Maxwell School News and Commentary

Melaine Rottkamp ’91 B.A. (PSc) is the new president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism. As president, she will manage Dutchess Tourism’s branding, advertising and marketing efforts, and various business support and education programs.

After serving as its director or co-director since 2005, Catherine Gerard has stepped down from her leadership role at the Maxwell School’s renowned Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC), effective July 1, 2020. Gerard will continue as an adjunct professor of public administration and associate director for the Executive Education Programs at Maxwell, and also continue her work as co-director of the Collaborative Governance Initiative at PARCC. 

Dave Levinthal '02 B.A. (PPhil) previously spent seven and a half years at the Center for Public Integrity, as an editor and senior reporter focused largely on federal politics.

Rivian, an American automaker and technology company that produces emissions-free electric adventure vehicles, has named Nancy E. Bell '94 J.D./M.A. (IR)/'96 Ph.D. (PSc) as it's new director of regulatory affairs.

In her new position, Alexandria Valerio ’93 M.P.A. will lead strategic dialogue with the Dominican government, and manage the program and team by which the World Bank supports development priorities in the Dominican Republic.

Jane Nicholson ’04 B.A. (Geog/IR)/’13 M.P.A., a senior planning associate at MRB Group, was selected to participate in Next City’s acclaimed Vanguard program for 2020. Next City is a journalistic nonprofit focused on revitalizing communities and tackling complex urban challenges around the globe.

Brian Kam '16 B.A. (IR/MES) says he is excited to combine his discipline, empathy and compassion with his desire to serve, as he pursues a career in nursing. “I want to step up even more and do the best I can to intervene in a crisis and help drive positive patient outcomes.”