Public administrators face decisions every day – some large, some  small – and research and theory-building try to help explore the  decision-making process. The historical context of a decision – usually  based on previous decisions – is often an overlooked variable. These  precedents and antecedents can be one of the major reasons a policy  succeeds - or fails.

On this episode of the VU iMPAct podcast, The Effects of Past Policy Decisions on Current Policy Choices, our moderator Dr. Adam Kuczynski will explore this potential missing piece from three angles with three  professionals that exhibit the passion of public service: from the  academic viewpoint of the importance and value of historical context in  decisions; from the viewpoint of a decision-maker within a nonprofit  organization; and from the individual viewpoint from someone who worked  in the federal and local governments.

Meet Our Panelists

Kenaya Camacho has dedicated a large portion of her life exploring the effect of the  past’s decisions on current cultural issues. She holds a BA in  Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a Master's in  Egyptology from the American University in Cairo, a Master’s in Museum  Studies from John Hopkins University, and a Master’s in Digital Curation  from John Hopkins University. She is also currently a JD Candidate  pursuing her law degree. Ms. Camacho currently works in the private  sector with a firm that deals with low-income housing tax credits and  affordable housing.

Mike De Sapio has held practically every position within the nonprofit sector. He is  the current President of the Italian American Heritage Foundation of  Hunterdon County, NJ; board member of the Italian American Baseball  Foundation; board member of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society;  past President of the local chapter of Lions Club International; past  board member of Meals on Wheels of Hunterdon County; and has assisted  numerous local charities in obtaining 501(c)(3) status.

Sharon Gutkowski has  served in various government agencies in various roles, such as an  opto-mechanical engineer at NASA and a public middle school math and  science teacher. She holds a double major in Physics and Philosophy, a  Master’s in Theology with a concentration in Biblical Studies, a second  Master’s in Theology; and is currently pursuing her PhD in Theology –  specializing in Biblical Interpretation and Christian Ethics.