Why I Serve

Public Service Recognition Week 2025

Why I Serve

In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, we’re sharing what inspires our team members.

Whether behind the scenes or on the front lines, our faculty and staff are making a difference.

They work closely with government and community leaders to build stronger communities, drive economic success, and improve quality of life across Georgia.

Here are some of the reasons why they serve.

**Emily Schattler,** Infrastructure and Community Resilience

**Emily Schattler,** Infrastructure and Community Resilience

“I believe in the power of community and the strength of connection. I find joy and purpose in knowing my work has meaning.

Serving Georgia is an opportunity to foster lasting, positive change in the state that I love most.

As a proud Georgia native, I have a personal stake in helping our state and its people thrive.

We build stronger, more resilient communities, and our success is measured by the lives we touch.

We enrich lives, build trust, and serve as a bridge between UGA and society, drawing on Georgia’s incredible spirit to strengthen the fabric of its communities.”

“I am motivated by the opportunity to create lasting impact in communities across Georgia

through the work I do within Public Service and Outreach.

Public service has allowed me to combine my passion for helping others with the skills I gained through my MPA degree to build stronger relationships with our partners and provide them with the support needed to build more resilient local governments.

At the Institute of Government, I am proud to provide support to government officials who are actively shaping the future of our state by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to serve their communities well.”

**Christina M. Collins,** Government Training, Education and Development

**Christina M. Collins,** Government Training, Education and Development

**Dan Lasseter,** Government Services and Research

**Dan Lasseter,** Government Services and Research

“I’m driven by a deep commitment to developing Georgia’s human resources professionals

through leadership assessments, executive coaching, public safety testing, certification programs, and policy restructuring.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this work transforms workplaces, builds stronger teams, and promotes fairness and transparency across the state.

The impact of these programs — developing stronger leaders and more effective systems — elevates both our workforce and public services. Watching government professionals grow in confidence and drive meaningful change reinforces my commitment to both the university and the State of Georgia.”

**Kaitlin M. Messich,** Infrastructure and Community Resilience

**Kaitlin M. Messich,** Infrastructure and Community Resilience

“Helping Georgia communities create brand strategies continues to transform me.

I am grateful to be able to do this work and continue to learn ways to help communities prosper.

Every community has a unique story, and our branding process encourages public engagement to reflect that authentic character.

Smart branding enhances a community’s goals — whether it’s tourism, economic development, or improving quality of life.

Creating a strategic branding helps cities, counties, and regions communicate what makes Georgia a wonderful place to live.

When our communities thrive, we all win.”

**Tim Collings,** Survey Research and Evaluation Support

**Tim Collings,** Survey Research and Evaluation Support

“I’m lucky to have been in public service for the entirety of my career. It started with a simple question – 'If I have the chance to spend this much of my time for others, why would I not take that opportunity?' That idea has connected me with more places, people, and experiences than I could have imagined.

Since joining the Carl Vinson Institute of Government in 2019, I’ve been truly amazed at the innovation, creativity and dedication my team within the Survey Research and Evaluation Support has brought to help Georgia face its toughest challenges. My work as a Business Analyst helps them to always do their best, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.

Working at the Institute feels like a true culmination of the best
of what public service
has to offer,

and I am beyond excited to see what my colleagues will accomplish in the future.”

**Taylor Hafley,** Workforce and Economic Development

**Taylor Hafley,** Workforce and Economic Development

“UGA Public Service and Outreach helps people and communities across Georgia.

At the Institute of Government, I am lucky to get to help government leaders and decision-makers address their questions about the populations and communities they serve.

State agencies and local governments encounter complex challenges, and I am fortunate to collaborate with a group of individuals dedicated to helping elected officials and public servants make informed decisions.

This is an exciting place to work because we apply knowledge and conduct research on real-world issues and problems that do not always have straightforward solutions.

Seeing a project come together and help a government partner reach new insights on a long-standing challenge makes this work rewarding.”

“Development should reflect what a community wants and needs. At the same time, with limited resources, investments need to simultaneously address many needs and goals.

Through the Defense Community Resilience Program, we work with military installations and related civilian communities to build on existing assets and opportunities to develop projects that address economic, environmental, and community needs. These partnerships leverage our unique abilities in UGA Public Service and Outreach to connect them with the necessary resources to

bolster long-term prosperity and success for the entire state.”

**J. Scott Pippin**, Defense Community Resilience Program

**J. Scott Pippin**, Defense Community Resilience Program

**James Byars,** Data Analysis and Visualization

**James Byars,** Data Analysis and Visualization Manager

“Working in Public Service and Outreach at the Institute of Government allows our team to

connect academic expertise and technology with real-world challenges facing Georgians.

The ability to collaborate with external and internal partners to design, build, and deploy tailored technical solutions provides a rewarding opportunity to see how our work is meaningful and useful for supporting excellence in state and local governance.

Collaborating with and mentoring passionate colleagues and students continues to be enriching and intellectually stimulating.”

About the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government

Founded in 1927, the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government informs, innovates, and inspires so that governments, large and small, can be more efficient and responsive, address current and emerging challenges, and serve the public with excellence. As an integral part of the University of Georgia’s public service and outreach mission, the Institute of Government’s faculty, staff, and students work every day to provide the highest quality educational programing, on-the-ground assistance, and innovative tools that equip government leaders, build stronger communities, inspire economic success, and improve quality of life throughout the state of Georgia.