Awards

The 2026 Dr. Richard F. Southby Prize is awarded to Andy L. Heppeard, a graduate from the Homeland Security, BPS program. He currently serves as Branch Chief (Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist) for Artesia Training Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico.

About the Award

Dr. Richard F. Southby was a faculty member at the George Washington University from 1979 to 2006, having served as department chair, associate dean, interim dean of the former School of Public Health and Health Services, distinguished professor of global health, and executive dean in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs. He was granted emeritus status by the Board of Trustees in 2006. Dr. Southby was the founding director of the Police Science Program in the College of Professional Studies.

The Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize is presented to an exceptional graduating student from the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security/Police and Security Studies program. The prize was established by Dr. Southby’s wife, Dr. Janet R. Southby, Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.

About the Awardee

Andy Heppeard serves as Branch Chief (Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist) for Artesia Training Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the development and national delivery of federal law enforcement training programs supporting agencies across the homeland security enterprise. He oversees curriculum development, program evaluation, and operational resource management for nationally delivered training initiatives that prepare thousands of federal, state, local, and tribal officers annually for complex operational missions.

Andy previously served as a Program Specialist and Instructor at FLETC, where he supported the design, implementation, and evaluation of federal law enforcement training programs and contributed to instructor development and training program accreditation efforts. During this period, he was seconded to the U.S. Department of State’s International Law Enforcement Academy as Class Coordinator, where he coordinated executive-level training programs for cabinet-level international law enforcement leaders and partner nations, advancing collaborative law enforcement training and capacity-building initiatives.

Prior to joining FLETC, Andy served twelve years in local law enforcement in Ohio, where he improved community policing efforts, conducted criminal investigations, and multi-jurisdictional operations. His operational experience continues to inform his work developing training programs that prepare law enforcement professionals for evolving homeland security challenges.

In addition to his civilian service, Andy serves as Lead Firearms Instructor (Boatswain’s Mate First Class) in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, Sector San Diego, where he advances maritime law enforcement readiness and delivers firearms training in support of national security and joint operations.  He has also deployed internationally, leading law enforcement, security, and training operations in high-threat environments.

Andy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security from the George Washington University College of Professional Studies and dual associate degrees from Hocking College.

Jennifer J. Snyder, the 2026 recipient, is graduating with a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management. She is a policy and advocacy professional focused on how emerging technology can strengthen the economy while protecting the workers who power it. She has dedicated both her academic and professional work to advancing policies that strengthen American industry while supporting working families in a rapidly changing economy.

About the Award

The Founding Dean Arterton Award is given to the graduating student who epitomizes professional distinction and ethical conduct in political management. F. Christopher Arterton, who served as dean of the Graduate School of Political Management from its founding in 1987 to 2010, established this award to celebrate the core ideals valued by a school of professional politics.

Before joining the GSPM, Professor Arterton taught political science at Yale, MIT, and Wellesley, achieving national recognition as a scholar of American politics and as a professional pollster. As the founding dean of the GSPM, Arterton advanced his vision that, beyond teaching abstract theory, institutions of higher education have an affirmative obligation to prepare their students for practical participation in democratic governance and electoral politics. In the process, Dean Arterton created the new academic discipline of political management. Having led the merger of the school into the George Washington University, Arterton subsequently expanded the school’s curriculum of political management to include programs in legislative affairs, strategic public relations, and the politics of governance. During the 23 years of Dean Arterton’s leadership, the GSPM emerged as the foremost academic institution of applied democratic politics in the world. 

About the Awardee

Jennifer J. Snyder is a policy and advocacy professional focused on how emerging technology can strengthen the economy while protecting the workers who power it. A graduate of the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, she has dedicated both her academic and professional work to advancing policies that strengthen American industry while supporting working families in a rapidly changing economy.

Her capstone project examined the integration of artificial intelligence in Michigan’s automotive industry and proposed the creation of a state-federal commission to guide responsible AI adoption. The research addressed the growing tension between innovation and job security, emphasizing the need for proactive governance structures that align technological advancement with workforce protections, skills development, and long-term economic stability. Drawing on international models and gaps in current U.S. policy, her work offered a detailed roadmap for collaboration between government, industry, and labor to ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared.

During her studies, she contributed to policy discussions on AI and manufacturing, including consultation with the office of U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, reinforcing the real-world relevance of her research and its application to ongoing legislative conversations.

She serves with the Alliance for American Manufacturing, advancing policies to strengthen domestic manufacturing, enforce fair trade, and support American workers. In her role, she has worked closely with state and regional manufacturing and workforce development boards across California, contributing to policy discussions on industrial growth, workforce training, and long-term economic competitiveness.

She was a member of the United Steelworkers, an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for the importance of a strong and supported workforce, as well as the value of solidarity.

She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Long Beach–South Bay Chapter, where she contributes to efforts that support disaster response, community resilience, and public health preparedness.

