GSPIA remembers Dr. David Miller, regional governance expert and founding advisor of CONNECT

By: GSPIA

11.18.20

GSPIA remembers Dr. David Miller, regional governance expert and founding advisor of CONNECT

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) Professor David Young Miller, who died Tuesday, November 17, 2020. He had been a faculty member at the School since 1998.

For those who knew Dave, I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your colleague, friend, mentor and teacher.

GSPIA Dean Carissa Slotterback

Miller received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Syracuse University, Master of Public Administration degree at Kent State University, and his PhD at GSPIA.

He was the founding director of the School's Center for Metropolitan Studies, as well as the founding advisor of the Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT), where he spearheaded and championed an award-winning national model of networked approaches to leveraging shared policy and program opportunities and resources between the City of Pittsburgh and more than 35 surrounding municipalities.

He mentored multiple generations of our current intergovernmental innovators and leaders. He poured himself into students, our staff and member communities alike. I don't think we know how much yet this region that he loved so dearly is going to miss his great mind and heart, but his legacy is only just beginning to reveal its impact.

CONNECT Executive Director Lydia Morin

Miller authored two highly-acclaimed books and many articles on regional governance. His work focused on the changing dynamics of global decentralization, particularly as it effects institutions of local government. He also analyzed how the socio-political world is “supposed to operate” and his studies framed the debate and discussion on the structural issues of these governments.

Before teaching at GSPIA, he worked at the City of Pittsburgh, developing revenue forecasts and assessing the value of privatizing city services. Miller has also served on boards and consulted with many public and nonprofit organizations devoted to effective and ethical public service.

I had the honor to work with Dr. Miller during the Murphy administration. We stayed in contact after he left city government. During his time at GSPIA, he became a mentor to me in financial management and budget and in regional governance. I was honored to join him as he created CONNECT. It was David Miller who convinced me to earn my master's degree later in life. He has been a friend, advisor and colleague.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (GSPIA '11)

At GSPIA, Miller assumed leadership roles as interim dean (2006-07) and associate dean (1998-2006). He also served as co-director of the Center for Public Policy and Management in Skopje, Macedonia (2000-06), providing public management education in the emerging democratic states of that region using innovative synchronous distance education technologies.

His passion for innovation in public service was felt locally and internationally. Dave was central to the establishment of the first accredited MPPM degree program offered by a U.S. university in Europe. He was a remarkably successful 'pracademic' and a dear friend. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

GSPIA Professor Emeritus William Dunn

Miller was awarded the Chancellor’s Distinguished Public Service Award at Pitt, as well as an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Nasson College.

He has also served as town manager in three communities in Maine and as the managing director of the Pennsylvania Economy League (1987-1995), where he coordinated the production of many reports that still shape the governance of our region today.

Dave Miller had a rare blend of talents — he was a true ‘scholar / practitioner.’ His vast experience in public service and leadership infused his teaching and his scholarly research. Students and colleagues around the world benefited from Dave’s wisdom as well as kindness and empathy.

GSPIA Professor Kevin Kearns

GSPIA remembers Dr. David Miller, regional governance expert and founding advisor of CONNECT

Related News