Susannah Bruns Ali

Biography

Dr. Ali joined the department in Fall 2014 and is an associate professor, as well as, the MPA Director. She received both her Ph.D. and M.P.P degrees from the American University. She had previously worked as a Policy Analyst at the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she collaborated with the White House, Congress, various Federal Government agencies, and advocacy groups. Her professional experience includes a position as a Human Resources Developer for a human services nonprofit organization.

Dr. Ali’s research focuses on factors that influence public sector employee career choices, with particular attention on the influence of the political environment on careerists’ choices. Her publication has appeared in Public Administration Review. She has presented her research at the annual meetings of the American Society for Public Administration, the American Political Science Association, the Association for Public Policy and Management, the Public Management Research Association, and the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. Dr. Ali has received several awards, including: Presidential Management Fellowship, Presidential Letter of Commendation, the DHHS Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service, Human Services awards from the State of Maryland, and the American University John D. Young Award for scholarship, leadership, and commitment to public service.