A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends of the Hatfield School,
As Director of the Hatfield School of Government, I am pleased to welcome you to the January 2025 edition of our newsletter. The start of a new year offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements and look ahead to the exciting work before us.
This year began on a high note with a special New Year’s Gathering, where we had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Jeremy Youde, who joined Portland State University in August 2024 as the new Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA). At this event, I shared an overview of the Hatfield School, and I realized that some of the readers of this Newsletter may also benefit from the general overview of the Hatfield School:
The Hatfield School is driven by two fundamental goals:
Improving democratic governance
Building public service capacity
We accomplish these goals through the unique integration of our academic departments and centers, which bridge theory and practice to address critical societal challenges.
To provide a clearer picture of our structure:
Our two affiliated academic departments are:
The Department of Public Administration
The Department of Politics and Global Affairs
We are also home to four centers that play a pivotal role in advancing our mission:
The Center for Women’s Leadership
The Center for Public Service
The Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense Policy Center
The National Policy Consensus Center
Together, these departments and centers make the Hatfield School an essential part of CUPA, or as we like to call it, our home for public service and policy innovation.
As we move into the year ahead, our focus remains on strengthening the Hatfield School’s role as a hub for impactful public service education, democratic governance, and civic engagement. We are expanding partnerships with local, state, regional, and global organizations to create new opportunities for learning, research, and service. By integrating theory and practice, we ensure that our students, faculty, and program participants not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills and commitment needed to create meaningful change.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our Hatfield School community—our faculty, students, staff, alumni, and partners. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your contributions. Your work, your ideas, and your commitment inspire me every day.
As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to stay connected and engaged with the Hatfield School. Whether it’s attending events, collaborating on projects, or mentoring the next generation of public servants, your involvement makes a difference.
Here’s to another year of learning, leading, and making an impact.
Warm regards,
Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D.
Director
Hatfield School of Government
Events and Community Engagement
Leadership Training for Portland's Newly Elected Officials
In December 2024, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government’s Center for Public Service (CPS) hosted two critical training sessions designed to prepare the City of Portland’s newly elected officials for their governance roles. These sessions, held on December 14 and 18, were tailored to equip leaders with essential skills for effective policy-making and collaborative governance under Portland’s newly restructured government framework.
December 14: Community-Centered Governance Training
Held at PSU’s Academic and Student Recreation Center, this interactive session focused on inclusive policy-making. Participants explored frameworks for centering community voices in decision-making, aligning policies with shared community values, and navigating the complexities of governance cycles. Key learning objectives included:
Understanding responsive governance informed by diverse lived experiences.
Building skills in collaborative decision-making and community engagement.
Applying real-world scenarios to practice governance strategies.
Facilitated by Dr. Sofía Castellanos, Project Associate at the National Policy Consensus Center at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, and Scott Nine, CPS fellow, the day fostered deep discussions on aligning governance practices with Portland’s core values of accountability, equity, and responsiveness.
December 18: Leadership Effectiveness Training
This evening session provided practical tools for individual and collective effectiveness in governance. CPS facilitators Dr. Scott Lazenby and Sara Singer Wilson guided participants through exercises on vision setting, teamwork, and collaboration with the Mayor and city administrators. Highlights included:
Strategies for functioning as an effective governing board.
Vision-setting to align goals with measurable outcomes.
Real-world problem-solving to navigate challenges in governance.
The training emphasized the importance of values-based decision-making, clear communication, and maintaining respectful and productive relationships among council members.
These sessions mark a significant step in onboarding Portland’s new leaders, equipping them to navigate the challenges of public service while fostering a community-centered approach to governance. For more details on CPS training programs, click on the button below!
Link: PSU Center for Public Service
Hatfield School New Year's Gathering
The Hatfield School of Government (HSOG) at Portland State University welcomed 2025 with a warm and engaging New Year’s Reception on January 16. Held in the Dirce Moroni Toulan Library at the College of Urban and Public Affairs, the event brought together approximately 50 attendees, including HSOG faculty, partners, and distinguished guests.