She is also pursuing a second graduate degree in Health Policy and Law at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is a dedicated advocate for expanding access to healthcare and strengthening mental health support, shaped by both her academic background and personal commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

She believes good policy should not only drive progress but also support the everyday lives of the people it is meant to serve.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys time with her husband, Steve, her daughter Isabella, and their dogs, and is deeply grateful for the love and support of her extended family.

The 2026 recipient, Robbie M. Russell, is a proud member of the George Washington University Class of 2026, where he earned a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs and deepened his commitment to principled public service. He currently serves as an Army Congressional Fellow in the 119th Congress, and holds the rank of Captain in the Georgia Army National Guard.

About the Award

During his time leading the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) from 2013 to 2016, the Honorable Mark Kennedy encouraged students to devote themselves to expanding the reach of freedom around the globe with the goal of making democracy work more effectively. The Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Award recognizes the GSPM graduating student who best exhibits actions or preparations to promote or protect the expansion of political and economic freedom beyond the borders of the United States.

About the Awardee

Robbie M. Russell is a proud member of the George Washington University Class of 2026, where he earned a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs and deepened his commitment to principled public service. He currently serves as an Army Congressional Fellow in the 119th Congress, and holds the rank of Captain in the Georgia Army National Guard.

Robbie has deployed in support of both combat and peacekeeping operations. While serving in Afghanistan as a Finance Officer, he provided funding support to U.S. Special Forces conducting counterterrorism missions, American contractors, and local Afghan partners. In Kosovo, Robbie deployed as the Chief of Sustainment where he supported NATO peacekeeping operations across multiple allied nations. His military service reinforced his belief that democratic stability depends on disciplined stewardship, accountability, and shared values. 

On Capitol Hill, Robbie serves as a Defense Staffer, where he assists in shaping funding decisions tied to overseas contingency operations and international security. At George Washington, his academic focus examined the intersection of policy, stewardship, and civic consequence. Most notable, his capstone project aimed at strengthening democratic institutions through equitable public education. 

Guided by faith and driven by service, Robbie remains committed to advancing freedom. Across deployments, congressional service, and academia, a constant conviction has guided him: freedom requires faithful stewardship. He believes a true steward possesses courage in the face of fear, integrity when no one is watching, and a moral compass rooted in selfless service.

About the Award

The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.

About the Awardee

Aaron M. Rumble is a graduate of The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, Class of 2026. 

Throughout their time at The George Washington University, Aaron distinguished themselves academically by maintaining a strong work ethic, high GPA and showed leadership in class by guiding individuals if necessary. They are also a proud recipient of the university's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, as well as the College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Award. 

Outside the classroom, Aaron has a passion for horticulture, interior design, dermatology and PC Gaming, which shaped who they are today. 

Looking ahead, Aaron plans to continue his education by earning a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management at the College of Professional Studies, with the long-term goal of utilizing his skillset to acquire a position in AI Governance, to better shape the use-cases of AI for a better world not only for himself, but his partner and kids. 

Aaron would like to thank his partner Steven, and twins Alex and Max for their support throughout this journey. 

About the Award

The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.

About the Awardee

Charlotte Fults is graduating with a Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning from the George Washington University College of Professional Studies. 

During her graduate studies, she completed multiple research internships focused on urban sustainability and food systems. Her academic and professional work reflect her passion for community development and her commitment to advancing equitable planning practices that support thriving, resilient communities.

The 2026 recipient, Megan Kindelan, is a part-time faculty member in The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM). She is the assistant director for communications at the U.S. Census Bureau. She currently teaches in the Public Relations & Communications and Political Management master's degree programs. 

About the Award

This honor is awarded to the part-time faculty member in the College of Professional Studies who has provided extraordinary service to the students and the college. The award recognizes both enlightened teaching and meritorious efforts to advance the college and its programs.

About the Awardee

Megan Kindelan is the assistant director for communications at the U.S. Census Bureau. Megan started at the Census Bureau in 2004 in the Public Information Office and was an instrumental member of the strategic communications team during the 2010 Census.

After nearly a decade at the Census Bureau, Megan was named communications director for the Administrative Conference of the United States and then served as the director of Public Affairs at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2017, she was the sole recipient of the Secretary’s Distinguished Customer Service Award in recognition of her success at the Department of Labor as the Press Lock-up Administrator. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to be part of another decennial census, Megan returned to her roots at the Census Bureau in 2019 as a senior advisor to the Associate Director for Field Operations. Most recently, she was the acting deputy director of the National Processing Center.

Megan is an adjunct professor for The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, where she’s been teaching courses since 2012 for students obtaining their master’s degrees in both Strategic Public Relations and Political Management. She was honored as the Graduate School of Political Management’s Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2018.

After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Florida’s Honors Program with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in political science, Megan earned her master’s degree in communications with a concentration in public and media relations from Johns Hopkins University.

