The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs has announced that Karen Gahl-Mills and Matthew Baggetta will serve as co-directors of the O’Neill Center for Leadership in Public Service. Together, they will guide the center’s strategic vision, academic programming, and initiative design to prepare the next generation of ethical public leaders.
Gahl-Mills, a professor of practice, brings decades of senior executive experience across nonprofit management, arts administration, and public sector leadership. Baggetta, an associate professor, is a leading scholar whose research focuses on civic organizations, social movements, and voluntary associations. Their paired leadership bridges rigorous empirical scholarship with high-level executive practice.
“Effective public leadership requires both deep analytical insight and practical executive skill,” said David Audretsch, interim dean of the O’Neill School. “Karen and Matt are the perfect combination to empower students and practitioners to tackle complex societal challenges with integrity, collaboration, and purpose while developing the next generation of leaders.”
As co-directors, Gahl-Mills and Baggetta will focus on expanding student leadership programming and strengthening community-engaged scholarship.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our careers is watching our students put research-based lessons from our classrooms into practice in the world—and really make a difference,” Baggetta said. “Directing the O’Neill Leadership Center will allow us to achieve that outcome at a larger scale.”
Under their joint direction, the center will enhance its position as a hub for leadership development, practical policy application, and civic engagement.
“We are excited to put our talents to use to help strengthen the work of current and future public service leaders,” said Gahl-Mills.