Alumni Achievement Award

Every year, the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) gathers to celebrate the success of our alumni. We honor those who exemplify GSPM’s values through their career accomplishments, contributions back to their communities, GSPM, or GW.

2018 Alumni Achievement Award Winners

Rochelle Dornatt

Rochelle Dornatt is the former Chief of Staff for former Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and former Rep. Tom Sawyer (D-Ohio). Dornatt was a mainstay on Capitol Hill for more than 35 years and a trailblazer for women in the halls of Congress. Dornatt took on a diverse array of roles throughout her political career, from opposition research to campaign organizing to staff management. She is best known for serving as Rep. Farr's chief of staff for 24 years and earned a reputation as a highly effective legislative manager and a tireless advocate for female staffers on Capitol Hill.

Ben Fallon

Ben Fallon is the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Legislative Affairs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He serves as the primary liaison between the ODNI and Congress. Fallon began his career as a staffer for former Sen. Al D'Amato (R-N.Y.) and former Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.) before taking on legislative affairs roles in the State Department and the White House. Prior to joining the ODNI, Fallon spent ten years at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in a variety of communications and congressional relations roles.

Raul Damas

Raul Damas is a partner at Brunswick Group, an international corporate advisory firm. Before joining Brunswick, Damas spent a decade at the highest levels of the pharmaceutical industry, including six years as a Senior Director of Worldwide Media Relations and U.S. Policy at Pfizer. Prior to entering the pharmaceutical field, Damas made his mark on politics by founding the polling and communications firm Latino Opinions, taking on the role of National Coalitions Director at the Republican National Committee, and serving as Associate Director of Political Affairs in the George W. Bush Administration.

Previous Alumni Achievement Award Winners

2017

Lindsey Schuh Cortés, Class of 2007, CEO of BlueLabs, Former Director of Strategic Partnerships and Deputy Political Director at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Barrett Karr, Class of 2000, Chief of Staff for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Former Deputy Assistant for Legislative Affairs for President George W. Bush

Elizabeth "Liz" Reicherts, Class of 2000, Vice President of Government Affairs at Siemens

2016

Janelle Brevard, Class of 2001, Director of Communications and Government Affairs at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Senior Advisor and Speechwriter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice

Stephanie Schriock, Class of 1997, President of EMILY's List, Campaign Manager Al Franken for Senate, Campaign Manager Jon Tester for Senate

Paul Jung, M.D., Class of 2006, Senior Advisor to the Indian Health Service, former Acting Director of the Commissioned Corps Headquarters at the Office of the Surgeon General

2015

Traci Scott, Class of 1996, Founder, Green Dress Project, Regional Liaison Officer, Commanding General 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas

Robert Hoopes, Class of 1992, President, VOX Global, General Manager, FleishmanHillard Washington, DC office, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Joe Biden during 2012 Democratic National Convention

E. Ivan Zapien, Class of 1995, Founder of Zapien Ventures, former Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica

2014

Karen Makishima, Class of 2001, Representative of the Kanagawa 17th District, House of Representatives, National Diet of Japan

Matthew Chase, Class of 1998, Executive Director, National Association of Counties

Todd Webster, Class of 1996, Vice President, Cornerstone Government Affairs, former Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, D-Del.

2013

Anne Caprara, Class of 2003, Political Director, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

Matt Rhoades, Class of 1999, Founder, CEO and Founder, America Rising