On Saturday, November 15th, 2025, Temple’s Public Policy Program hosted its fifth Careers in Public Service Workshop at the Temple University Center City Campus, bringing together Temple students, alumni, and practitioners for a day of exploration into the diverse pathways that shape public service. The event featured panels of prominent alumni, seasoned professionals, and public leaders, all representing different aspects of public service. Panelists offered candid insights into the realities of career pathways in the nonprofit sector, advocacy and lobbying, research and analysis, executive branches and agencies, and legislative branches. They also emphasized the importance of essential skills such as networking, grant writing, emotional intelligence, strong communication, and adaptability in a competitive environment like Philadelphia’s policy ecosystem.
During lunch, attendees heard a motivating keynote address from Lauren Cristella, CEO and President of the Committee of 70, who underscored the continued importance of public service to a healthy democracy, especially in uncertain times, and lent detailed advice on how to excel in a public service career. Attendees then had the opportunity to connect with panelists and fellow participants, creating new relationships. Overall, the workshop offered a meaningful blend of practical advice, networking, and inspiration, illustrating the many impactful pathways available to individuals pursuing public service.
Panelists & Moderators
Nonprofits, Advocacy, and Lobbying
Panelists:
- *Kyle Darby, Chief Executive Officer, Darby Public Strategies LLC.
- Laura Boyce, Executive Director, Teach Plus PA
- *Rei Horst, Vice President, Strategic Impact, Vibrant Emotional Health
- *Samantha Anthony, Program Officer, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation
Moderator: Patrick Christmas, Director, Policy Planning and Delivery, Office of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City of Philadelphia
Research and Analysis
Panelists:
- Catie Wolfgang, Senior Officer, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- *Dae’Shawn Nixon, Director, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
- Julia Cohen, Analyst & Project Manager, Real Estate Services, PIDC
- *Tyler Honschke, Researcher and Compliance Officer, District Council 21
Moderator: Dr. Kate Callahan, Executive Director, Research for Action
Legislative Branches
Panelists:
- *Alex Teplyakov, Committee Executive Director, House Communications & Technology Committee, PA House of Representatives
- *Brett Nedelkoff, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, City of Philadelphia
- Carlyn D. Crawley, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, City of Philadelphia
- Sean Brandon, Assistant Executive Director, House Democratic Appropriations Committee, PA House of Representatives, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Moderator: Congressman Jim Gerlach (former U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District)
Executive Branches and Agencies
Panelists:
- *Amanda Warren, Executive Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of External Affairs, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro
- *Brian Clinton, Chief of Staff, Managing Director’s Office, City of Philadelphia
- Derek Roseman, Executive Communications, Speechwriter, RWJBarnabas Health
- *Katharine Paisley, Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro
- Rebecca Lopez Kriss, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Outreach, and Taxpayer Assistance Programs, City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue
Moderator: Dr. Patricia Amberg-Blyskal, Retired Assistant Professor, Political Science & Master of Public Policy programs, Temple University
*Temple Master of Public Policy alum