Xanni Brown is a Mellon Postdoctoral Research Associate in Race, Place, and Equity at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia. She studies racial and political attitudes in the U.S., with a focus on how people react to increasing diversity in various contexts.

Amy Meli is a postdoctoral research associate at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, working with the Center for Effective Lawmaking. Her research centers around interest groups and the way they influence the political system.

Caroline Hecht is a researcher and writer at the National Security Policy Center.

Kayla serves as the Batten School’s Student and Career Services Coordinator.

Tino Tirado is the Associate Director for the Center for Social Innovation at the University of Virginia.

Essence Ellis is the Academic Operations Manager.

Carey Reinicke is the Assistant Director of Grants and Contracts within the Batten Finance unit, focusing on the management of the school’s sponsored awards and related processes.

Gianpaolo Licata is the Associate Director of Academic Operations. 

Navin is a results-driven professional with a robust background in marketing and fundraising. 

Heather Downs joined Batten in December 2023 as the Director of Academic Operations. She has served UVA Athletics since 2013, most recently as the Executive Director of Student Development.