To request more information about upcoming events: Contact us at aspa-pa-chapter@keystoneaspa.com.

Students and other non-members are welcome at chapter events and most events have no cost.  If you are not currently a Keystone State Chapter member, contact us at aspa-pa-chapter@keystoneaspa.com to register for an upcoming event.

For information about events offered by the national ASPA organization (including frequent webinars), see www.aspanet.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your calendar for Chapter Events:

• December 17, 2024: The Keystone State Chapter Holiday Gathering and Networking Social
  • This event will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Wharf Bar and Grill in Harrisburg, PA on December 17, 2024. Please RSVP by December 10, 2024 to Connie Zimmerman at cazz933@gmail.com. Additional information can be found on the event flyer.
• March 28 to April 1, 2024: The 2025 ASPA Annual Conference
  • This event will be held in person from March 28 to April 1 2024 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. The conference features 150 panels across six tracks examining this year’s theme: Not Robots Yet: Keeping Public Servants in Public Service. Additional information and how to register can be found on the conference’s webpage.

RECENT EVENTS

Keystone State Chapter: Annual Awards Ceremony – November 7, 2024

On November 7, 2024, the Keystone State Chapter virtually held its annual award ceremony. The ceremony began with remarks from Dr. Victor DeSantis, the chapter president, on the importance of the ASPA and public administration.

The presentation of awards began with the Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Dr. Sabina Deitrick. This award recognizes Dr. Deitrick for advancing the ASPA’s mission of excellence in public service through exceptional leadership, extraordinary dedication, and outstanding achievements in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

The ceremony continued on to recognize the recipients of the Chapter Leadership Award, the Keystone Chapter Ph.D. Research Awards, the Outstanding Student Awards, and the Keystone Chapter Student Paper Award.

After the awards ceremony the chapter conducted a business meeting including a membership updated, an open discussion period, and announcements of upcoming changes and events.

The presentation slides for the event can be found here.

ASPA Keystone State Chapter Virtual Discussion Panel on Artificial Intelligence and Public Administration – June 24, 2024

On June 24, 2024, the Keystone State Chapter held a virtual discussion panel on artificial intelligence and public administration. The event provided an opportunity to learn about and discuss the effect artificial intelligence has on public administration.

ASPA Keystone State Chapter Online Symposium – April 2, 2024

On April 2, 2024, the Keystone State Chapter held its annual virtual symposium. This symposium provided PhD students an opportunity to present their research to those working in public administration. The students discussed the details of their research and how it fits into the landscape of public administration research.

Biennial Election and Holiday Gathering – December 7, 2023

On December 7th, 2023, the chapter virtually held its Biennial election for its Board of Directors. Following the conclusion of the election, the chapter held its annual holiday gathering. The holiday gathering provided an opportunity for chapter members to mingle and share in holiday merriment.

Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA) – November 2-3, 2023

NECoPA 2023 was held virtually on November 2-3. This year’s theme, Flexible Governance & Public Service in a Post-Pandemic World, recognizes that the events of the last three years accelerated the reliance of public and nonprofit organizations on increased digital governance (e.g., remote work, telemedicine, online learning), which transformed service delivery and working relations. The research of several chapter members was presented at the conference:

Dr. Glenn McGuigan, Dr. Michele Tantardini, Dr. Göktuğ Morçöl, Dr. Tripana Vasavada, Dr. Daniel J. Mallinson, Dr. Seth Wright, Eli J. Levine, Yeobin Yoon, Mingean Park from Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs. At the time of the conference, the Keystone State Chapter was well represented on NECoPA’s leadership team, with Dr. Triparna Vasavada serving on the Board of Trustees.

Keystone State Chapter: Annual Awards Ceremony – September 2023

2023 ASPA Annual Conference

More than 1,200 public administration professionals, scholars, researchers, and students joined each other online from March 20^th to March 24^th for ASPA’s 2023 Annual Conference, discussing the theme: “Protecting Democracy for the Next Generation: The Role of Public Administration.” While plenary addresses all took a serious tone as speakers reflected on the state of democracy and public administration, concurrent sessions looked for bright spots and progress for the profession. Presentations emphasized the excellent work happening at all levels of government. Keystone State Chapter members were presenters in more than 20 sessions, with about a third of these from our student members in doctoral programs.

Chapter Business Meeting & Penn State Harrisburg Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony

This Chapter Business Meeting event was held on March 3^rd, 2023. The event opened with remarks from Chapter President, Dr. Glenn McGuigan, on what is happening in the Chapter and what the future holds for the Keystone State Chapter. Dr. McGuigan announced that the board had unanimously nominated Dr. Victor DeSantis as President-elect of the Keystone Chapter. Then, Committee Chairs reported updates regarding Membership (Dave Margolis), Communication (Dr. Michele Tantardini), and Program (Dr. McGuigan). Discussions with Chapter members focused on the format of future events, civic education, awards, and Public Service Recognition Week. 