The evening provided an opportunity for new and long-standing members of the HSOG community to connect over light refreshments while celebrating the start of a new year. A key highlight of the event was the introduction of the new Dean, Jeremy Youde, who shared his enthusiasm for leading the school forward. Brief remarks were also delivered by PSU President Ann Cudd and HSOG Director Masami Nishishiba, emphasizing the school’s commitment to collaborative governance, public service, and fostering meaningful partnerships.
Notable attendees included members of the HSOG Advisory Board, key community leaders, and alumni, reinforcing the school’s strong network of public service professionals. As the evening progressed, guests engaged in discussions about future initiatives and opportunities for collaboration, setting the tone for a productive and dynamic year ahead.
The Hatfield School of Government extends its gratitude to all who attended and contributed to making this event a success. Here’s to a promising year of impactful work and strengthened partnerships in 2025!
Dr. Rafeel Wasif invited to serve the Oregon Department of Education’s Data Justice Stewards (DJS)
Dr. Rafeel Wasif, Assistant Professor of Public Administration was invited to serve as one of the inaugural members of the Oregon Department of Education’s Data Justice Stewards (DJS) effective January 3, 2025. DJS is an advisory group focused on promoting data justice by aligning ODE’s research, data practices, and reporting with the needs of marginalized communities. The invitation to serve on this important group is significant, and it is a recognition of Dr. Wasif’s ongoing dedication to data justice, equity, and amplifying marginalized voices in data-related discussions.
Dr. Wasif commented on this appointment and said "I hope this role provides a unique chance to start connecting at the Oregon state level around critical issues in AI and data science, creating valuable synergies for our work and partnerships. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other thought leaders on this committee and to contribute to shaping ODE’s data justice efforts. Thank you all for your continued support and inspiration in my work—it has helped prepare me for opportunities like this one. I look forward to bringing insights from this experience back to our shared efforts and would love to hear any thoughts or ideas you might have about this initiative."
We congratulate and support Dr. Rafeel Wasif on his accomplishment that will benefit us all!
Hatfield’s Projects & Partnerships
MPP-JD program with Lewis Clark
We are excited to announce the launch of a partnership between Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government and Lewis & Clark Law School. This collaboration introduces a Joint Pathway Program allowing students to simultaneously pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP), fostering a unique interdisciplinary approach to law and public policy.
This innovative pathway is designed for students aspiring to bridge the fields of law and governance. Within just four years of full-time study, participants can earn both degrees, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex policy challenges in legal and governmental contexts.
Key features of the JD-MPP program include:
Streamlined Curriculum: The program allows the transfer of up to 14 approved semester credits from Lewis & Clark Law School to the PSU MPP program, saving time and resources.
Comprehensive Support: Students receive tailored academic advising and a degree map to guide them through their dual-degree journey.
Collaborative Learning: Coursework integrates key topics in ethics, policy analysis, and leadership, providing a well-rounded foundation for future careers.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of both institutions to prepare leaders who are well-versed in legal frameworks and policy-making processes. With this joint degree, graduates will be uniquely positioned to effect meaningful change in both the public and private sectors.
For more information about the JD-MPP program and how to apply, visit our website (coming soon) or contact the academic advisors at either PSU Hatfield School of Government or Lewis & Clark Law School. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of leaders into this exciting pathway program!
PUBLICATIONS & Presentations
Frankline Muthomi - Assistant Professor of Public Administration
Muthomi, F. and Thurmaier, K. (2024), The Role of Social Media in Promoting Budget Transparency and Citizen Participation in Kenyan Counties. Public Admin Dev.
Read More
Dr. Billie Sandberg - Associate Professor of Public Administration
Eikenberry, A. M., Sandberg, B., and Mirabella, R. M. (Eds.). (2025). Reframing nonprofit organizations: Democracy, inclusion, and social change (2nd ed.). Melvin & Leigh Publishers.
Dr. Rafeel Wasif - Assistant Professor of Public Administration
(1) Umarji, O., Wasif, R., Siddiqui, S., and Noor, Z. (2024). Philanthropy under uncertainty: Muslim religious giving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs.
