Connect Conversation Series

The Connect conversation series brings together UVA and Northern Virginia at our UVA | Northern Virginia Campus in Fairfax, Virginia. Each conversation features dynamic discussions between UVA leaders and Northern Virginia experts on today’s most pressing topics.

Stay tuned for future events coming soon!

 

Previous Connect Conversation Series events:


Presidential Power, Performance, and Public Trust: This was an engaging discussion on how presidential leadership shapes public confidence and the future of our democracy, in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. Featured panelists and moderator included:

  • Everett Eissenstat, Former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, Trump 45
  • Chris Lu, Former Deputy Secretary of Labor, Obama
  • William Antholis, Director and CEO, UVA’s Miller Center

Federal Downsizing and Regional Impact: This was a timely conversation on how shifts in federal employment are shaping our region. Featured panelists and moderator included:

  • Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
  • Eric Scorsone, Executive Director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
  • Alex Orfinger, Market President and Publisher of the Washington Business Journal

How Science Helps Forge UVA Olympians: This was an exciting event on how UVA Professor Ken Ono’s work with UVA Alumni Olympic Swimmers Kate Douglass and Paige Madden impacted their success in and out of the pool. Featured participants included:

  • Ken Ono, UVA Professor
  • Kate Douglass, UVA Alumni Olympic Swimmer
  • Paige Madden, UVA Alumni Olympic Swimmer

AI’s Emerging Role in Intelligence Tradecraft: This was an engaging conversation on National Security with Dr. Phil Potter, founding director of UVA’s National Security Data and Policy Institute, and Casey Blackburn, newly named Dean of the CIA’s Sherman Kent School for Intelligence Analysis. Featured panelists and moderator included:

  • Casey Blackburn, Dean, Sherman Kent School
  • Dr. Philip Potter, Executive Director of the National Security Data and Policy Institute (NSDPI); Director of the National Security Policy Center (NSPC); Professor of Public Policy and Politics