First Davenport Discussion of Fall 2023

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership hosted its first Davenport Discussion of the year at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP). This month, the Davenport Institute had the pleasure of hosting Maureen Tobin, the organization's executive director. Twenty-four SPP students attended the lunch discussion to learn about the role of local government and organizations like the Davenport Institute.

Maureen Tobin is from Morgan Hill, California, and has fourteen years of experience in local government. She began her career journey in the healthcare industry and did not plan to work in local government. After spending some time in this industry, she decided to make a career change to prioritize family life and pursue a career where she could make a difference. During her fourteen years in public service, she worked in communications and public engagement in her city. Tobin found her time in local government rewarding. Although she has left her position in local government, she has felt a sense of pride when walking through her city and seeing her fingerprints on initiatives she has participated in. She now works for the Davenport Institute and trains local government leaders to better engage with the public and decision-making.

Toward the end of the conversation, students could ask questions. These questions ranged from how working in local government has impacted her role at the Davenport Institute and the most profound ways Davenport has affected municipalities.