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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Memories from CONNECT alumni and colleagues: 

• Phyllis Anderson (MPA '18), Oakmont Borough Assistant Manager — "I first met him in Financing and Budgeting Urban Services. I use the tools he shared in that class on a daily basis in my current position. He was an extraordinary professor, mentor, and member of our community. His presence will be sorely missed, but his life gave us all a sense of regional purpose. I’ll always remember his speech at the end of the semester. He said, 'you are no longer my students, you are my colleagues.' That meant so much to me."
   
• Diana Yankes, Churchill Borough Councilperson — "I remember first meeting Dr. Miller back in 2014, when I was a newly elected municipal council member. Dr. Miller's openness, creativity, and generosity of spirit was so contagious. I quickly volunteered to be our borough's CONNECT representative. I didn't know much about his academic work at that time, so I bought several of his books on regional government and was fascinated to discover the scientific foundation behind it. For all of us who were lucky enough to know him, he will stay, much like Mr. Rogers, a spirit that will endure and be an important part of the legacy of Pittsburgh."
   
• Katelyn Haas-Conrad (MPA '15) — "He was so dedicated to improving our region and has inspired so many people to continue that effort, including myself."
   
• Ashley DiGregorio (MID '18) — "He was a unique type of person who could ignite something in students immediately and continue onward to go inspire the next student, kind of like a tirelessly positive fairy godfather for public good… When I saw that lovely comment wall for his retirement, I remember thinking ‘My god … the network of people who were motivated by Dave to do the work they do must be infinite.’ It’s devastating to think that such an incredible force has passed on."
   
• Jenni Easton (MPA '08) — "My greatest comfort here is the lasting legacy Dave will have in the important work of the community he inspired."
   
• Ron Borcyzk, Manager of Ross Township — "Dave was cognizant of my participation from one of the smallest member communities.  The small and indiscreet acknowledgement spoke volumes as to his leadership and passion for the cause of CONNECT and his appreciation to all that worked with him to advance the organization."
   
• Eduard Bakoš, 2019 Visiting Scholar in the Center for Metropolitan Studies — "I had little opportunity to know Dave, but he left a deep impression on me. One sentence in particular struck me when he wrote me that “Perseverance has its rewards.” He repeatedly supported me as I applied. Without his help, I would not have managed to get the visiting scholarship."
   
• Michael Glass, GSPIA faculty member — "He was, to use the parlance of our times, a scholar and a gentleman. He was always very generous with his advice and time over the years, and I appreciate all the times spent with him. He has left us a legacy and vision that you/[the CMS network] will all build upon."

Read Dr. Miller's extended obituary Pittsburgh Post-Gazette