Eight Rollins Students and Alums Named Finalists of Presidential Management Fellows Program
By Shelby Crosier
Six Rollins MPH and PhD students, as well as two alums, have been selected as finalists for the 2024 class of Presidential Management Fellows (PMF). They join a total of 825 finalists who were selected from a pool of over 7,000 applicants worldwide.
“We take immense pride in our finalists chosen for this esteemed training and leadership program,” says Roger Presswood, director of professional development. “They are poised to ascend as the next generation of leaders, shaping the future and creating significant impact while serving within the federal government. As they embark on this exhilarating new career journey, we are very excited to follow their accomplishments and successes as alumni of Rollins.”
About the Finalists
The 2024 Rollins PMF finalists include MPH students Keren Bard, Elle Chumlongluk, Meghna Ray, Grace Tierney, and Joshua Wolfe; PhD candidate Erin Rogers; and alums Lovette Ekwebelem and My Nguyen.
“Upon receiving the news that I was selected as a finalist, I had to reread the email a few times because I was so shocked and excited,” says Ray. “I feel privileged to be chosen for this opportunity, and I am eager to make a meaningful impact on public health through it.”
This group of students and alums represent the Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences; the Department of Epidemiology; the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health; the Department of Health Policy and Management; and the Hubert Department of Global Health. Although the finalists come to this prestigious program with different backgrounds, varied academic disciplines, and diverse experiences, they are united by a common goal: to serve the public and make an impact on communities across the country.
“The PMF program has always been a dream of mine,” says Chumlongluk. “With a profound passion for public service and a commitment to making a difference in my community, particularly in the realm of public health, the program aligns seamlessly with my career aspirations and values.”
About PMF
The PMF program is the federal government’s premier leadership development program, now in its 46th year, which recruits advanced degree holders and develops them into federal government leaders.
Once selected, PMF finalists have one year to interview with federal agencies and find a placement as a Presidential Management Fellow. Fellows are appointed to two-year, full-time positions in agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. After two years of experiential learning, cohort-based interactive training, and rotational experiences, 87% of fellows continue in positions within the federal government.
“I am hoping to gain mentorship and specific leadership training as a fellow,” says Bard. “The PMF is geared toward new graduates and incorporates extensive professional development, which I am hopeful will support a solid foundation to my career.”
