MPA student Jack Cascone was selected by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) as a 2021 Founders’ Fellow.

The Department of Public Administration is pleased to announce that MPA student Jack Cascone was selected by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) as a 2021 Founders’ Fellow. He is among 23 outstanding students and new professionals chosen for the award from an international pool of applicants in the field of public service and public administration.

Nominated by Professor Tom Skuzinski, with unanimous support from the MPA faculty, his nomination letter explains, “Jack has consistently demonstrated a very high level of professionalism and potential. His academic record is exemplary, and the quality of his written and oral communication in individual and team projects is excellent.” He quickly sees linkages between theory and practice, and is able to engage meaningfully and innovatively with the complex challenges facing public administration.

Jack submitted a personal statement and essay describing what he considered the most significant challenge facing public service today--mistrust in government. His essay was inspired by his experiences in his personal and professional life and his interest in politics, communication and good public governance. Jack described how he felt about his future career in public service, “I want to assist in being the bridge between politics and administration. I want to show my communities that there should be an unbreakable link between those who vote on policy and those who create policy. Public and political trust in our public institutions, agencies and servants must be restored.”

Jack is well regarded by his peers, and has served as the NIU ICMA student chapter Vice President of Communication, Treasurer, and Liaison to IAMMA. He has served as the administrative intern for the Village of Lincolnshire since the fall of 2019 and has excelled when placed in leadership roles in budgeting, community engagement, and community rebranding. Lincolnshire Village Manager Brad Burke describes Jack’s performance this way, “Jack identified opportunities to improve Lincolnshire’s communications efforts and played a direct role in expanding the reach and increasing community engagement on Lincolnshire’s social media platforms. In the early days of the pandemic, Jack was instrumental in developing and executing a communication plan to keep the community informed of changing public health guidance and at the same time deploying specific social media campaigns to encourage and foster community connectedness during a time of isolation.”

Elves Marc Facchini and Jack Cascone (on right) reach out to residents of Lincolnshire at the Village’s Holly Jolly Holiday Drive-Thru special event in December 2020.

As a Founders’ Fellow, Jack is looking forward to presenting his research at the national conference in April, attending personalized professional development events throughout the year, and publishing an article in PA Times Online. Jack’s winning essay can be seen below. Jack will receive a complimentary 2021 Annual Conference registration, a year-long mentorship with a seasoned practitioner or senior scholar, and professional development opportunities throughout his year as an ASPA Fellow.