SPAA Spotlight: MPA Student George Zapata
Name: George A. Zapata
Hometown: Kearny, NJ
SPAA Degree: MPA (anticipated May 2026)
Current Position/Organization: Paralegal Specialist, County of Hudson & First Ward Councilman, Town of Kearny
Why did you choose Rutgers SPAA?
I chose Rutgers University–Newark’s School of Public Affairs and Administration because of its strong reputation for producing public service leaders who embody the ethos of “service first.” I have seen the impact of Rutgers MPA alumni in various aspects of municipal governance, legislative research, and advocacy, and I aspire to join that thriving network. The program's commitment to innovative public policy, resource development, and legal issues aligns with my career goals and complements my practical experience as an elected official.
What do you hope to accomplish with your degree?
With a master’s in public administration, I hope to strengthen my professional capabilities to better serve my community by combining real-world experience with academic insight. This degree will provide me with critical thinking skills, theoretical perspectives in public management, and essential techniques in research and data analysis to support informed decision-making. Ultimately, I aim to guide the ethical management of public institutions and implement forward-thinking policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life in my community.
If you could describe Rutgers SPAA in one word, what would it be?
Transformative – The program, in my view, is a vital step in evolving from a practitioner to a more effective, informed, and ethical leader committed to public service.
What do you do in your current position/organization?
In my current role as a Paralegal Specialist for the Hudson County Department of Law, I work alongside attorneys on a range of legal matters that directly affect county operations and the quality of life for residents in the county. I collaborate with various departments within the administration to draft resolutions and ordinances that reflect the county’s operational priorities and evolving policy. In addition, I work on reviewing and drafting public bids to ensure they comply with state and federal contracting requirements, including the Local Public Contracts Law, Prevailing Wage regulations, and Davis Bacon provisions. This work has strengthened my understanding of how legal frameworks underpin effective governance.
Simultaneously, I serve as the First Ward Councilman in the Town of Kearny, where I was elected as one of the youngest councilmembers in town history. In this role, I am deeply engaged in both legislative and financial aspects of the municipal government. I help craft ordinances and resolutions tailored to the needs of my residents and a play a lead role managing the town’s $93 million operating budget. I prioritize policies that enhance constituent services, build community trust, and improve quality of life. My efforts often involve working across departments and with community organizations to build consensus on long-term goals and neighborhood initiatives. It’s a role that demands a balance of leadership, empathy, and practical problem-solving.
What made you decide to pursue a career in the public sector?
My decision to pursue a career in the public sector stems from early life experiences translating government documents for my immigrant parents along with understanding the complexity of what the documents entailed, which revealed the tangible impact of public policy on everyday lives. Witnessing socioeconomic inequities and experiencing the fear within my community galvanized my commitment to public service. My subsequent roles as a Board of Education member and Town Councilman deepened this commitment and showed me the profound responsibility and potential of public leadership to create lasting, positive change.
How is your SPAA experience benefiting you in your career?
My experience in the MPA program at SPAA is already having a meaningful and measurable impact on my career. The program is equipping me with the theoretical foundation and analytical tools necessary to approach public services challenges with greater strategic insight and professional discipline. Courses in ethics, human resources management and policy analysis have enhanced my ability to evaluate complex government systems and make data-driven decisions – skills I use every day as a Councilman and as a Paralegal. Ultimately, SPAA is not just enhancing my resume – it’s sharpening my leadership skills and expanding my ability to implement meaningful, forward-thinking policies that respond to my community’s needs with integrity and purpose.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What is the overall goal to accomplish in your career?
In the future, I see myself in a senior role in public policy or administration within the public sector where I can shape and implement policies that directly uplift underserved communities and drive institutional change that improves the quality of life for the residents. My vision for the future is rooted in building transparent, efficient, and inclusive systems of governance. Whether its supporting elected officials in crafting visionary policy or ensuring those policies are implemented efficiently and ethically, I aspire to work alongside fellow changemakers and be a bridge between policymaking and the everyday experience of constituents – someone who translates political commitments into real outcomes, whether that’s improved public safety, equitable education funding, or stronger social services. This goal is grounded in my own lived experience: growing up as a child of immigrants, navigating legal documents for my family, and witnessing how disconnected bureaucracy can deeply affect real people. It’s why I ran for office at 18, and why I’ve continued to serve in various public roles. My mission is to make public institutions more responsive, compassionate, and forward-thinking.