The Spring 2024 Cohort concluded earlier this year, but the impact our fellows have made in local communities is ongoing. We are highlighting a couple of standout projects that have made some tangible outcomes for local governments and the residents they serve. Plus, learn where our Spring 2024 fellows are now!
Improving Efficiency to Combat Climate Change
Martin Challinor established the cross-bureau Office of Performance & Program Management, significantly enhancing the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s (NYC DEP) capacity for effective business analysis, operational efficiency, process optimization, technology innovation, and project governance.
Key Highlights
- Design, approval, and implementation of the Office of Performance & Program Management
- Establishment of the Project Governance Board, with senior DEP leaders as board members
- Over 140 projects were captured and tracked, with a future pipeline process created
- More than 200 processes were identified and recorded, with opportunities for efficiency enhancements identified for exploration
Key Areas of Impact
- Collaborated with 50+ stakeholders across 10 bureaus, including engineering and business operations, to strengthen cross-functional alignment and collaboration, using consistent processes and tools
- Creation of the Project Governance Board, ensuring that projects with the greatest impact are prioritized and aligned with key strategic objectives, including climate resilience and environmental justice
- Full DEP-wide business improvement project tracking visibility to support scope, budget, quality, and schedule management and drive proactive corrective actions as required
- Delivered guidance and ongoing training to DEP staff, including 10 executives, on Project Management Office (PMO) processes, governance structures, and tool usage to support consistent project execution and oversight
Expanding Access to Digital Inclusion
Angelica Hernandez enabled the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting to launch three infrastructure pilot projects in the communities of Crenshaw, Canoga Park, and Hollywood, aimed at expanding access to digital inclusion. These areas were strategically selected to equip high-need communities with the tools and resources necessary to bridge the digital divide.
Key Highlights
- Over $2 million was secured for the initiative
- More than 120 residents and 50 local leaders and public figures were engaged in program design
Key Areas of Impact
- Secured a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, a $21,000 state grant from California Emerging Technology Fund, and signed a contract with the State of California to co-build 13 miles of middle-mile infrastructure along the 110 Freeway corridor
- Implemented the “Digital Discrimination Ordinance” through the Los Angeles City Council
- Conducted a FUSE Innovation Lab with 15 attendees, including the agency’s Fields and Operations Team and other teams who participated in site visits
I remain in awe of the FUSE program’s ability to find a candidate of [our FUSE Executive Fellow’s] caliber and experience for us. I still don’t know how you did it!
Spring 2024 FUSE Government Partner
Where Are They Now: FUSE Spring 2024 Fellow Career Updates
The FUSE Fellowship serves as a powerful catalyst for career transformation, attracting professionals ready to channel their expertise toward meaningful community impact. As our Spring 2024 fellows complete their year or two of service, they are embarking on diverse career paths that continue their commitment to public service and social change.
Some fellows have been hired directly by their host agencies or contracted as consultants, a testament to the value they brought to their projects. Others are advancing within the public sector in new roles and regions, while many are expanding their impact through consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and mission-driven private sector companies.
My coach was absolutely amazing, but I didn’t utilize her for the FUSE fellowship, rather setting myself up for success afterward.
Spring 2024 FUSE Executive Fellow
Here is where the Spring 2024 FUSE Executive Fellows are making their mark:
Kristen Abraham, Lawrence Ebo, Edidiong Mendie, Trace Lane, Sara Hammes, Mokyou Hyun, and Jackson Wright are continuing in Year 2 of their FUSE Fellowships. Alia Brown has extended her Year 2 fellowship through July 2025.
- Martin Challinor is now a senior director leading NYC DEP’s new Office of Performance and Program Management. He supports the various bureaus of DEP in optimizing business performance, continuous improvement, and effective project management. He is also the project supervisor for current FUSE Executive Fellow Cecilia Cheng, who is continuing the work Challinor began during his FUSE Fellowship.
- Angelica Hernandez is now a policy consultant for her host agency, the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting.
- Michael Buonvino continues his role as senior advisor and project executive at Tangent Consulting.
- Alvaro D. Cubides continues his role as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner for his firm, ADC Consulting Services.
- Mario De La Ossa continues his role as advisor and consultant for MDO Energy Insight Inc., a company he founded that focuses on energy transition project development, investments, and analytics.
- Mary Austin Harrelson is now a corporate digital communications consultant at Bowen Craggs, where she is advising global organizations on digital strategy, sustainability messaging, and stakeholder communications.
- Jennifer Scheel continues her role as a subject matter expert at Cornell Technical Services, LLC, a professional and technical services company serving the needs of the federal government.
- TeNita Ballard continues her role as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 Cohort for their work in public service! This dedicated group of fellows brought their expertise to communities nationwide, tackling complex challenges and building lasting solutions. We look forward to engaging with them as alumni as we continue to support their professional journeys and celebrate the ongoing impact of their work in communities across America.
