The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized Chase Barnes, Cara Gannon, Brendan Laux, Madison Matera, Christine Moore, and Rachel Widom as recipients of the 2022 Local Government Early Career Certificate. These students graduate this spring with their Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration.
Chase Barnes is originally from Delaware but grew up in rural towns in Missouri and Pennsylvania. He has an undergraduate degree in political science from Columbia College. Chase served as a Local Government Management Fellow with the City of Dover during the summer of 2021, and now serves as a Legislative Fellow for the House Minority Caucus in the Delaware General Assembly. He is passionate about public service and will pursue a state or local government career after graduation.
Cara Gannon was born and raised in Delaware and graduated from the University of Delaware (UD) with a bachelor of arts in 2020. She also completed the UD Professional and Continuing Studies Paralegal Certificate Program. Cara served as a Legislative Fellow for two consecutive years, first working with the House Minority Caucus in 2020 and then with the Office of the Controller General in 2021. Cara was co-president of the UD ICMA Student Chapter for 2021–22 school year. After graduation, she plans to live in Wilmington, Delaware.
Brendan Laux received his bachelor of arts degree from UD in public policy and political science in 2020. He will receive his MPA degree with a concentration in data science, innovation, and evidence-based policy. He served as a research assistant on the education services team in the Institute for Public Administration (IPA). Brendan served as a Local Government Management Fellow with the City of Dewey Beach during the summer of 2020. He maintained student membership in ICMA, American Society for Public Administration, and Pi Alpha Alpha honor society. Brendan is originally from Parsippany, New Jersey, and will be returning to New Jersey after graduation to pursue a career as an innovative problem solver at the local level.
Madison Matera is from North Wilmington, Delaware. She received her undergraduate degree from UD in 2020, majoring in public policy and political science. Madison served as a Local Government Management Fellow with the City of Rehoboth Beach during the summer of 2021. She is currently a Legislative Fellow with the Delaware General Assembly. After the legislative session is over in July, she plans to find work in Philadelphia's policy/politics arena. Madison was a co-president of the UD ICMA Student Chapter for 2021–22 school year.
Christine Moore is from Bear, Delaware. She received her bachelor of arts in history from the University of Lynchburg. She served as a Local Government Management Fellow with the City of Lewes during the summer of 2021. Christine also worked as a Public Administration Fellow with IPA.
Rachel Widom is from Hockessin, Delaware. She received a bachelor of arts in public policy with a minor in business administration from UD. She will earn her MPA degree with a specialization in public management. She served as a Local Government Management Fellow with the Town of Smyrna during the summer of 2021. She plans to pursue work in public service upon graduating.
According to the ICMA website, the certificate “recognizes graduating students in good academic standing who have completed or are in the process of completing a major service project for a local government organization." The students were nominated for this award by Marcia Scott, the ICMA Student Chapter Faculty Advisor, for their outstanding demonstration of a strong commitment to local government.
