This year’s Bush School of Government and Public Service Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Caitlyn Fife, Master of Public Service and Administration, class of 2006.
Fife currently serves as the Budget Director at the National Science Foundation. Since graduating from the Bush School, she has had a remarkable career in public service, previously serving in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Management and Budget.
A mere nine years after leaving the Bush School, Fife was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in 2015, a rare feat for individuals early in their career.
Bush School Impact
Fife discussed the impact that the Bush School has had on her career during her remarks at the award presentation ceremony. She stated, “My faith and my family inspired my desire to serve. When I came to the Bush School, they taught me what to do with my passion. They taught me how to make it my life’s work.”
She added, “Being able to leave here with the tools to have a practical impact and to do that work on a daily basis is incredible.”
Award Nomination and Ceremony
Dr. William “Bill” West, the Sara Lindsey Chair in the Department of Public Service and Administration, nominated Fife for the Outstanding Alumni Award. In his recommendation, he emphasized Fife’s current substantial supervising and policy-making responsibilities.
At the award ceremony, Bush School Dean Mark Welsh said, “Caitlyn is living testament to the idea that if you’re talented, willing to work hard, and demonstrate true servant leadership, there will always be great, and rewarding opportunities, for you in public service.”
Fife’s impressive dedication to public service is as an inspiration to all former and current Bush School students. She embodies the spirit of service that President Bush wants to instill in the students of his school.
