Careers in Public Service Conference Agenda

 2025 Careers in Public Service Conference 

Tuesday, February 18th • Noon - 7:30 PM 
Student Union Ballrooms D & E 

 

Career paths in public service offers the chance to make a positive impact on communities and society, whether at the local, national, or global level.  

Designed as a focused career discovery and connections event for Florida State University students, the Careers in Public Service Conference features a lineup of distinguished Florida State alumni who have made impactful contributions across various sectors within public service. 

26 distinguished alumni panelists will provide insight into career opportunities across the spectrum of public service as well as best practices in securing internships and post-graduate opportunities within public service. 

 

 

 

 

Check-in & Campus Resource Fair ... Noon-1:00 PM • Ballroom E 

FSU offices that support students in identifying, applying, interviewing and securing opportunities - 

 

 

 

 

Conference Opening ... 1:00-1:45 PM • Ballroom E 

Welcome  

  • Yasamin Khosh BS ’26, Chair – Florida State University Student Foundation 

  • Robert Liddell BA ’99, Assistant Vice President – Career Services  

Featured Alumni Speaker  

  • Whitney Ray MA ‘18, State Director – Senator Ashley Moody 

 

 

 

 

Concurrent sessions will feature a distinguished lineup of alumni who have made impactful contributions across the various sectors of public service. Featured alumni panelists will share stories, professional insights, and practical advice about pursuing and thriving in public service careers. Our alumni are excited to discuss the diverse opportunities available, the skills and values that make a difference, and how to navigate challenges while driving meaningful change:  
 

Concurrent Sessions I ... 2:00-2:45 PM 

Public Service Pathways: Exploring Career Options ... Ballroom D 

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and beyond? 

Whether you’re exploring career possibilities or seeking guidance on breaking into this rewarding sector, distinguished alumni panelists will offer valuable advice and inspiration sharing their career journeys and insights into building impactful careers in public service. Topics include: 

  • Different pathways into public service roles 

  • Skills and values essential for success 

  • Overcoming challenges in service-oriented careers 

  • Tips for aligning your passion with meaningful work 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals interested in learning more about potential career paths available throughout the broad spectrum of the public service field. 

  • Moderator: Andrew “Andy” Johnson MPA ’11, MSP ’11 & BA ’06, Program Director, Student Government & Advocacy – Florida State University Student Government Association  

  • Panelists: 

    • Ramiro Inguanzo MPA ’94 & BS ’91, Deputy Village Manager – Bal Harbour Village 
    • Dan Daley BS ‘10, State Representative – Florida House of Representatives 
    • Courtney Thomas BS ’12 & MS ’17, Director of External Affairs and Special Projects – City of Tallahassee 
    • Trinity Tresner BS ’24, Congressional Staffer – U.S. House of Representatives 

 

Communications & Public Affairs Careers ... Ballroom E 

Discover the dynamic world of communications and public affairs within the public service sector!  

This panel features experienced alumni professionals highlighting the vital role of strategic communication in shaping public policy and community engagement. Topics include: 

  • Career pathways in public service communications and public affairs 

  • Leveraging skills in writing, media, and advocacy to drive change 

  • The impact of storytelling and messaging in public policy and social initiatives 

  • Tips for navigating career growth in this specialized area 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals interested in turning a passion for communication into a meaningful public service career shaping the narratives that inspire action! 

  • Panelists: 

    • Omar Franco BA ’88, Senior Director & Vice Chair, Government Law and Lobbying Practice – Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. 
    • Tiffany Vause MS ‘07 & BS ‘05, Director of Strategic Initiatives – WIN Learning
    • Maicel Green JM ’24, Partner – Capital City Consulting 

  

 

 

 

Concurrent Sessions II ... 3:00-3:45 PM 

Policy & Advocacy Work in Public Service ... Ballroom D 

Are you passionate about driving change through policy and advocacy? 

This panel features experienced alumni professionals who have made meaningful impacts by shaping policies, influencing public opinion, and advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice. Topics include: 

  • Exploring roles in public policy, legislative advocacy, and think tanks 

  • The skills needed to succeed in policy analysis and advocacy campaigns 

  • Strategies for building a career that creates lasting societal impact 

  • Insights into navigating the intersection of policy, politics, and public service 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals interested in making a difference through shaping policies and advocating for change. 

  • Panelists: 

    • Stephanie Shumate BA ’08, Executive Director – Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls 
    • Jess Tharpe BA ’09, Chief Operating Officer – Better Together 
    • Abby Kinch Ph.D. ’19, MPA ’18, MA ‘13 & BA ’11, Chief of Staff & Vice President of Research – Student Veterans of America 
    • Kimberly Galbán-Countryman MPA ’08, Managing Partner – Sector 3 Consulting 

 

Public Service Adjacent: Private Sector Opportunities ... Ballroom E 

Explore how for-profit companies play a vital role in advancing public service goals! 

