MPA Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Letcher, '20

Mackenzie began his graduate studies at the School of Government and Public Policy in 2018 when he became the first Keane Scholar in the program. He graduated from the University of Arizona’s MPA program in May 2020 with an emphasis in Local Government. Soon after graduation he accepted the position of Management Analyst in the City Manager’s office in Casa Grande, where he was recently promoted to Assistant to the City Manager. In this new role he is responsible for developing and managing the City’s community partnerships, strategic planning, downtown redevelopment, and process improvement.

While always knowing he wanted to be a public servant, after receiving his undergraduate degree, he attended and graduated from the City of Tucson Police Academy and was stationed in Team 4 on the east side of Tucson. Policing didn’t fulfill his personal goals, so he returned to school. He completed a summer internship with the Town of Marana in their Parks and Recreation department. He also completed year-long internships in the City Manager’s office in both the Towns of Marana and Oro Valley.

When asked about his experience as the Keane Fellow, Mackenzie said, "the internships offered a safe environment for a young professional to make mistakes, learn new skills, and apply the knowledge and experience that I gained from courses I took in the MPA program." He further noted " [at the School of Government & Public Policy] the professors, staff, mentors, and all my peers were a vital aspect of my professional journey. I will always be grateful for my experience and connections that I developed while attending the University of Arizona."