2017 GPA EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board of GPA meets weekly to discuss upcoming events, the status of each of the branches, and internal affairs. It consists of five elected GPA officers, three appointed GPA officers, and the heads of each of the three branches.
Whitney stewart- pRESIDENT
Whitney is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in International Relations and double minoring in Modern Middle Eastern Studies and Consumer Psychology. She served as the 2015-16 National Youth of the Year and Teen Spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In this role, she represented the organization’s 4 million youth and met with leaders like Attorney General Loretta Lynch and President Barack Obama. On campus, she is involved with the Global Impact Collaborative and the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association. In her spare time, she enjoys going to concerts, performing spoken word poetry, and reading anything written by Toni Morrison. Feel free to reach out anytime to chat or grab coffee!
Ryan furey - vice president internal
Ryan is a sophomore (Class of 2019) in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Political Science and Communication. Originally from a small town in Western New York, Ryan served as the President of the Student Council and the Vice-President of the Model United Nations Club. His passion for government and debate was ignited through his involvement Model United Nations in school and through his internship at the Niagara County Legislature. Ryan is excited to be serving on the GPA board as a freshman and looks forward to further shaping his political beliefs through involvement in the club. Ryan enjoys spending his free time exercising at the Pottruck fitness center, waging a heated political debate with a friend, or waiting impatiently for Buffalo sports teams to become relevant again.
James hiebert - VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL
James Hiebert is a sophomore (Class of 2019) majoring in Communications and Economics, with particular interest in labor politics. Born and raised just west of Philadelphia, James has worked at the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and hopes to continue to work in state politics. He has served as the chair of the Whig Caucus, an editor of the Penn Spectrum (RIP) and the producer of Penn’s premier political radio talk show The Divided Line. In his free time, James enjoys doing crossword puzzles and reading.
Elena hoffman- treasurer
Elena Hoffman is a freshman planning to double major in Political Science and Communications & Public Service with a language certificate in Arabic. This past semester, Elena served as the Deputy Treasurer, and was recently elected to serve as the GPA Treasurer for the 2017 term. Apart from the Government and Politics Association, Elena serves as a New Student Representative on the Penn Undergraduate Assembly, where she is a member of the Dining, Facilities, and Sustainability Committee along with the Communications Team. She also sits on the Penn Residential Services Advisory Board, and serves as a deputy board member on PennDems and a floor representative for Stouffer College House’s Steering Committee. Additionally, she plans to join a sorority. She hails from San Diego, California, and loves adventures, puppies, and sleeping. Throughout this term, Elena hopes to increase GPA funding sources and donations as well as making the reimbursement process easier to navigate. If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please feel free to reach out to her at elenaho@sas.upenn.edu.
Hayley boote - SECRETARY
Hayley is a freshman (Class of 2020) in the College planning to major in Urban Studies and Political Science. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, she is a proud Pennsylvanian and Philly sports fanatic. She is primarily interested in education and healthcare policy. Apart from her role as Secretary in Penn's Government and Politics Association, she also sits on the boards of Penn for Youth Debate and Penn Circle K. She is also an active member of Penn's Association for Gender Equity. In her free time, Hayley enjoys going skiing and playing with her two golden retrievers.
Dakota jones - CONSUL OF THE POLYBIAN SOCIETY
Dakota is a sophomore in the College studying PPE and History. Raised in Alaska, he enjoys telling people that he lived in an igloo to see how many people actually believe him. In addition to his involvement in the society, Dakota also acts as a volunteer coach with Penn for Youth Debate. When he’s not discussing international relations or Alaska politics, you can find him rooting loudly for the Toronto Maple Leafs, drinking copious amounts of black coffee, or reading The Economist.
cornell overfield - SPEAKER OF THE PENN POLITICAL UNION
Cornell Overfield is a Junior (2018) majoring in International Relations and History. Cornell has a passion for international affairs and foreign policy and his appreciation of pragmatic policies contributed to his decision to help found the Whig Caucus. Outside of the Union, he is the Deobfuscator for the Polybian Society. In his spare time, Cornell can be found running, playing grand strategy games and deciding which ink to load up in his fountain pens. He can be reached by email at coverfield@sas.upenn.edu.
|
|
Elizabeth peng - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE penn political review
Elizabeth Peng is a junior (Class of 2018) studying Finance and Legal Studies in The Wharton School and Anthropology in the College. Within the political realm, she is especially interested in comparative systems of law, the global economy, race relations and cultural conflict, and of course, political journalism. Other interests include the art market (and antiquities trade) and capital markets. In addition to serving as the Editor-in-Chief of PPR, she sits on the Executive Board of the Clio Society and enjoys volunteering with Penn Weekend Service. A Northern California native, she loves trying out new health and lifestyle trends as well as reading through a copious amount of blogs and newsletters.
Delaney keenan - DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Delaney Keenan is a freshman (Class of 2020) and Benjamin Franklin Scholar in the College of Arts & Sciences planning to study political science and history. She is originally from a small town outside of Toronto, Canada. Delaney is interested in the American political system, theories surrounding political polarization, constitutional law, and international institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union. In addition to her involvement with the GPA, Delaney works at the Penn Law School and does research work with a political science professor. In her spare time, Delaney loves a good novel or binge watching Netflix, and she is an aspiring world traveler and lawyer. She loves to talk about anything Canadian, including Tim Hortons, universal healthcare, and Toronto’s very own Drake.
Julia lesko - director of Membership
Julia Lesko is a freshman (Class of 2020) that is not yet sure what to study. She is interested in environmental science, business, and politics, and at this moment can vaguely say she is hoping to get involved with the renewable energy industry after graduation. Born in Boston and raised in Florida, Julia thoroughly enjoys the Philadelphia weather and the city atmosphere. Prior to becoming the Director of Membership, Julia served as a Deputy Director of Membership. She is also a member of the Polybian Society and is involved with the Fossil Free Penn campaign as the Policy Coordinator.
Phoebe ruggles - director of public relations
Phoebe is a sophomore (Class of 2019) majoring in Health & Societies, concentrating in Health Policy and Law, and is pursuing minors in History and South Asia Studies. Hailing from the small farming town of Ferndale on the north coast of California, Phoebe’s an outdoorsy gal with a love for Redwood trees and has deep roots in agriculture. A strong believer in the power of rural America, Phoebe loves discussing agriculture policy. Outside of GPA, Phoebe is on the club equestrian team, a brother of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, volunteers at Bartram’s Gardens, and does research in health communications. She will gladly share her small town antics with you over coffee!