Chapter members were also invited to attend Penn State Harrisburg Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony, an event co-sponsored by our Chapter. Dr. Glenn McGuigan was invited to provide remarks as the keynote speaker of the event.

ASPA Keystone State Chapter Research Symposium

The ASPA Keystone State Chapter held a PhD Symposium on Wednesday, February 22^nd, 2023. The panel featured four speakers and a moderator representing West Chester University and Penn State Harrisburg. Speakers presented on a broad range of public administration topics including Third Party Governance, Policy Effectiveness, Innovation & Government Regulations, and Workforce Development policies. The panel presentations were followed by a lively discussion on the research topics discussed and each of the speakers were awarded a complimentary ASPA membership in recognition of their participation.

December Business Meeting and Holiday Gathering

This virtual event opened with a brief business meeting.  Chapter President, Dr. Glenn McGuigan, reported that the Chapter was following ASPA’s mission to share both practical and academic information regarding public administration.  The Chapter will continue to program events that provide speaking opportunities to doctoral students from universities in the state. These events will allow doctoral students a chance to present their research while also offering Chapter members insights about current trends and research.  The Chapter intends to pursue program partnerships as was done in 2022 with Millersville University, Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and West Chester University.  2022 saw another increase in chapter membership with the Chapter remaining in a healthy financial position. Most of the meeting’s time was devoted to an informal holiday gathering that included whole group and break-out room conversations in which participants interacted and shared holiday cheer.

Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA) – November 4-5, 2022

Keystone State Chapter: 10th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony – September 2022

The full speech can be found at the following link: https://www.keystoneaspa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ASPA-Address-9-9-22-Final-Text.pdf

A thank you note from President Glenn McGuigan can be found here: https://www.keystoneaspa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Gala-Thank-You.jpg

Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony at Penn State Harrisburg – April 2022

On April 22, Keystone State Chapter members joined Penn State Harrisburg students and faculty for their virtual Pi Alpha Alpha induction ceremony.  Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration that recognizes outstanding students preparing for public service careers. The ceremony welcomes the inductees who recite the Pi Alpha Alpha membership oath. The keynote speaker was Dr. Maria Aristigueta. She is Dean of the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware and a Past President of the American Society for Public Administration. Dr. Aristigueta shared her perspective and advice on developing a successful public administration career. More about Pi Alpha Alpha and the membership oath can be found at https://www.pialphaalpha.org/about-paa/.

ASPA National Conference and Highlights Week – March 2022

Annual Conference:  After 2 years in which ASPA’s Annual Conference was held as a virtual event due to the Covid pandemic, the 2022 event returned to an in-person format.  From March 18 through March 22, scholars and practitioners gathered in Jacksonville, Florida for panels, symposia, and workshops.  With the conference theme of “Democracy under Threat: The Future of Equality in a Post-COVID World,” more than 130-panel sessions were divided into seven tracks: Social Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Managing for Meaningful Public Service; Effective and Equitable Public Policy and Service Delivery in an Era of Growing Inequality; Financial Management and Planning for Uncertainty; Protecting and Replacing Aging Structures; Comparative Government and International Administration; and Good Governance and Democracy in an Uncertain Political Environment.  Keystone State Chapter members were presenters in more than 20 sessions, with about a third of these from our student members in doctoral programs.

Highlights Week:  From March 28 through April 1, the Annual Conference was followed by a virtual Highlights Week that made it possible for conference attendees and others who could not attend in person to review featured speakers and panels.  These sessions spotlighted all 6 Plenary Sessions, all 10 Presidential Panels, and Awards videos.  During Highlights Week, there were live Zoom sessions for international panels that could not happen in Florida.

Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony at West Chester University – March 2022

On March 10, Keystone State Chapter members joined West Chester University students and faculty for the virtual Pi Alpha Alpha induction ceremony at West Chester University.  Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration that recognizes outstanding students preparing for public service careers. The keynote speaker was Dr. Brandi Blessett from the University of Cincinnati. Professor Blessett’s research is focused on administrative responsibility, disenfranchisement, and social equity. Much of her recent work acknowledges the disproportionate effects the criminal legal system has on people and communities of color. The event concluded with inductees reciting the Pi Alpha Alpha oath in which they pledge to support the intellectual and professional advancement of the art and science of public administration and public affairs while honoring and respecting the virtues and values of public service and those who serve.

