Staff

Leisha DeHart-Davis, Director of the Local Government Workplaces Initiative, is a professor of public administration and government at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. She holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is an engaged scholar of organizational behavior, workplace dynamics and gender diversity in local government settings.

Claire Kern is a Research Analyst for the Local Government Workplaces Initiative. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration program in Spring of 2022 with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Claire is passionate about women’s public health issues and enjoys working in collaborative settings towards positive changes.

Sam Cathcart is a Research Analyst for the Local Government Workplaces Initiative. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration program in Spring of 2022. Sam is dedicated to public service in local governments and enjoys engaging with diverse groups on innovative solutions to social issues.

Sherese Bonner is a Research Assistant for the Local Government Workplaces Initiative. She is a second year student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration program. Sherese is deeply passionate about public service and has a keen interest in Human Resources.

Danielle Badaki is a Research Assistant for the Local Government Workplaces Initiative. She is a second year student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of  Public Administration program. Danielle is passionate about public health and public service, and enjoys working with community members to establish sustainable change.

Michael Beauregard is a Research Assistant for the Local Government Workplaces Initiative. He is a first year student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration program. Michael is interested in affordable housing policy, urban planning, and local governance.