Jay Shimshack is associate dean for academic affairs and professor of public policy and economics at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. His primary fields are environmental regulation, environmental economics, corporate social behavior, and applied microeconomics for public policy.

Ben Castleman is a professor of public policy and education and faculty director of research and engagement at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. His research focuses on policies and strategies to improve postsecondary educational and workforce outcomes for individuals from lower-income communities.

Amanda Crombie is the Batten School’s Senior Assistant Dean for Students and Academic Programs and is responsible for the operational aspects of our academic programming and overall student experience from matriculation and orientation through graduation.

Christine Mahoney is a professor of public policy and politics and chief innovation officer at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.  She studies social justice advocacy, activism and direct action through social entrepreneurship.

James is the Interim Assistant Dean for Administration at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. A 2005 US Naval Academy graduate and 2016 Batten School alumnus, James initially worked in UVA’s Office of Financial Planning and Analysis after earning his Master of Public Policy. He happily returned to Batten as the Assistant Director of Budget and Finance in 2018.

Mark was most recently the Director of Technology for the Orange County Public Schools in Orange, VA, has over 20 years of education-related technology leadership and management experience, worked in private industry for a Hewitt Associates, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He brings a wealth of strategic and practical education technology experience to Batten.

Maggie is the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Dean of the Batten School. She joined Batten from the City of Richmond, Virginia, where she most recently served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Policy, leading the City’s local, state, and federal policy, legislative, advocacy, and communications strategies.

Kerra has been a steady presence at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy for 16 years, supporting multiple deans as their Executive Assistant. She brings more than 20 years of administrative experience to her work, providing the operational support that keeps school leadership running smoothly.

Jeff oversees all graduate admissions, which includes the Master of Public Policy, the Master of Science in Public Policy & Data, and the graduate certificates.

As the executive director of marketing and communications at the Batten School, Deuel leads the comprehensive communications, marketing, and brand development plan to enhance the school’s reach and advance strategic objectives in key audience areas including student prospects, students, and alumni; academic research and impact; and donor prospects and fundraising.

Jon is the director of development for the Batten School and has worked in University-affiliated development roles since 2018. He focuses on building relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders to advance the philanthropic priorities of the Batten School and Dean Ian H. Solomon, focusing on major gifts development and overall alumni participation.

Jill Rockwell, Senior Assistant Dean of Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UVA Batten, and her team are focused on the professional success of our graduates and alumni as well as activating our alumni network in support of the school.