Biennial Election and Holiday Social – December 2021

The virtual event on December 7 included a brief business meeting with reports on the status of the chapter and the biennial election for President-Elect and Board of Directors. Dave Margolis provided a President’s Report that indicated Keystone State Chapter membership had grown to 158, which is an increase of 43 members or 37% compared to January of 2019. Also, he shared the progress made by the Board of Directors on three priority areas: Communication; Partnerships; and Awards. In his Treasurer’s Report, Nate Reese indicated that the chapter bank balance had continued to grow as a result of the chapter moving to a website that is free to non-profit organizations and through program partnerships with universities that included cost-sharing. The majority of time was reserved for networking and holiday cheer.  Attendees moved virtually into smaller groups to facilitate informal conversation.  Dr. McGuigan from Penn State Harrisburg served as Zoom host.  The list of Officers and Board of Directors for 2022 and 2023 can be found in this website at https://www.keystoneaspa.com/about/.

Outstanding Student Paper and GSPIA Community Engagement Model – November 2021

This was the third and final event to hear from 2021 Keystone State Chapter public administration award recipients.  On behalf of his University of Pittsburgh MPA capstone team, Brett Stewart presented “Developing Collaborative Capacity to Enhance Municipal-Level Fire Services in Allegheny County.”  He addressed:  Paper overview and recommendations; Key elements in creating a successful capstone project; Most dramatic or surprising project results; and Lessons learned that could be helpful to others.  In addition, we heard from Lydia Morin who is Executive Director of the Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT). She shared how the University of the Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) is organized to provide practical research with direct community impact.  After the two inter-related presentations, attendees asked questions, shared experiences, and offered observations.  The University of Pittsburgh’s GSPIA co-sponsored the November 9 virtual event and served as Zoom host.

Northeast Conference on Public Administration – November 2021

The Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA) was held on November 5 and 6 with the University at Albany, State University of New York hosting the event.  The conference theme, “Responsive Public Service Needs Inclusiveness in a Diverse America,” was selected to emphasize bringing in new voices and perspectives to achieve community goals.  The virtual gathering of students, scholars, and practitioners provided the opportunity to participate in sessions organized along 3 tracks: Current Trends in Diversity and Inclusivity; Emerging Issues in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Classic Issues in Public Administration.  The research of several chapter members was accepted for inclusion in the conference program:  Dr. Glenn McGuigan; Tynslei Spence-Mitchell; Dr. Göktuğ Morçöl; Huiting Qi; Pedro Robles; Saahir Shafi; and Yulen Xu. At the time of the conference, the Keystone State Chapter was well represented on NECoPA’s leadership team with Dr. Bing Ran as the Immediate Past President, and Dr. Amanda Olejarski, Huiting Qi, and Dr. Triparna Vasavada on the Board of Trustees. 

Outstanding Student Panel – October 2021

This was the second of three virtual events to hear from 2021 Keystone State Chapter public administration award recipients. The panelists were Dakotah Kinnan (Penn State Harrisburg MPA program), Eric Raabe (University of Pittsburgh MPA program, Alaina Sforza, (West Chester University MPA program), and Saahir Shafi (Penn State Harrisburg PhD program). These Outstanding Student Award recipients shared their perspective on the following topics: Their current activities and future plans; Most significant challenges encountered as a public administration students; and Lessons learned that could be helpful to other students and those supporting students.  In the Q&A session that followed the presentations, attendees joined in the dialogue. The moderator was Eunsil Yoo, a PhD candidate from Penn State Harrisburg. The October 7 event included a brief chapter business meeting with reports on positive growth in both membership and budget balance. Millersville University co-sponsored the event and served as Zoom host.

Practitioner Panel – September 2021

This was the first of three virtual panel sessions to hear from 2021 Keystone State Chapter public administration award recipients. These awards were announced at the May 4 event during Public Service Recognition Week. Panelists were Dr. Beverly Cigler (Lifetime Achievement Award), Dr. Victor DeSantis (Chapter Leadership Award), Kate Ellision (Scholar-Practitioner Award) and Alex Swan (Scholar-Practitioner Award). The moderator was Olumide Adeoye, a PhD candidate from Penn State Harrisburg. Topics included: Most challenging recent projects; Organizational changes to address strategic challenges; Efforts to recruit young talent; and Advice for students or those supporting students. The September 21, 2021 event was co-sponsored by the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg.