(2) Ebrahim, T. Y., & Wasif, R. (2024). Innovation originators. Michigan Technology Law Review, 31(1).
Diane L. Odeh - PhD student Public Affairs and Policy
Releasing April 1, 2025 by Routledge
Odeh, D. L., and Homer, J. (2025). Ethics Codes, Codes of Conduct: Definitions, Applications, and Effectiveness. In Christopher Reddick, Tansu Demir, and Bruce J. Perlman (Eds.), Public Sector Ethics Compliance, Integrity, and Comparison. Routledge.
Phillip J. Cooper - Douglas & Candace Morgan Professor of Local Government
Cooper, P. J. (2024). Public Law and Public Administration - Fifth Edition. Melvin & Leigh, Publishers
Claudia M. Vargas - Affiliated Professor of Public Administration, and Phillip J. Cooper - Douglas & Candace Morgan Professor of Local Government
Vargas, C. M., & Cooper, P. J. (2024). Implementing sustainable development: From global policy to local action. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Public Administration Student Association
Whether in the MPA, MPP, MPH, Ph.D., or Graduate Certificate programs, the Public Administration Student Association (PASA) is a vital resource hub, advocating for students’ needs and fostering connections across various public administration fields. PASA's mission is to build a strong and supportive community for Public Administration students at Portland State University. The organization bridges gaps between students, faculty, resources, and networks, creating an incubator for connection and collaboration. Ultimately, the direction of PASA’s activities is shaped by the interests and contributions of its members. As leaders eventually graduate and move on this June, PASA will rely on new members to step up and continue cultivating the community that has been built.
Students interested in leadership roles or looking for ways to contribute are encouraged to contact PASA at psupasa@pdx.edu.
International City/County Management Association, Student Chapter
The Portland State University ICMA Student Chapter is an excellent way to connect with peers and engage with local government leaders and professionals, providing an opportunity to explore public administration beyond the classroom. Newcomers from public administration, nonprofit leadership, public policy and related academic programs are warmly welcomed! Please stop by connect with your fellow students, and no pressure to commit to anything. Continued participation requires a very modest amount of time, and the benefits are absolutely worthwhile!
Email publicad@pdx.edu for more information.
Student & Alumni Corner
Barb Payne, MPA
Passed the CEM test, next stop, Certification!
The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification, awarded by the International Association of Emergency Managers, is a globally recognized designation requiring at least three years of professional experience, numerous accomplishments, higher education, 200 hours of disaster and management training, and passing a rigorous 120-question exam.
On December 13th, Payne took the exam, proctored by PSU alumnus Andrew Longhofer, and learned three days later that she had passed. With over 3,000 certified emergency managers worldwide, Payne is set to join their ranks once she submits her final package, having exceeded all requirements. Payne has been working toward this milestone for more than six years. Nearly a decade after beginning her Master’s program at PSU’s Hatfield School of Government, she is poised to achieve the highest accreditation in her field. She also serves as a Senior Fellow with CUPA's Center for Public Service and is co-authoring her second article with a PSU College of Business colleague.
Andrew Russo, PhD
Defended Dissertation entitled "Navigating the neoliberal assemblage: The role of a nonprofit organization shaping disaster governance and community resilience."
When asked about Russo’s academic appointment and dissertation, he shared insightful details about his journey and research. While still ABD (All But Dissertation), Russo joined the University of Oregon’s School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management (3PM) as a visiting professor. He has been teaching for the past two years, specializing in nonprofit, public administration, and public management courses. This year, Russo looks forward to designing and teaching two new courses inspired by his research interests and dissertation work. His dissertation explores the dynamics of power—how it flows, operates, and evolves during disaster events—answering profound questions rooted in his years of practical experience and engagement with disaster survivors and responders.
Russo also reflected on his work with students at the University of Oregon, emphasizing the importance of fostering curiosity and new perspectives in both undergraduate and graduate learners. Drawing inspiration from his own mentors, Russo strives to help students navigate complex questions and connect academic theory to practical applications. His approach includes inviting practitioners to engage with students, providing real-world insights that enrich the classroom experience. Beyond teaching, Russo has been an active member of the University of Oregon community, serving on search committees, advancing equity in scholarship funding, and building connections with scholars and professors. His dedication to bridging academic and practical knowledge exemplifies the values of the 3PM department and continues to make a meaningful impact.