Join us for an eye-opening panel discussion featuring distinguished alumni professionals who have built impactful careers at the intersection of business and public service. Topics include: 

  • How businesses collaborate with non-profits to drive change 

  • Skills needed to achieve market-based solutions with government partners 

  • Evolving role of for-profit companies in public service initiatives 

  • Tips for leveraging business skills to make a difference in society 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals curious about blending business acumen with a passion for public service to forge a career that combines profit with purpose! 

  • Panelists: 

    • Christopher Moya BS ’99, Director, Business Advisory and Management Consulting – Jones Walker LLP 
    • Karinda Barrett PhD ’04, Vice President, Higher Education – MGT 
    • Tim Hogans MS ’02 & BS ’00, Vice President, External Affairs & Economic Development – Chen Moore and Associates  
    • Emily Šaras, PhD ’24 & MS ’18, CEO & Data Scientist – Knowli Data Science 

 

 

 

 

 

Concurrent Sessions III ... 4:00-4:45 PM 

Government Administration Careers ... Ballroom D 

Are you interested in a career that shapes communities, drives policy, and delivers essential services? 

This panel features seasoned alumni professionals who have dedicated their careers to public administration, policy implementation, and leadership in government agencies discussing the challenges and rewards of public service. Topics include: 

  • Career paths in government administration and public management 

  • Skills and competencies needed for success in public sector roles 

  • Insights into navigating government structures and advancing your career 

  • Opportunities to make meaningful contributions through public service 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals interested in building a career that creates meaningful change through service and leadership in government administration. 

  • Panelists: 

    • Jennifer Moon BA ’92, Retired/Former Deputy Mayor and Budget Director – Miami-Dade County 
    • Chris Hart IV BS ’91, Chief Executive Officer – Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers 
    • Johnathan Williams BS ’96, Chief of Staff – Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense 
    • Cat Keen MSW ’05 & BA ’99, Director of National Service Programs – Volunteer Florida 

 

Public Policy & Research Careers ... Ballroom E 

Curious about how research and policy shape the world we live in?  

This panel brings together distinguished alumni experts who have built careers turning impactful ideas into action through policy analysis crafting evidence-based solutions and influencing decision-makers in addressing complex societal challenges. Topics include: 

  • The role of research in policy-making and public service 

  • Skills needed to succeed in data-driven and analytical roles 

  • Insights into achieving policy consensus among disparate stakeholders 

  • Tips for breaking into and excelling in the field of public policy and research 

Who Should Attend? Students and professionals interested in research or analytical roles shaping policies and generating knowledge that makes a difference. 

  • Panelists: 

    • Molly McKinstry BS '88, Strategic Consultant, Health and Human Services – McKinstry Solutions LLC  
    • Jennifer Guy-Hudson BS ‘97, Senior Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Manager – Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers 
    • Josh Duncan BS ’15, Director of Federal Relations – Florida State University 

  

 

 

 

 

Connections & Conversation ... 5:00-7:30 PM • Ballroom E  

Welcome 

  • Clay Ingram BS ‘00, Chief Legislative Affairs Officer – Florida State University

Featured Alumni Speaker  

  • Daniel Perez BA ’09, Speaker – Florida House of Representatives 
     

Connections & Conversation ... 5:45-7:30 PM
Do not miss this chance to network, ask questions, and gain inspiration for your career in public service journey! Forge connections and explore opportunities on-campus, in Tallahassee and beyond: 

 

Entertainment provided by FSU College of Music’s Asher Pereira Quartet 
Asher Pereira, Piano (Jazz Performance Major) | Alec Carrillo, Tenor Saxophone (Music Composition Major) 
Dane Harter, Bass (Jazz Studies Major) | Jacob Mobley, Drums (Jazz Performance Major) 

Refreshments donated by FSU SGA Office of Governmental Affairs 

Special Thanks 
Planning Committee Members 
Yasamin Khosh | Jennifer Guy-Hudson | Alanna Kibiloski | Joshua Duncan | Andrew “Andy” Johnson  
Li Pon | Anissa Ford | Tyrone “TJ” Johnson | Jessica O’Neill | Al Kilkelly | Tracey Dowling | Devin Clark 
 

Campus Partners 
SGA Office of Governmental Affairs | Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs 
FSU Office of Legislative Affairs 

With Funding Support from FSU’s Student Government Association, Office of Governmental Affairs