WASHINGTON, August 5, 2020 – The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at the George Washington University announced the appointment of former U.S. Representatives Ryan Costello (R-Penn.) and Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) as GSPM Fellows for the 2020-21 academic year.
“Serving as a GSPM Fellow is a real honor given the program’s prestigious reputation and practical approach to teaching students how to most effectively advocate in the political spectrum,” Costello said. “I am very excited and look forward to an enriching experience interacting with the student body and faculty to provide my insights and experience.”
"I am excited to work with the diverse students of the George Washington University, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the future politicians and diplomats of our country,” Sanchez said.
Costello represented Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. He earned a reputation for reaching across the aisle during his two terms in Congress and was recognized as one of the ten most bipartisan members of Congress by Quorum Analytics in 2018. Costello served on the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veteran’s Affairs. He swiftly rose to important positions in the House GOP caucus, serving on the Republican whip team, and was a strong supporter of his Republican colleagues’ campaign efforts as Vice-Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Since leaving Congress, Costello has found success as a public policy and strategic communications consultant.
Sanchez proudly served the people of Southern California in Congress from 1997 to 2017, representing California’s 46th and 47th congressional districts. Throughout her tenure in the House of Representatives, Sanchez was recognized as one of Capitol Hill’s foremost leaders on national security issues and international affairs. She held important positions on the House Committees on Armed Services and Homeland Security and served as a U.S. voting member in the NATO Parliamentary Group. Sanchez also worked tirelessly to make a quality education available to all Americans and was at the forefront of the legislative effort to provide preschool to every American child. Following her departure from Capitol Hill, Sanchez served as an Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard University and is now a partner in the data management and analytics firm Datamatica.
"We are excited to have former Reps. Costello and Sanchez join us this coming academic year,” said GSPM director Dr. Lara Brown. “From representing constituents to serving one's party to running for office, their past experiences are certain to enrich our students' knowledge and understanding of state and national politics."
Costello and Sanchez join Reid Wilson, national correspondent for The Hill, as GSPM Fellows for the 2020-21 academic year. GSPM Fellows enrich the learning experience at our school in a number of ways, sharing the experiences and expertise they have gained throughout distinguished careers in politics and advocacy as guest lecturers, panel speakers, and case study contributors.
The Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University is the first and foremost school of applied politics, advocacy, and communications. For more information, visit gspm.gwu.edu. Connect with GSPM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @GSPMgwu.