Anis Zaman, PhD
Presented a Paper in an International Conference on Public Affairs in Thailand
Presenting his paper, "Algorithmic Governance and the Need to Manage Biases in AI Applications in Public Administrations," at the First International Conference on Public Affairs in Thailand was an enriching experience for Anis Zaman. The conference, which brought together policy experts, scholars, technologists, and public service professionals from around the world, provided a unique platform for him to share his work. He was inspired by the genuine interest and thoughtful feedback from attendees and expressed gratitude for the support of Dr. Jeremy Youde, Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs, and Dr. Masami Nishishiba, Director of the Hatfield School.
His paper explores the pervasive biases in AI applications within public administrations, analyzing how these biases impact equity and marginalized populations. By examining the challenges public organizations face in managing algorithmic decision-making, his work highlights the need for strategies to mitigate discrimination and foster fairness in public services, ultimately emphasizing the dual challenge of leveraging AI for efficiency while addressing its societal costs.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The National Policy Consensus Center within the Hatfield School is hosting the annual University Network for Collaborative Governance (UNCG) conference June 20-22, 2024. This conference will bring UNCG members and friends together to engage in a lively discussion about collaborative governance’s roots and potential future growth. Hosting in Oregon will also allow attendees to share how collaborative governance has evolved and grown through on-the-ground efforts. The UNCG conference is open to all people interested in collaborative governance in connection with a college or university. Proposals should connect to efforts that have or could potentially connect with university-based programs, centers, faculty, staff, or students. UNCG welcomes submissions from both UNCG members and non-members.
The National Policy Consensus Center is expanding its Civic Leadership Academy to two new cities: Hermiston and Sisters. The program focuses on developing collaborative leadership skills that prepare and empower new and diverse leadership to serve on local government councils, boards, and commissions, and has produced remarkable results for the City of Hillsboro. Alumni who have completed the program now serve on all of the City’s boards and commissions, and two have been elected to the Hillsboro City Council.
Oregon’s Kitchen Table, one of the sub-units under the National Policy Consensus Center, successfully completed the 2nd year of the Hatfield Futures Project. In this project, teams of high school-aged youth engage in generating innovative solutions for our most important societal, environmental, and economic issues. Participants collaborate to create forward-thinking ideas that culminates in a presentation of proposals to community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders. This year’s cohort presented March 22-23, 2024, at the Hatfield Futures Showcase. Congratulations to all the participants!
The Center for Public Service, one of the Centers within the Hatfield School of Government, hosts visiting scholars from the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), South Korea, and the Supreme Court of Japan each year. They come to study public administration systems in the United States and to conduct their research. Two scholars from SMG are focused on sustainable tourism policies and indoor air quality management, while a scholar from the Supreme Court of Japan is focused on the digitalization of courts. Their final presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th, from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Urban Center Parson’s Gallery. This event is open to the public!
The Center for Public Service Fellowships Program has recruited exceptionally qualified, trained and diverse fellowship candidates from prestigious institutions throughout the United States to serve as project managers for the region’s public sector in 2024. Candidates are prepared to support sponsors in areas such as research and analysis, community engagement, program evaluation, and so much more. Learn more about the program here, and consider sponsoring a fellow of your own.
Mark your Calendars!
March 5th
An Evening with Center for Women's Leadership (CWL)
On Wednesday March 5, 2025, Center for Women’s Leadership within the Hatfield School of Government is hosting “An Evening with CWL” at The LOFT at 8th Avenue in Portland, or with a free live broadcast of the program
An Evening with CWL is a chance to gather before the spring season in early March. Leaders from across the state will share their own stories of growth and what it means to invest in CWL.
If you are able to join the event in person, we will treat you to a welcome reception with passed heavy appetizers and beverages before we take our seats for the program. If you are tuning in online, a broadcast will be available anywhere with wifi connection.
HATFIELD SCHOOL EVENTS
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