Alan Thomas (MPAff '94) specialized in national security at the LBJ School before he became a federal political appointee. Thomas ultimately became an operating executive with more than 25 years of delivering mission-critical programs, championing large-scale digital transformation initiatives, and building deep functional expertise in acquisition and procurement. Thomas is currently the chief solutions officer at Leadership Connect, a vital service in relationship-building for policymakers and public sector professionals nationwide.
Tell us about your experience at the LBJ School.
AT: It was a great two years that prepared me for a career in the federal government.
Tell us about your professional journey after you left the LBJ School.
AT: I started my career as a presidential management fellow and from there I've been splitting time between the public and private sectors at the federal level focused on acquisition and technology.
What is one skill you learned at the LBJ School that you still use in your professional career today?
AT: The ability to understand the interplay between good politics and good policy making.
What advice would you give current students as they prepare to graduate and go out into the policy arena?
AT: Combine your interest in policy with a solid understanding of how resources are planned for and spent. Getting the policy outcome you want usually involves money and people.
What was your most treasured memory from your time at the LBJ School?
AT: The Follies and Tom Keel calling roll to take attendance at the start of every class, "How are you going to make a difference if you don't show up?" Keel was the former director of the Legislative Budget Board (1967-1982), vice chancellor of the UT System (1983-1990), and former faculty member of the LBJ School of Public Affairs (1990-2004).