GU Politics to Welcome Tenth Cohort of Fellows

JEFF CIRILLO: Next semester’s cohort of fellows for the Institute of Politics and Public Service, announced yesterday, includes experienced and high-profile figures from politics and media.

Among the group’s biggest names are Lily Adams, communications director for Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) in her recently suspended campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, and former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), a senior House Democrat who lost his seat last year to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a dramatic primary upset.

Kate Nocera, the D.C. bureau chief for Buzzfeed News, is another member of the class, as well as John Rogers, the former director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Robert Traynham, the head of public affairs for Facebook and a former senior staffer for the Senate Republican Conference.

This class marks a major milestone for the fellows program as the tenth-ever cohort. As in previous years, the fellows will host weekly discussion groups in Baker Living Room, starting in February. Students can get closely involved with fellows by applying to join their Student Strategy Teams.

Mo Elleithee, executive director of GU Politics, said the institute “could not be more thrilled” with next semester’s class.

“Each semester, the selection process becomes more and more competitive,” Elleithee said. “ The Fellows will provide unfettered access for students interested in politics and public policy.  Each week they’ll not only share their own experience, but also lead conversations on how the political process can work better. If you’ve ever wanted to sit down and talk with political leaders about running for office, presidential campaigns, political reporting, or the intersection of tech and politics, this class has you covered.”

Paula Pecorella, the director of the GU Politics fellows program, said the fellows’ “expertise and discussion topics could not be more timely” for students interested in politics and public service.

“Signing up for a Student Strategy Team, where you'll get to work one on one with the Fellows, or simply attending their weekly discussion groups and office hours, are some of the best ways to get involved with GU Politics and begin building your political network,” Pecorella said.

Jeff Cirillo is a senior in the School of Foreign Service studying International Politics. He is the editor-in-chief of On the Record. He has previously reported on Congress for Roll Call newspaper and Congressional Quarterly.