The LBJ School of Public Affairs is proud to welcome the newest cohort of Executive Master of Public Leadership (EMPL) students. On June 11, twenty-one accomplished professionals began the 12-month program, united by a shared commitment to public service and leadership. Designed for working professionals, the EMPL program’s flexible format allows students to balance full-time jobs while applying what they learn in real time, advancing both their education and careers.
Learn more about the unique stories, backgrounds, motivations and aspirations of some of the new students.
Kyrah McCowan
Kyrah McCowan’s career has taken her from the football fields of the SEC to the frontlines of collegiate athletics leadership. Currently Director of Football Administration and Program Relations at the University of Texas, McCowan brings more than a decade of experience working under legendary coaches, athletic directors and university presidents, shaping high-performing athletic programs and mentoring student-athletes.
McCowan’s journey has been driven by risk-taking, mentorship and resilience. “Tennessee made me, but LA raised me,” she said, recounting her transformative leap from the University of Tennessee to USC, where she built a career that spanned Olympic sports, football publicity and operations. Her work has taken her around the world, introduced her to leaders from every industry and earned her an ESPY Award.
McCowan says the EMPL program offers her an opportunity to further develop her skills and passion for leadership, diplomacy and public service while navigating a demanding travel schedule.
“There’s never a perfect time, you just jump and learn to fly as you go,” she said.
McCowan is already applying her EMPL coursework to a class she initially underestimated. Public Leadership Ethics has become a favorite, giving her a new lens into bias, decision-making and leadership responsibility. With a high-stakes, fast-paced sports background, McCowan brings a valuable perspective to her cohort: one grounded in adaptability, high performance and perseverance.
Tim Woolen
A seasoned technology leader with a background in AI, cloud architecture and ethical tech deployment, Tim Woolen brings over a decade of experience aligning innovation with compliance, governance and public impact. Currently serving as a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, Woolen is deeply engaged in promoting responsible AI practices and leads cross-functional initiatives that drive digital transformation at scale.
Woolen joined the EMPL program to move from building tech solutions to shaping the policies that govern them.
“I want to evolve from architecting solutions to influencing the public systems and policies that determine how technology serves communities,” he said.
He sees the program’s blend of ethics, policy and leadership as critical to preparing for advisory or appointed roles where he can drive equitable and responsible tech adoption.
Through the EMPL program, Woolen aims to deepen his ability to lead at the intersection of innovation and public service. He plans to immediately apply lessons to his current role, especially in guiding clients on responsible AI adoption, digital equity and governance.
“This program will help me align my career with a broader public purpose,” Woolen said.
Woolen brings a unique perspective to the cohort, one grounded in technology and ethics, with a passion for civic impact. He is particularly excited about learning from fellow professionals and engaging in real-world problem solving across sectors.
Ada Mariela Ortega
With more than ten years of experience across government, political communications, nonprofits and corporate affairs, Ada Mariela Ortega’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to public service and community engagement. Raised in the Rio Grande Valley and educated in Washington, D.C., Ortega began her career as a media specialist at the Texas Capitol and has since served as Press Secretary to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Regional Press Secretary for the Texas Democratic Party.
Today, Ortega is the Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. Her decision to join the EMPL program stems from a desire to deepen her leadership and policy skills to amplify her impact.
“The LBJ School has an incredible legacy of public service, and as a proud Tejana, I knew this was the right program for me,” Ortega said. “This program offers the tools, perspective and network I need to take the next step in my career and make an even greater impact in the communities I serve.”
Ortega plans to apply her learnings directly to her work, particularly in leading with clarity, forming stronger partnerships and driving initiatives that serve diverse communities. She is especially looking forward to courses like Leading Strategic Change and the chance to collaborate with a service-minded, experienced cohort.
With a career spanning cities and sectors across Texas, Ortega brings to the cohort a rich understanding of representation, public engagement and the power of community-centered leadership.
John Meredith
John Meredith brings a distinguished academic and professional background to EMPL eleventh cohort. An attorney and educator, Meredith holds degrees from the University of North Georgia, Georgia Tech, Baylor Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School. His experience includes executive and legal leadership roles at law firms and nonprofits and serving as a professor of public relations at Houston Christian University.
Since starting the EMPL program, Meredith has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer at Wright Close & Barger law firm in Houston. He enrolled at the LBJ School to deepen his leadership acumen and contribute meaningfully to future scholarship.
“My primary goals include learning more about leadership so I can write and teach at the college level,” he said.
He views the program’s focus on leadership, ethics and strategic planning as directly relevant to both his current role and his broader mission. He is particularly excited about the executive coaching and writing components, which align with his academic and professional goals.
A unique highlight of Meredith’s perspective is his prior coursework under Dr. Ron Heifetz, whose leadership frameworks anchor the EMPL curriculum. His capstone will build on his nonprofit experience, with a focus on expanding youth mentorship. With a clear public service mission, Meredith brings thoughtful, multidisciplinary insight to the cohort.
Learn more about the Executive Master of Public Leadership. Applications open September 1.