A Call to Leadership in Public Service
Leading with Professionalism and Purpose in Turbulent Times
June 4–5, 2026 | Icona Hotel, Avalon NJ
This in-person seminar brings together EMPA alumni for a focused, reflective conversation on public leadership during turbulent times and the critical role of implementation in governing.
Through moderated discussions with senior public service leaders and practitioner-led sessions, participants will explore professional responsibility, institutional resilience, and why passing a policy or law is only the beginning of effective public service. The program emphasizes leadership across the full policy lifecycle—from decision-making to execution—grounded in real-world experience.
Participation is limited to 20 alumni to support meaningful dialogue and peer exchange. Registration is first-come, first-served and closes on May 1.
The full seminar experience includes breakfast, lunch, the Annual EMPA Alumni Reception (5:00–7:00 p.m.), and overnight accommodations on June 4.
Registration fee: $500
Alumni wishing to participate without hotel accommodations may register for the daytime session (including breakfast, lunch, and the Annual EMPA Alumni Reception).
If you have not previously taken a non-credit course at Rutgers, you will need to create an account to register for this seminar.
Seminar Faculty
Faculty Lead
Dr. Dorothy Olshfski, Professor Emerita, has shaped the leadership thinking of many EMPA alumni through her teaching in public management and organizational leadership. Widely respected for her engaging seminar style and ability to connect theory to practice, she brings decades of experience helping public service professionals reflect more deeply on their roles and responsibilities.
Alumni Practitioner Facilitators
Jack Molenaar (EMPA Cohort 1) brings decades of public service experience and a deep understanding of the evolution of the EMPA program. As a member of the program’s inaugural cohort, he offers a seasoned practitioner’s perspective on leadership, institutional responsibility, and the realities of translating policy into practice.
Alex Ambrose (EMPA Cohort 13) represents a newer generation of EMPA leadership and brings current, hands-on experience navigating policy implementation in today’s complex public sector environment. His perspective bridges contemporary practice with the analytical foundation of the EMPA curriculum.
