Announcement
July 31, 2009

Four Social Work Students Named Presidential Management Fellows

Columbia University School of Social Work students Joanna Han, Marisa Kirk-Epstein, Katherine Mardy and Amy Palilonis have been selected as finalists of the 2009 Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.  They will be taking positions in the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Established by Executive Order in 1977, the PMF Program is a prestigious and highly competitive program whose mission is to attract exceptional individuals from a variety of academic disciplines and diverse backgrounds to the Federal service. The program selects men and women who have a clear commitment and interest in the leadership and management of public policies and programs.

Selected fellows will participate in a two-year paid program that includes 80 hours of formal classroom training each year, challenging assignments, accelerated promotions, and opportunities to network between agencies. Fellows are hired by agencies and given exposure to domestic and international issues in such areas as public administration, technology, science, criminal justice, health, and financial management. Fellows often use this experience as a stepping stone to highly visible and respected leadership positions in the Federal Government.

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About SSW (www.socialwork.columbia.edu)
For 110 years, the Columbia University School of Social Work has been a leader in social work practice and social policy. Located in New York City, the School offers Master’s and Doctoral programs which are nationally and internationally recognized for their excellence. With a signature curriculum and far-reaching field education options, the School continues to be at the forefront of clinical and community practice, social policy and social enterprise administration, education, research and social work innovation in the 21st Century.