Jacob Garcia (MPA ’19), a federal employee serving the United States Government, will deliver this year’s address at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony for the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh.
Jacob earned a Master of Public Administration with a focus on energy and environment. During his time at GSPIA, he served as the Vice President of the Student Cabinet, Career Toolkit Coordinator at the University Center for International Studies (UCIS), and as an Assembly Board Member for the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG). He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania as a TRiO alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in business and political science.
Jacob is a Desk Officer in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Natural Resources and Environment Branch. His portfolio covers energy and environmental policy.
Formerly, Jacob was a Program Analyst in Congressional Affairs for the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focusing on climate, ocean, research, and arctic priorities. He was also a Budget Analyst for NOAA formulating and justifying budget proposals for capital investments, facilities, and construction projects. Following his graduation from GSPIA, he was an inaugural member of the NOAA Honors Program. Jacob notes his biggest accomplishment is being a big brother to his sister with special needs, a friend to many, and a public servant to the American people.
He currently resides in Arlington, Virginia where he enjoys staying on top of current affairs, mentoring first-generation and low-income students, reading American history and presidential biographies, staying active and outdoors, attending concerts and stand-up comedy, and cooking and baking.
Jacob is grateful for his mentors Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran, Professor Jeremy Weber, Professor Joseph Heim, Elaine Linn, Libby Hilf, and many others for their support, and encouragement to take risks, ask tough questions, and follow his intuition. He looks forward to connecting with students, staff, faculty, and proud family members after the ceremony.
This year’s Commencement Ceremony will be held on April 26, 2024, in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum at 3:30 pm.