lander-appoints-jay-olson-as-deputy-comptroller-for-public-finance.”

1999
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Veronica Loewe Muñoz MC/MPA writes, “I keep working as R+D+i project leader at the Chilean Forest Institute (INFOR) and as principal investigator at the National Center of Excellence for the Wood Industry (CENAMAD). Recently, I was awarded funds from the most prestigious science agency (FONDECYT) to study the impact of the soil microbiome on the performance of pure and mixed plantations, to improve forestry; indeed, mixed plantations are receiving attention because they provide more goods and services than monocultures, foster self-regulation, and have the ability to better cope with climate change. I live in Santiago with my husband, son, and mother, and enjoy two grandsons.”

2000 | 25th Reunion
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Amy Bantham MPP has published her first book, Move to Live More. A guide for parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches to help kids move more and feel better, it offers 50-plus tips and 50-plus takeaways on how and why kids need to move for better physical health, mental health, and academic development. It features 20 thought leaders in the physical activity and youth sports space, and 20 innovative solutions for getting kids moving before school, in school, after school, and on the weekends. The book was the #1 new release in children and exercise on Amazon when it released in March 2024.

2002
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Edita Tahiri MC/MPA writes, “Greetings to all! I am focused on publishing my three books I have written: the first one is titled International Statebuilding in Kosovo, soon to be published. I also am writing memoirs of my struggle for freedom and independence of my nation Kosovo, but am also active in media to help better democracy and governance in my country and on women’s empowerment, given my role as the chair of the Regional Women’s Lobby in South East Europe (RWLSEE): rwlsee.org.”

Chris Rohe MPP leads GuardianSat, the 2024 Accelerator Demo Day winner. GuardianSat will now compete at the Startup World Cup, where it will have the chance to win a $1 million investment from Pegasus Tech Ventures.

Media, Democracy, and the 2024 U.S. Elections
February 27, 2024

2003
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Vuk Jeremic MPA/ID writes, “After stepping down from all public functions in Serbia, I became the professor of practice in international relations and diplomacy at Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs, as well as a senior advisor to Project Associates, a UK-based global strategic advisory firm. I’m also the president of the global public policy think-tank Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), and the editor-in-chief of Horizons, a quarterly journal of international relations and sustainable development, the only such publication from Southeast Europe that is available on JSTOR.”

Matthew Kohut MC/MPA writes, “I’m happy to share that Georgetown University Press is publishing Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication in September. The book looks at the challenges corporate leaders face in navigating political and social issues. ����vlog����/HBS Professor Julie Battilana was tremendously helpful in broadening my understanding of this landscape.”

2004
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Manuel Almazan MPA, after almost 20 years of public service, has joined the private sector and started up a new firm called “Haz+ Financial Services,” which has been growing at a steady annual rate of more than 30% since its founding in 2019.

Stephen Frost MPP writes, “I have moved to chair of the DEI and ESG consultancy Included.com and appointed Michelle Sequeria as my successor in the CEO role. This will allow me more time to focus on the business, rather than just in the business, at a critical time in our evolving attitudes to ESG and corporate governance.”

Andrew Leigh PhD has published The Shortest History of Economics, which explores the hidden economic forces behind war, innovation, and social transformation. With cover blurbs from Claudia Goldin, Caroline Hoxby, and Betsey Stevenson, the book traces how capitalism and the market system emerged, and introduces the key ideas and people who shaped the discipline of economics. Andrew is an assistant minister in the Australian government, and lives with Gweneth and their three sons in Canberra.

2006
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Zachary Miller MC/MPA was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for promotion to the rank of brigadier general. He currently commands the U.S. Army’s Joint Modernization Command.

Clare Sanford MPP writes, “After a year-delay due to medical misadventures, I fulfilled my 30-year-plus dream of becoming a firefighter. We had a house fire in the middle of the night when I was 12. I’d never been so grateful to see anyone as I was those firefighters. When allowed back in the house there were tons of them milling around, and I noticed one woman. It stuck out both that there was a woman, and that there was only one. Ever since I’d wanted to try and pay it forward, and sh