Madelene Perez (MPA'09): "Public Administration is..."

Name: Madelene Perez
SPAA Degree and Graduation Year: MPA 2009
Current Position: Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, Rutgers SPAA
Position Responsibilities: Provide financial and overall administrative management for a variety of business-related functions such as finance, budget, personnel, and grant administration

How did SPAA prepare you for your current role?
During my time with SPAA, I have developed a wide array of knowledge, skills, and competencies ranging from a strong understanding of accounting and business concepts to effective leadership and communication skills. By having a broad business perspective, it has enabled me to "see the big picture" of the internal and external factors that impact how a school and even a nonprofit organization operates which has allowed me to meet the challenges of an increasingly mixed economy of social entrepreneurship.

Why are you excited about your work?
I enjoy mentoring work-study students. I am grateful to develop relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual admiration. It is always wonderful to know about their academic, professional, and personal goals but at the same time being able to educate, stimulate, and challenge them to reach their potential, celebrate their achievements, and create a sense of community. To me, public service cannot be measured monetarily but rather in the sense of pride that one feels knowing that they are able to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.