Global Goals for Sustainable Development Conference – May 2021

On May 18, Chapter members were invited to a virtual event, The Global Goals for Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Best Practices Conference, hosted by Millersville University.  This was a regional conference in which business, nonprofit, and governmental leaders gathered virtually to discuss and support a shared understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and to accelerate the adoption of best practices and new opportunities.  This one-day event featured keynote speakers, various panel presentations, and an innovation showcase.  In 2015, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, 193 world leaders committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  These are a series of ambitious objectives and targets to address poverty and hunger, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change, by 2030.  The sessions indicated that there is evidence of initial progress across the private and nonprofit sectors, and within federal, state, and local governments through SDGs plans and strategies to achieve a better and more sustainable future.  

Annual Awards Ceremony – May 2021

This virtual event was held on May 4 during Public Service Recognition Week to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our Keystone State Chapter members. The chapter announced its 2021 public administration award recipients who were honored for their efforts in advancing excellence in public administration.  Student awards recognized talented individuals committed to public service who will become next generation leaders.  After announcing award recipients, the program was devoted to hearing from participants who shared their perspectives on public administration issues. The chapter thanked Millersville University, Penn State Harrisburg, and West Chester University for their partnership in delivering virtual program events during the past 12 months.  

Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony at West Chester University – April 2021

On April 12, Keystone State Chapter members attended the virtual Pi Alpha Alpha induction ceremony at West Chester University.  Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration that recognizes outstanding students preparing for public service careers.   Dr. Amanda Olejarski (Immediate Keystone State Chapter Past President and West Chester University Pi Alpha Alpha advisor) and David Margolis (current Keystone State Chapter President) offered opening remarks.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Meghna Sabharwal from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).   Professor Sabharwal teaches at UTD’s School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences and serves as Ph.D. Director for the Public and Nonprofit Management program.  Her research expertise lies in public human resource management, specifically related to workplace diversity, job satisfaction, performance, comparative human resource management, and high-skilled immigration. 

ASPA National Conference – April 2021

The 2021 ASPA National Conference was a 7-day virtual event held from April 9 through April 15.  With an overall theme of “Picking Up the Pieces:  Pandemics, Protests, and the Future of Public Service,” more than 1,800 scholars, practitioners, and students attended from across the nation and from around the world.  The annual conference was organized into 6 tracks covering various public administration issues and perspectives:  Social Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – More than a Seat at the Table; Money Talks – The Use and Management of Public Funds to Meet Today’s Challenges; Good Governance and Meaningful Public Service; “Fixing” Our Government – Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again; Beyond Borders – Joining Forces for Shared Learning and Action; and Modern Infrastructure for a 21st Century Society.  More than 2 dozen Keystone State Chapter members served as presenters and moderators on session panels.  Nine of our chapter members pursuing doctoral degrees presented their papers during the conference.

Pi Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony at Penn State Harrisburg – March 2021

Even though the Covid pandemic prevented an in-person event, Keystone State Chapter members joined Penn State Harrisburg’s Pi Alpha Alpha chapter for a virtual induction ceremony.  The Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration recognizes outstanding students preparing for public service careers.  Dr. Jane Beckett-Camarata  (Keystone State Chapter Member and Penn State Harrisburg Pi Alpha Alpha Advisor) provided opening remarks.  The featured speaker was Michael Passiment who discussed current challenges in Public Administration.  Mr. Passiment worked as a Budget Analyst for the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee before becoming a Judicial Programs Analyst with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  He earned a Master of Public Administration degree at the School of Public Affairs and as an undergraduate received Penn State’s prestigious Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award that recognizes an outstanding senior with potential for public service.  

Covid Panel: Covid Response – Implications for Public Administrators – March 2021

This virtual panel event on March 10, 2021 was organized and moderated by chapter member Aravind Menon.  Aravind is a doctoral candidate who has work experience in strategic planning and organizational improvement with the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State.  Also, Aravind completed two terms as a board member on the Action Board of the American Public Health Association.  Panelists were Claude A. Jacob, who is Chief Public Health Officer for Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Raed Mansour, who is Director of the Office of Innovation at the Chicago Department of Public Health.  The panel focused on the experience of these two public health administrators/experts in responding to the Covid crisis, as well as opportunities for learning and improvement during recovery from the world-wide pandemic. This event was cosponsored with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs.  

Covid Panel: Impact on Local Government Finance & Business Meeting – February 2021

This virtual panel event on February 16, 2021 was organized by Past President Marita Kelley.  Marita is Central Office Regional Director in the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).   Panelists included Dr. George Dougherty from the University of Pittsburgh who has extensive experience in local government research and consultancy, Michael Foreman who is a Local Government Policy Specialist in DCED’s Western Office, and Chapter Board Member David Hines who is the Director of Operations for the City of Pittston.  The panelists indicated that the impact on local government finance was very uneven and that any generalizations would not capture “the good, the bad, and the ugly” that can be found among individual jurisdictions.  A brief business meeting preceded the panel presentations.