The LBJ School of Public Affairs proudly welcomes the newest cohort of Executive Master of Public Leadership (EMPL) students. Twenty-one dedicated professionals will begin their 12-month master's program on June 7, equipped with a solid foundation and a collective commitment to tackling the challenges of public leadership. The program's flexible format allows them to balance their studies with full-time jobs, seamlessly integrating coursework into their busy lives. This approach enables them to gain valuable knowledge and skills, which they can immediately apply to their professional roles, simultaneously advancing their education and careers.
Learn more about the unique stories, backgrounds, motivations and aspirations of some of the new students.
Melissa Drexler
With a Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing, graduate coursework in education and many Texas teaching certifications, Melissa Drexler boasts a rich educational and professional background. With over a decade of experience teaching business professionals in Germany and 12 years in K-12 classrooms in Texas, she now serves as a Leadership and Organizational Development Training Coordinator and Instructor for the Governor’s Center for Management Development.
Driven by a desire to enhance her leadership skills and make a tangible impact, Drexler is pursuing the EMPL program. She envisions the knowledge gained from this program directly influencing her current role and her engagements with organizations like the National Council of Jewish Women and the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas. “My primary goal is to learn and gain practical knowledge to become an inspiring leader within my organization and beyond,” she said.
With a strategic vision in mind, Drexler plans to apply the skills and knowledge acquired from the EMPL program to her current role by spearheading strategic change initiatives, forging partnerships and managing risks. Additionally, she aims to expand the program’s reach to include Texas state agencies and Austin nonprofit organizations, aiming for a broader impact. Drexler’s unique multilingual and multiethnic background and extensive international experience bring a valuable perspective to her cohort. Furthermore, her personal milestone of graduating alongside her son, who is a senior at UT Austin, adds a special touch to her EMPL journey, highlighting the importance of education and family.
Robert Golias
Robert Golias brings a wealth of experience from his 13 years in the Army National Guard, where he served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Officer. While in the Guard, he also worked as a defense contractor throughout the Middle East before transitioning to federal civilian service in 2020. As a federal civilian, Golias has focused on security and antiterrorism efforts at the 3 and 4-star level Command.
Motivated by the guidance of his peers, supervisors and mentors, Golias aims to refine his leadership techniques and advance his federal service career through the EMPL program. "My goal is to be shaped into the best version of myself through instruction, coaching, mentoring and hard work," he explains, committed to empowering others to reach their full potential.
With a keen eye on positively influencing his work environment and seeking positions of increased responsibility, Golias emphasizes, "Our organization is a leader in managing change and focusing the priorities of the Army. I want to be part of that change." His roles as an enlisted Soldier, Junior Officer, Private Contractor and Federal Civilian showcase his unique breadth of experience, positioning him to leverage the EMPL program to gain new perspectives and advance his career aspirations through enterprise-level leadership methods.
David Budnik
David Budnik brings a wealth of experience to the EMPL program. Currently serving as the General Manager at Promotora Rentero Property Management, he has 30 years of private sector experience in various audit and finance positions before advancing to general manager positions. Over the last decade, he has also held leadership roles at nonprofit organizations.
Motivated to gain a public sector perspective, Budnik emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between the private sector and government. He envisions the EMPL program helping him achieve his career aspirations by providing a comprehensive skill set in negotiation, communication, data analysis and strategic thinking. Budnik's decision to choose the EMPL program was clear-cut, as he highlights, "The school's reputation, quality of the program, content and faculty, as well as it being an executive program, made it the obvious choice among the available options."
Budnik's insights into the symbiotic relationship between nonprofits and government services offer a fresh perspective to the cohort. With a nuanced understanding of US-Mexico business dynamics, he is poised to facilitate cross-border interactions. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Budnik looks forward to learning from his peers and faculty, emphasizing, "I am thankful for the opportunity to join the program, meet the cohort, learn from them and the faculty and get a better toolkit to do good on both sides of our shared border."
Kyle Hartmann
Kyle Hartmann has served as Justice of the Peace in Pct. 1 of Fayette County since November 2018 and has also volunteered as a faculty member for the Texas Justice Court Training Center for the past three years. His enduring passion for education led him to research various programs across the state, ultimately finding that the EMPL program was the perfect fit for his aspirations.
Hartmann aims to become a more effective public servant, gain new insights and enhance his leadership capabilities. He hopes EMPL will equip him with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve in a larger capacity and better serve his constituents. He is particularly excited about learning from the distinguished faculty at the LBJ School and collaborating with his fellow cohort members, who he believes are a diverse group of passionate leaders. "One of the main reasons I chose EMPL is its immediate real-world application. I plan to integrate the strategies and skills I gain from the program into my office as I learn them," he explained.
In addition to his extensive experience in county government, Hartmann brings the perspective of serving a rural community to the cohort. He believes the EMPL program's impact will be profound, extending beyond just obtaining a degree. "The knowledge, skills and relationships with both faculty and my cohort will prove invaluable to progressing my career in public service," he concludes.
Jennifer Zoghby
Jennifer Zoghby's professional journey encompasses diverse roles, from political engagement to advocacy and non-profit board service. Her dedication to causes such as voting rights, gun violence prevention, and disability rights underscores her commitment to effecting positive change. Currently serving as President and Board Chair of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, she is poised to expand her impact by launching a pro bono lobbying practice to address pressing societal issues.
In pursuing an EMPL degree, Zoghby seeks to fortify her leadership skills and strategic policy acumen. She notes, "Serving as President and Board Chair of Girl Scouts of Central Texas during a pivotal time for our organization requires advanced leadership skills and strategic policy knowledge, which the EMPL program will provide." Her primary goals revolve around further developing her capacity for public service and advocacy, focusing on empowering marginalized communities.
Zoghby's unique background as a Latina from the Texas-Mexico border informs her perspective and underscores her commitment to empowering diverse viewpoints. She aspires to become a more effective board leader and lobbyist, equipped with the tools to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive transformative initiatives. Through the EMPL program, Zoghby aims to cultivate a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy and social responsibility, championing the well-being of all individuals.