Ann Cotten, executive director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of
Baltimore, has been named to the 2026 Class of Academy Fellows at the National Academy
of Public Administration (NAPA) in Washington, D.C. NAPA's board approved an incoming
class of
64 new members durings its meeting on Sept. 25. According to the organization, the
2026 Class joins more than 1,000 current Fellows, including former cabinet officers,
members of Congress, governors, mayors and state legislators, as well as prominent
scholars, executives, nonprofit leaders, and more.
NAPA "helps leaders achieve a more effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable
government," said James-Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the organization.
"This group of incoming Fellows represent excellence in public service from around
the country, and will help us achieve our mission. As our country's management challenges
grow, the Academy continues to build the capacity to tackle those pressing issues.
I look forward to working with all our new Fellows, and providing a positive vision
of what we can achieve together in the years to come."
"Election to the National Academy of Public Administration is a tremendous honor," Dr. Cotten said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to join a community of leaders dedicated to effective governance and public service. I am excited to continue my work to strengthen the public sector talent pipeline and advance excellence in public service."
Ivan Sascha Sheehan, interim dean and professor in UBalt's College of Public Affairs, said, "Dr. Cotten's election as a NAPA Fellow is a high honor and a richly deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions to public administration and public service. She has earned this distinction through her leadership, expertise, and a sustained commitment to advancing the field. It's also a proud moment for the College of Public Affairs and the University, as having one of our own recognized by an organization of NAPA's stature reflects the caliber of our faculty and the Schaefer Center, along with our commitment to public service and the impact of our College. We are delighted to celebrate Dr. Cotten's achievement."
An induction ceremony for the new Fellows will take place during NAPA's 2026 National
Conference, set for Nov. 8-10 at its headquarters in the National Academy of Sciences
building in
Washington, D.C.
According to NAPA, the selection of new Fellows follows a rigorous review of the individual's contributions to the
fields of public administration and policy.
Chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization established in 1967
to assist government leaders in
building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations.
Learn more about Dr. Ann Cotten and The University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy.