The following article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 edition of Public Administration Today, a newsletter for Post University’s Master of Public Administration students.
Gary Evans has been named MPA Student of the Year. After completing his Capstone project, Gary wasted no time in putting his degree to good use. Within a few months, he was named town manager for the town of Wethersfield, CT. Even before he graduated, Gary had a vision and a plan for his future and was working to achieve it.
Before leaving for Wethersfield, Gary worked in municipal and community development for the city of New Britain, CT and as the director of community development and special projects for the city of Norwich, CT. He has also worked as the director of Community Development, Housing and Asset Building for Co-opportunity Inc. in Hartford, CT, a nonprofit agency involved in community and residential development and financial and credit counseling.
Given Gary’s background, it is not surprising that in his Capstone project, “Addressing Blight: An Analysis of the City of New Britain, Connecticut’s Response to a Systemic Problem” he proposed a plan to prevent the spread of blight in an effort to address an eroding tax base and improve residents’ quality of life.
In addition to being an excellent and driven student, Gary’s career is a study in public service and commitment to the common good. He has commented to his classmates that, “I see my position and future role as helping to bring about change that can be impactful in ensuring the progress of cities.”
Gary is an alumnus of whom we can all be proud, not only for his scholarship and professional success but also for devoting time to mentor an MPA student with less experience in the field.
Post University and the MPA faculty congratulate Gary on his achievements and commitment to public service in the finest tradition of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education.