Katherine Lynch

Can you tell us a bit about your job responsibilities?

I am a member of the executive team, leading our organizational capacity to deliver impact. I manage governance and management processes that analyse, improve and demonstrate our effectiveness; ensure we maintain compliance with standards and regulations; and oversee operations across a range of functions, including Human Resources, Finance, Communications, and Risk Management.

What public service impact do you hope to make through your organization and/or career?

I am values-driven and each move in my career has been inspired by the desire to use my skills and experience to have a deeper impact. I hope to continue my career in the nonprofit sector, supporting organizations to deliver on their mission as effectively as possible, and building work cultures that recognise that people are an organization's greatest asset.

What were you doing before you came to NYU Wagner and what brought you to the EMPA Program? In what ways did the EMPA Program and your time at Wagner help you further your career in public service?

I had a number of years of project management experience in the nonprofit sector and had moved into managing teams and operations for a department within a large humanitarian organisation. I was looking for a masters program that would help me take that next step into an executive role.

The EMPA Program prepared me for the next stage in my career in so many ways. From technical knowledge like financial management and decision-making, and performance measurement and management; to strategic leadership skills and developing a better understanding of myself as an individual and leader through self-reflection. I feel much more confident in my career aspirations thanks to my time at NYU Wagner.

What advice would you give to someone considering or about to enter the EMPA Program?

For someone about to enter the program I would say don't be daunted by how much there is to read and absorb (and there is a lot!); if you stay organized, you will manage. For someone considering the program, I would whole-heartedly recommend them to go for it. My EMPA cohort includes some of the most inspiring people I could ever hope to meet, let alone work alongside and develop friendships with. They shaped my experience and knowledge as much as the professors, if not more. You won't regret doing the EMPA Program, it's a life-changing experience.