The 2024–2025 academic year is fast approaching, and the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management is thrilled to announce the addition of new contributors to our esteemed program. As we prepare to welcome a fresh cohort of students, we are excited about the diverse perspectives and expertise that these new contributors will bring. Their involvement will enhance our curriculum and provide invaluable insights into the dynamic field of political management.
Our program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in political offices, advocacy, and public affairs, and the inclusion of these contributors underscores our commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience. We look forward to an enriching year filled with engaging discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative learning opportunities that will empower our students to make meaningful contributions to the political landscape.
Program Director
As of July 1, 2024, the MPM program is proud to announce the appointment of André Turcotte as the new interim Program Director. André, who previously served as the program’s Founding Graduate Supervisor, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program’s mission and objectives. His transition into this role is anticipated to be seamless, given his extensive knowledge and commitment to the advancement of the program.
Instructors
The MPM program proudly offers a curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and practical application of course content, ensuring that students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of political management. This commitment to real-world relevance is further enhanced by the involvement of distinguished leaders in their respective fields, who bring invaluable insights and expertise to the classroom.
This year, we are excited to welcome two new instructors to our program, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enrich our students’ educational journey. Their diverse backgrounds and specialized skills will not only broaden the scope of our curriculum but also provide students with unique perspectives on contemporary issues in political management.
POLM 5906 Special Topics in Political Management: Digital Campaigns for Government Relations
Program Fellows
The MPM program excels in preparing students for real-world roles on Parliament Hill, in government relations, campaign management, advocacy, and lobbying. This is made possible by the additional support of our Program Fellows. Fellows are experts in some area of political management, either as scholars or as practitioners (including, but not limited to, experience in political offices, on political campaigns, in government relations, public affairs, public opinion research, media, and public service). They engage with the program through guest lectures, student mentoring, networking support, program events, advising the program committee, and often teaching special topics courses. This year we welcome back five Program Fellows and introduce four new appointments, further enriching the learning experience for students.
Émilie Foster – Adjunct Professor
Megan Leslie – WWF Canada
Aaron Wherry – CBC
Sabina Saini – Boston Consulting Group
The involvement of these experienced professionals ensures that students receive practical insights and develop valuable connections in the field of political management, enhancing their preparedness for future careers in this dynamic sector.
Practitioner-in-Residence
The MPM program appoints a Practitioner-in-Residence on a one-year term to support students, faculty, and the progression of the program. A PIR contributes to the classroom as an instructor, as well as student mentoring, career counselling, and participating in the professional life and activities of the program.
Sean Speer – The Hub
The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management is poised for an exceptional year ahead, with the addition of remarkable talent to its already outstanding team. As we look towards the 2024-2025 academic year, the program is on a promising trajectory for growth and achievement, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field of political management.
With a commitment to excellence and a focus on cultivating future leaders, the Riddell Graduate Program is set to make significant strides in shaping the next generation of political managers. The collective expertise of the expanded team will undoubtedly contribute to the program’s ongoing success and its mission to promote constructive and informed political discourse.