University of Pittsburgh - Institute of Politics

Front (from l-r): Susan Heiss, Terry Miller, Marie Hamblett, LaShawn Youngblood
Back (from l-r): G. Reynolds Clark, Ty Gourley, Morton Coleman, Bruce Barron

Email Terry Miller	Terry Miller is the Director of the Institute of Politics . In this role, Ms. Miller is responsible for the overall operations of the Institute and the development and implementation of innovative programs designed to provide education and discourse for elected officials, foundation executives and community, civic and business leaders on the critical public policy issues that affect the region. Ms. Miller served the Institute of Politics in various roles for 14 years before assuming her current position. Prior to this, she was co-founder of the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) a non-profit organization established in Allegheny County to house women in recovery from addictions prior to their reentry into the larger community and reunification with their families. Ms. Miller earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 1992.
Email Marie Hamblett	Marie Hamblett is the Deputy Director, Finance of the Institute of Politics. In this capacity, Ms. Hamblett assists in the planning, development and implementation of policy seminars analyzing economic, social and political policies affecting western Pennsylvania . She is also responsible for the management of the Institute's overall operating budget, as well as much of the administrative infrastructure. Ms. Hamblett earned her BA in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994 and her MPA from the University of Pittsburgh 's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2003.
Email Ty Gourley	Ty Gourley is the Policy Strategist for the Institute of Politics. In this role, Mr. Gourley supports the Director in the planning and implementation of activities in the nine policy areas. He is also the Managing Editor for all Institute publications. Mr. Gourley earned his BA in History and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and was named the 2005 Senior of the Year.
Email Bruce Barron	Bruce Barron, policy strategist, has served the Institute in a consulting capacity since 1995, writing numerous Issue Briefs and summaries of Institute forums. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, has authored three books, and has professional experience as an editor and journalist. Bruce served on the district staff of Congressman Rick Santorum from 1991 to 1994.
Email Susan Heiss	Susan Heiss is the Office Manager for the Institute of Politics and has been an employee of the University of Pittsburgh since 1998. She has been a student at the University since 1999 and is majoring in history and art history, and obtaining a certificate in non-profit agency management. Susan is the publicity chair for the Outreach Teen and Family Services Gala fundraiser. She is also active in the PTSA, her church and other community groups. Raised in New Jersey, Ms. Heiss has also lived in Delaware and Florida. Currently, she lives in Mt. Lebanon with her youngest son who is a junior at Mt. Lebanon High School. Her daughter attends the University of Pittsburgh and her oldest son is a graduate of American University.
Email LaShawn Youngblood	LaShawn Youngblood is the Administrative Support for the Institute of Politics.
Email G. Reynolds Clark	Gordon Reynolds (Renny) Clark is a native of Western PA and a graduate of Geneva College who resides with his wife Linda in Franklin Park. He is very active in a number of cultural, civic and sports organizations and serves on numerous local non-profit boards. He was elected Mayor of Franklin Park in November 2003 and has served as the borough's volunteer Fire Chief for 18 years. He retired from Westinghouse in April 2000 after a 33-year career. That retirement was short lived as Renny is now Vice Chancellor for Community Initiatives and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh with responsibilities for community development initiatives and the overall operation of the Chancellor's office.