Join us in congratulating this year's CPS Alumni Achievement Award recipient, Brandon W. Graham ’20, CBRN Programs Advisor in preventive radiological/nuclear detection and mass transit & critical infrastructure security.

About the Award

The College of Professional Studies Alumni Achievement Award honors an outstanding alumnus who exemplifies the CPS Value Pillars of Community, Access & Inclusivity, Respect, Progress & Impact, Applied Interdisciplinary Knowledge and fostering Innovation Ecosystem through exceptional professional accomplishments, industry recognition, and meaningful contributions to their community, the College of Professional Studies, and the George Washington University. The annual honoree sets a precedent for excellence, leadership and lasting impact in their field and beyond.

About the Awardee

Join us in congratulating this year's CPS Alumni Achievement Award recipient, Brandon Graham ’20, CBRN Programs Advisor in preventive radiological/nuclear detection and mass transit & critical infrastructure security. He is a graduate 2021 graduate of our Homeland Security master's degree program. 

GSPM alumnus Nathan Gonzales '05, Political Management, is one of this year's Alumni Achievement Award recipients. He is the Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call.

About the Award

Each year, The Graduate School of Political Management Alumni Achievement Award recognizes two distinguished alumni, one Democrat and one Republican, who embody the school's mission through exceptional professional accomplishments, industry recognition, and meaningful contributions to their community, GSPM and the George Washington University. This prestigious award celebrates the diverse accomplishments of graduates who not only excel in their respective fields but also demonstrate a commitment to fostering bipartisanship and effecting positive change. By recognizing these leaders, the award reinforces the GSPM's dedication to cultivating political professionals who make meaningful impacts both nationally and globally.

About the Awardee

Nathan Gonzales is Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call.

On election nights, Nathan has been an on-air analyst for the Newshour on PBS, C-SPAN, and CBN News and was an off-air consultant for ABC News on their Election Night Decision Desk for 14 years. Previously, he was an editor, analyst and writer for The Rothenberg Political Report, and worked for CNN as a Political Analyst and as an associate producer for Capital Gang.

Nathan has appeared on NBC's Meet the Press and Nightly News, NPR's All Things Considered, Fox News Channel, the BBC and MSNBC and he has been quoted in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Nathan grew up in Oregon, earned his M.A. from the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (Washington, DC) and his B.A. from Vanguard University (Costa Mesa, California). He first came to Washington, D.C. as an intern in the White House Press Office and now lives in the city with his wife and four children.

GSPM alumna Marisa Pace ’13, Legislative Affairs, is one of this year's Alumni Achievement Award recipients.

About the Award

Each year, The Graduate School of Political Management Alumni Achievement Award recognizes two distinguished alumni, one Democrat and one Republican, who embody the school's mission through exceptional professional accomplishments, industry recognition, and meaningful contributions to their community, GSPM and the George Washington University. This prestigious award celebrates the diverse accomplishments of graduates who not only excel in their respective fields but also demonstrate a commitment to fostering bipartisanship and effecting positive change. By recognizing these leaders, the award reinforces the GSPM's dedication to cultivating political professionals who make meaningful impacts both nationally and globally.

About the Awardee

Colonel Marisa Pace is currently serving as the Director, Legislative Affairs Division (LAD) for the Office, Chief Army Reserve (OCAR).

Before moving to LAD, she served as the OCAR Chief, Readiness, Mobilization and Operations. She served as the Professor of Military Science at University of Maryland from 2019-2022. She attended War College at National Defense University in Washington, DC and spent 2 years at Fort Hamilton, NY as the Deputy Commander for the 1179th Transportation Brigade. 

Prior to that, she served on the staff of the Chief of the Army Reserve as a Congressional Liaison handling the appropriations portfolio. From 2012-2013 she served as an Army Congressional Fellow assigned to Senator Mary Landrieu’s Office.

Marisa deployed in 2003 as a Platoon Leader with 68th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, Mannheim, Germany and again in 2005 as the Plans and Training Officer for 37th Transportation Brigade out of Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Colonel Pace’s other assignments include Osan Airbase, Korea where she] served as the Officer In Charge of the Movement Control Team from 2001-2002 and Germany where she served as a Platoon Leader in 28th Transportation Battalion and the Headquarters and Headquarters Company Executive Officer and Training Officer for 37th Transportation Brigade. She also served in the Headquarters Department of the Army G-4 in the Transportation Division.

Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Korea Defense Service Medal. LTC Marisa Pace is a graduate of the Transportation Officer Basic Course and the Logistics Officer Advanced Course.

Marisa holds a Masters Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and a Masters Degree in National Security Strategy from National War College. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in General Management from  the United States Military Academy.

She is married to Mr. Bryce Freeman and has two bonus children, Bennett (22) and Clara (19). They live in Columbia, Maryland.